It was a highly anticipated match-up between Roman Reigns and Jon Moxley two men with a rich history mainly because of their backstory. In 2013 these two broke into the business together aligning themselves in a vigilante group known to the world as The Shield. For two years The Shield left a mark on this business that wrestling fans from all across the world would never forget. In 2015 the group would disband and according to Roman Reigns it was greed, money and politics that caused The Shield to split. Last Monday on Warfare these two would meet again for the first time since 2017. On that night in 2017 the man formerly known as Dean Ambrose would defeat Roman Reigns however, on December 13th of 2021 we saw a completely different side of Roman Reigns who nows refers to himself as the Tribal Chief. The fans inside the arena expected an all out brawl from the two former Shield members, instead they saw the Tribal Chief single handily annihilate his opponent from start to finish. Roman Reigns returned to the EBWF after nearly a five month hiatus with a new look and attitude, he warned EBWF officials upon returning to the ring that he was not the same guy he once was. But no one expected to see this side of Roman Reigns not even Jon Moxley himself, who suffered a vicious defeat at the hands of the Tribal Chief.
After the match on Warfare we caught up with Roman Reigns backstage off the camera. He was sitting on one of the storage cases in a corridor somewhere along the backstage area, he had a white towel draped across the back of his neck and sweating perfusely. Roman Reigns had just won his first match back in the EBWF in dominating fashion against Jon Moxley, a man he once called his brother during the time they spent together as apart of The Shield.
Roman Reigns: I told them what would happen but no one listened. No one wanted to believe the hype. I gave him a chance to acknowledge me. I gave Jon Moxley an ultimatum but y'all seen what he chose to do. He basically spit in my face and that did not sit well with the Tribal Chief. I tried to be lenient. I gave Jon Moxley too many chances to just do what's right and acknowledge me as the Tribal Chief. But he's a stubborn son of a bitch. He wasn't going to listen to me just like he never listened to anyone. Jon Moxley thought he had it all figured out until he found out that he was wrong. He tested me so I had to teach him a lesson even when I didn't want too. I used to think of Jon Moxley as a brother to me when he was known as Dean Ambrose, when we were apart of one of the most vigilante groups in the history of professional wrestling. Y'all think I wanted to embarrass that man tonight? No. I was trying to get Jon Moxley to see the bigger picture. We could of did this all over again man. We could of ran this company like we did together in 2013. But, Jon Moxley didn't want no part of that because he knew had to fall in line. He knew that I was the man now and he didn't like that, so he decided to face me in the ring which was not his best career decision. I told y'all what was going to happen. I do what I do best... SHOW UP... AND WIN!
Roman shows a cocky grin.
Roman Reigns: I just can't believe y'all actually thought Jon Moxley stood a chance. I knew right from the start he was doomed and he had no clue as to what he was stepping into. He thought he was stepping into the ring with the "old" version of Roman Reigns. He thought I was the same guy that I was back in 2017 but he learned real quick, that I was nothing like the "old" version of Roman Reigns because I had changed in so many ways. I had took a step away from this business for nearly five months, while I was away I had time to think about what I really needed to do. I had time to think about who I was about to become, and whether or not that decision was going to help me in the long run. After I sat down and spoke with some of my close family and friends, I realized this was exactly what needed to happen. You see for too damn long I had sat back watching every single opportunity pass me by, but then I opened my eyes and I realized that I could no longer just sit back, I had to reach up and grab the brass ring if I ever wanted to accomplish anything. So what you saw out there tonight was just an example of who I have become, what you saw out there Jon Moxley was the "new" version of Roman Reigns. And just so you know I'm no longer going to sit back watching every single opportunity pass me by, no. I am going to stand up and fight for what I believe belongs to me, and every single person who will stand across that ring from me will have no other choice but to ACKNOWLEDGE ME!
Reigns nodded his head while cracking his knuckles.
Roman Reigns: Christmas Eve of Destruction is next. And I don't care who they throw in front of me. I don't care who it is that stands across that ring from me. Because it's not going to change the fact that I am your Tribal Chief. I am the Head of the Table. And I refuse to fail. I refuse to let the greed, money and politics control my narrative. I refuse to let the critics and what they say about me, bother me. You see I used to be one who would pay attention to what was said about me. I used to let what the critics said about me, drag me down. But that's the difference between who I was then, and who I have become today because the person I am today, I don't give two cents what they think about me. I am here today because of me, not because of my family's roots, not because of my grandfather or my father. I am here today because of me, the Tribal Chief... and regardless of what you think about Roman Reigns, is not going to change the fact that I have a vision and my focus is set on the future. I'm not looking back thinking about what could of been, I am looking ahead thinking about what is to come my way. So let me just end by saying this, who ever it is at Christmas Eve of Destruction... just know that I will give you the same opportunity, I gave to Jon Moxley right here tonight and that's simple... ACKNOWLEDGE ME... or I will SMASH YOU just liked I SMASHED HIS ASS!
