Solo Sikoa sheds Tribal Chief look during return to WWE SmackDown – Cageside Seats
Filed under:Solo Sikoa wiped out Cody Rhodes on Friday night, looking like the man who made his main roster debut in 2022.If style is a way to say who you are without having to speak, then by all means, the old Solo Sikoa is back.The former Tribal Chief and Bloodline leader returned to SmackDown with a vengeance. After Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso defeated Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu, Sikoa targeted the Undisputed WWE Champion. Stepping out from his self-imposed exile, he wiped out Rhodes with a Samoan Spike.NO WAY!! Solo Sikoa is back and he just attacked @CodyRhodes!! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/elWsloeZ57However, Sikoa looked noticeably different from the last time fans saw him. On Friday night, Sikoa shed his polished image as the once Tribal Chief, trading his signature suits for a black hoodie and athletic pants. His streamlined look reminded fans of his 2022 debut at Clash at the Castle, where he stepped out of the shadows to help Roman Reigns beat Drew McIntyre. Sikoa’s choice of attire suggests a possible return to his roots as a silent, ruthless assassin.If that’s true, Sikoa’s return to form comes as a potential showdown with Fatu looms.Earlier on SmackDown, Fatu and Tonga confronted Rhodes and Uso as the champ and his potential challenger talked about meeting at WrestleMania. Fatu was again impressive while cutting a promo, stirring interest in a title fight with Rhodes. But that confrontation may have to wait now that Sikoa is back, which could lead to a split between Fatu and Sikoa.Last month, Sikoa lost his status as Tribal Chief to Roman Reigns during a Tribal Combat match on Raw’s Netflix debut. Almost two weeks later, a dejected Sikoa returned to SmackDown, only to walk out on Fatu and Tonga. As the men’s Royal Rumble match came and went, Sikoa was nowhere to be found.In the meantime, Fatu seized the moment. He told the world that he was tired of the hate and disrespect. He warned that if fans thought he was crazy before, they hadn’t seen anything yet. He then destroyed Braun Strowman on Saturday Night’s Main Event. In the men’s Royal Rumble, Fatu had four eliminations and an anticipated face-off with Reigns.To say that Fatu’s stock is rising is an understatement. But Sikoa’s comeback threatens to derail his momentum. And if Sikoa’s actions on SmackDown lead to him, and not Fatu, getting a title opportunity against Rhodes, that could turn into bad blood within the group formerly known as the Bloodline.Check your inbox for a welcome email.Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.
