In the wake of one of WWE’s biggest events of the year, the echoes of boisterous cheers and disappointed jeers remain. At the forefront of the post-SummerSlam chatter is none other than the Tribal Combat match. A bout that promised fierce rivalry and raw emotion, pitting Roman Reigns against Jey Uso for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. While many had their two cents on the outcome, none could have imagined actor and wrestling enthusiast, Freddie Prinze Jr., leading the charge of detractors.
Straight out the gate, Freddie, known for roles such as in “Wing Commander,” had this to say on his podcast, Wrestling With Freddie: “Tribal Combat was a lie. A farce, a complete fallacy, and I’m pissed off about it.” Strong words from the Hollywood actor. But can we blame him? Wrestling is not just a pastime for many; it’s a passion. When we’re served promises on a silver platter, only to be given lukewarm performances, it’s no surprise fans feel cheated.
But what exactly irked Freddie and, by extension, many other die-hard wrestling enthusiasts?
For starters, the very essence of ‘Tribal Combat’ seemed to be missing from the match. Freddie envisioned “Wakanda style” combat, complete with kendo sticks, perhaps even Samoan shields, leading to an all-out brawl with cultural resonance. What fans got? A watered-down No DQ match with little to no homage to Samoan heritage.
Moreover, the match’s logic seemed to go for a toss. While Solo’s interference was unexpected, it raised questions about the Bloodline’s elders’ powers. As Freddie rightly pointed out, “You can’t paint yourself into a corner storywise through unfulfilled promises.” If the elders are truly all-powerful, shouldn’t Roman Reigns be adhering to their decrees? If not, what’s the point of introducing such a concept?
Now, let’s step back a moment. Wrestling storylines are known for their twists and turns. Could WWE be playing the long game, setting up for an even bigger payoff down the line? Only time will tell. For now, though, it seems like the promotion might have missed the mark with Tribal Combat, leaving fans like Freddie Prinze Jr. and yours truly pondering what could have been.
Whatever the case, it’s evident that wrestling is more than just moves in a ring. It’s about the narrative, the connection to the audience, and the satisfaction of delivering on promises. WWE has shown time and again they can do it. Let’s hope this misstep is a one-off and not indicative of things to come.