Roman Reigns showed a look of anger and frustration as he finished his promo. And he looked the same as he did here tonight when he destroyed a former World Champion. But was that just a preview of what's to come? Well that remains to be seen. I guess we'll find out for sure at Christmas Eve of Destruction, when Roman Reigns will square off against the likes of Eddie Kingston, in a Sadistic Madness match where the winner will become number one contender for the EBWF Gateway Championship.
Our scene opens up from New York City inside the infamous Madison Square Garden for an EBWF Live Event. The scene would take place inside the locker room of the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns. He was sitting in his own personal locker room on a leather sofa when he heard a knock on the door. Roman looked up to see one of the EBWF agents standing in front of him.
Roman Reigns: So...?
The agent informed Roman Reigns of what he was asked to do by the Tribal Chief. Roman nodded his head with a smile as he leans back relaxing on his leather sofa, stretching his left arm across the back of the leather sofa. A few moments goes by and then another knock was heard at the door. Roman Reigns looked up with a grin as his cousin Jey Uso walked in sitting down on the arm of the sofa. Jey looked down at Roman with a grin.
Jey Uso: What's up uce!
Jey shook up with his cousin Roman.
Roman Reigns: My right hand man!
Jey Uso: You already know uce! I'm here for ya' fam anything you need.
Reigns nodded his head with a smile.
Roman Reigns: Where's your brother?
Jey Uso: Aye, I been tryin' to call him uce. He just ain't responding to my calls.
Roman Reigns: Just give it time Jey, I think your brother will fall in line.
Jey Uso: Aye uce, I ain't worried about Jimmy. I'm your right hand man! Like I said uce, anything you need I got you.
Roman Reigns: Yeah, well in order for The Bloodline to be official we need your brother Jimmy. That's how this works Jey, so do you mind?
Jey Uso: Aye uce, anything for the Tribal Chief...
Roman nodded his head with a smile. He liked what he heard from his cousin Jey Uso.
Roman Reigns: Keep trying man.
Jey Uso: You already know cousin! I'ma make this happen one way or the other uce.
Roman liked what he heard before Jey left the room to try and get ahold of his brother Jimmy. Roman sat there relaxing before the scene would close.
It's a cold windy Thursday evening and we are only 24 hours away from Christmas Eve of Destruction. The scene is coming to you from Kansas City, Missouri inside the Sprint Center from a disclosed area backstage. The crew was putting the final touches on the set for the pay per view that would take place Live tomorrow night. Roman Reigns was sitting down with Mauro Ranallo for an exclusive interview to talk about his upcoming match against Eddie Kingston tomorrow night. The winner of this match is going to become the number one contender for the EBWF Gateway Championship now held by the "Rated R Superstar" Edge.
Mauro Ranallo: First, I would personally like to thank you for allowing me the time to conduct this interview. So... how did it feel to make your EBWF in-ring return last week on Warfare in the Main Event against Jon Moxley?
Roman Reigns: It felt really good Mauro. I'm not going to lie, I had some doubts going into that match. I had not competed in the ring in nearly five months dating up to that match. So, yeah I'd be lying if I told you I didn't walk into the ring with some jitters. But, as the match began and things started taking shape I felt like I was right back at home.
Mauro Ranallo: I have to admit Roman, calling the match was a lot of fun for me. I thought you performed really well to be honest, and I can't wait to see what you bring to the table tomorrow night against Eddie Kingston. Would you like to share anything with us tonight about your upcoming match?
Roman Reigns: Well, I don't really know what the hell a Sadistic Madness Match really is, but I guess I'll find out tomorrow night when the time comes for myself and Eddie Kingston to square up in the middle of the ring. He's a tough son of a bitch. He's a hard knocks kind of guy, growing up in New York. I'm actually looking forward to it Mauro.
Mauro Ranallo: The name Sadistic Madness is kind of fitting being that it's Eddie Kingston versus Roman Reigns, wouldn't you say?
Roman Reigns: You could say that, it makes a lot of sense. Eddie Kingston is one of the toughest guys in the back, but I think he's going to learn really quick that I ain't no punk. I hit hard Mauro and I don't plan on holding back any punches tomorrow night, and if I had to take a wild guess man I'd say this one is probably going to get ugly.
Mauro Ranallo: Should be a hell of a show for the EBWF fans then, right?
Roman Reigns: I'm not a fan favorite Mauro. So with all due respect, I won't comment on the fans. I will say this, Eddie Kingston versus Roman Reigns is going to be an all out brawl. From what I know about Eddie, everything that I've heard, everything that I've been told, this dude is coming for a fight. That's cool with me. I plan on coming to fight also, and I don't plan on leaving Kansas City without the ring announcer calling out, the new number one contender for the EBWF Gateway Championship... ROMAN... REIGNS!
Mauro Ranallo: Personally, I would be lying if I said this is one match I am not looking forward to calling. I think honestly, Eddie Kingston versus Roman Reigns could possibly steal the show at Christmas Eve of Destruction.
Roman Reigns: Did you see where they placed the match on the card? That to me was slap in the face Mauro, because I think I've shown the powers to be that I'm the man around here now. Roman Reigns versus Eddie Kingston going out 3rd is completely absurd, but I can promise you man it's going to be a tough act to follow that's for sure.
