Backstage Update: Roman Reigns to Kick Off WWE Raw Tonight With Major Crown Jewel Announcement
Roman Reigns is officially back in WWE storylines, and it looks like his first big assignment will be against a monster of a man on the company’s international stage. According to The Wrestling Observer, WWE is planning for Reigns vs. Bronson Reed at WWE Crown Jewel: Perth on October 11, 2025.
Roman Reigns has been officially announced to open tonight’s episode of Raw in Dallas—but he won’t be alone for long. According to reports, Bronson Reed will crash Reigns’ return segment, setting the stage for a blockbuster match at this weekend’s WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia. The confrontation is expected to ignite their long-awaited rematch from Clash in Paris, with Reed looking to capitalize on home-country momentum against WWE’s “Original Tribal Chief.”
A Rematch with High Stakes
This clash would mark a rematch from WWE Clash in Paris, where Reigns scored the victory over Reed but was left demolished in a post-match beatdown. That attack sidelined him for the entire month of September, making this encounter in Perth not just a marquee showdown—but also an opportunity for revenge.
While it’s still unclear whether this will serve as the official main event or simply the last match added to the card (Note: Sami Zayn vs. Solo Sikoa is rumored to be added this Friday on SmackDown), WWE is clearly framing the bout as a centerpiece attraction. Reed, an Australian native, gets the chance to battle one of the biggest names in the company on his home turf—a scenario tailor-made for big fight energy.
WWE Creative All In on “Big” Bronson Reed
As previously reported here at Wrestling.news—“Big” Bronson Reed continues to be one of the most intriguing names on WWE television, and the company appears fully invested in making him a long-term main-event player. Backstage reports confirm that WWE Creative is “all in” on Reed, who has become a cornerstone of The Vision faction alongside Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Paul Heyman.
That brings us to Crown Jewel. If WWE truly wants to solidify Reed as more than just a supporting player, the rematch with Roman Reigns could be the perfect opportunity. A win over the “Original Tribal Chief” in his home country of Australia would elevate Reed to the next level, signaling that WWE isn’t just protecting him—they may be preparing to put him over.
Roman Reigns’ Quiet 2025
For a performer of Reigns’ stature, 2025 has been unusually light inside the ring. He’s competed in only five matches this year, including headlining WrestleMania Saturday against Seth Rollins and CM Punk in a triple-threat classic.
Much of his absence has been due to outside ventures. Reigns has been filming the upcoming Street Fighter movie, where he portrays the iconic villain Akuma, opposite Cody Rhodes as Guile. His Hollywood commitments have contributed to his sporadic appearances and even resulted in him missing the PWI 500 list this year due to limited ring time.
Should the match with Reed push through, it will mark Reigns’ 12th match since the start of 2024—a stark contrast to his dominant run as the Undisputed WWE Champion just two years ago.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Roman Reigns stepping back into the spotlight at Crown Jewel is a timely move for WWE. Having him face Bronson Reed in Perth creates a “local hero vs. global icon” dynamic that instantly sells itself. From a storytelling standpoint, the Invasion storyline with The Vision, The Usos, and Reed made this clash inevitable—it’s about finishing what started in Paris.
Was “The Original Tribal Chief” the obvious choice to headline Crown Jewel? Probably. Does it also serve as a subtle reminder that Reigns remains the measuring stick, even while balancing Hollywood? Absolutely. Whether it closes the show or not, this match is as much about WWE proving Reigns is still “the guy” as it is about elevating Reed on a global stage.
