A friendly reunion turned heated on Raw as Reigns and Zayn argued over whose title matters more, with Penta's briefcase looming over both.
Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn shared the ring on Raw this week, and the friendly reunion did not last. According to WWE.com's results, the two champions went from a hug to a "disrespectful war of words" in the opening segment, setting the tone for their title match at Crown Jewel on Saturday, November 7 in Saudi Arabia.
A reunion that turned sour
Yahoo Sports' recap of the Oct. 19 show, held in San Diego, says the segment began on good terms. Reigns, the World Heavyweight Champion, told Zayn, the Undisputed WWE Champion, that he had missed him, and the two embraced. They spoke about the pressure of carrying a top title and the lack of respect each gets from challengers.
The tone changed when the two began arguing over whose championship matters more. Reigns suggested Zayn's record means he might not still be champion by Crown Jewel. Zayn answered that Reigns should not take him lightly.
Penta puts both titles on notice
Penta, the 2026 men's Money in the Bank winner, then walked out with his briefcase and stood face to face with both champions, teasing a future cash-in on either title. He went on to beat Bron Breakker in the opening match.
WWE.com reports that Je'Von Evans, still battered, came out and stopped Austin Theory from using the briefcase against Penta. With the referee distracted, Evans hit Breakker with the briefcase, and Penta finished the match with a Mexican Destroyer.
Reigns returns to close the show
The main storyline of the night came at the end. According to WWE.com, The Usos called out Royce Keys and The 946, but Solo Sikoa attacked them from behind and the numbers soon favoured the 946. Reigns then returned to even the odds, and The Bloodline sent the 946 retreating through the crowd.
The same episode also saw Intercontinental Champion Chad Gable retain in a Triple Threat Match against Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee. WWE Women's Champion Chelsea Green and IYO SKY beat Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez in a tag match. JD McDonagh beat Joe Hendry.
What to watch next
With roughly two weeks until Crown Jewel, the Reigns and Zayn rivalry looks like the centrepiece of the build. Reigns' return at the end also raises the question of where his allegiance with the rest of The Bloodline stands, though Raw did not give a definitive answer. Penta's briefcase also remains a wildcard hanging over both title pictures.
Picture credit: WWE