Mauro Ranallo: If you win this match, you become the number one contender for the EBWF Gateway Championship. The current champion is the "Rated R Superstar" Edge. I should also note that if you were to become the EBWF Gateway Champion, as a couple superstars have done in the past they cashed in their title for a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Would that be something we could see you doing if perhaps you were to win this match tomorrow night, and then become the Gateway Champion later down the road?
Roman Reigns: If I told you what I was going to do Mauro, then I would be giving away too much information if you catch my drift. I'm not focusing on Edge and the Gateway Championship because, I have to handle business tomorrow night first against Eddie Kingston. I can't sit here and honestly, just look past this man as I know what he's capable of in that ring. Ask me that same question when and if I become the Gateway Champion, and then I can answer that one for you man but right now I can't do that. As I said Mauro, I ain't going to look past my opponent tomorrow night. I am fully focused on handling business first and foremost with Eddie Kingston at Chrismas Eve of Destruction.
Mauro Ranallo: My final question Roman would be in regards to your cousin Jey Uso, it was just a few days ago at an EBWF Live Event that reports surfaced online, which reported Jey Uso showing up backstage at that Live Event. Can you confirm those reports?
Roman Reigns: So let me get this right? Reports surfaced online about Jey Uso being backstage at an EBWF Live Event?
Mauro Ranallo: I'm just reading my notes.
Roman Reigns: No, I get it Mauro. You're just doing your job man. I just don't know where they come up with this stuff.
Mauro Ranallo: Well it says here Roman, according to this report that Jey Uso was spotted in New York City during the Live Event from Madison Square Garden.
Roman Reigns: So, he was spotted during the Live Event from MSG and that means what Mauro? Was he spotted with the Tribal Chief?
Mauro Ranallo: As I said before Roman, I'm just reading my notes.
Roman nodded his head with a cocky smirk.
Roman Reigns: It's crazy how someone can come up with a false report, and then immediately it breaks surface to be asked during this interview. Listen, if my cousin Jey was backstage during the Live Event at MSG then obviously, I didn't see him or even know he was there for that matter.
Mauro Ranallo: Thanks for your time Roman, before I go is there anything else you want to say?
Roman Reigns: No, I'm good Mauro. Thanks for the interview and I'll see you tomorrow night.
Roman Reigns completely downplays the fact that he did speak to Jey Uso, and even knew he was in attendance at the Live Event from MSG just 72 hours ago in New York. But the question remains, why? The scene fades to black.
"Head of the Table" by CFO$ began to play over the loudspeakers. The EBWF fans booed loudly as the Tribal Chief made his entrance Live during Christmas Eve of Destruction. Roman Reigns walked out onto the stage as the crowd filled the arena with a chorus of boos.
Roman Reigns walked down the aisle towards ringside before he climbed inside the squared circle ahead of his match with Eddie Kingston. Roman Reigns walked towards the ring ropes facing the hard camera side of the crowd, and raised up one index finger high in the air before he grabbed a microphone. The Tribal Chief stood in the center of the ring holding a microphone, as the crowd booed loudly before he would begin to speak aloud.
Roman Reigns: Kansas City, Missouri...
The crowd booed.
Roman Reigns: ACKNOWLEDGE ME!
The crowd only got louder as Roman Reigns looked out into a sold out crowd in Kansas City, Missouri who literally could not stand him.
Roman Reigns: I told y'all what was going to happen. I told y'all that Jon Moxley was going to get SMASHED! It's not my fault you didn't listen. It's not my fault that you didn't take the warning and prepare for it. It's like they say, you can't please everyone. Believe me, I'm aware of that but ask me do I care?
The crowd booed.
Roman Reigns: Y'all can boo me all you want, it's not going to change the fact that I am your Tribal Chief. I am the Head of the Table. I am the single reason y'all are even here tonight!
The crowd booed.
Roman Reigns: You actually think The Miz versus Chris Jericho is the biggest match on the card? Gimme a break. Those dudes are overrated and if you want me honest opinion, they're a waste of my damn time just like my opponent tonight, Eddie Kingston!
The crowd started chanting "EDDIE! EDDIE! EDDIE!" as Roman looked around with a cocky grin.
Roman Reigns: Y'all going to hype this man up like he's something special? Let's not forget what I did to a former EBWF World Heavyweight Champion just one week ago in Las Vegas. You think I'm worried about Eddie Kingston? I ain't worried about Eddie Kingston, the way I see it, he needs to be worried about ME! Because tonight, Eddie Kingston is going to ACKNOWLEDGE ME!
The crowd booed.
Roman Reigns: He's got no choice. I'm not asking this dude to acknowledge me as his Tribal Chief, because as you saw last week with Jon Moxley it's either he's going to fall in line, or I'm going to SMASH HIS ASS and make him fall in line.
Roman shouted out with a lot of anger in his voice as the crowd booed loudly.
Roman Reigns: AND YOU CAN BELIEVE THAT!
Roman Reigns tossed the microphone outside the ring and stood in the corner waiting for the arrival of his opponent.