Why Roman Reigns Was Removed From June WWE Television Dates
WWE fans recently noticed a sudden shift in the advertising for June’s television schedule, specifically regarding the presence of Roman Reigns. After being initially listed for all episodes of Monday Night Raw throughout the month, the “Tribal Chief” was abruptly pulled from the promotional materials. This move sparked immediate speculation across the wrestling community, but the reality is rooted in WWE’s logistical planning and event scheduling.
The Link to Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia
The primary reason for Reigns’ absence from June’s television dates is his status for the upcoming Night of Champions Premium Live Event (PLE). Scheduled for Saturday, June 27, in Saudi Arabia, the event serves as the focal point for the month’s creative direction.
According to reports from Dave Meltzer, Reigns is not scheduled to appear at the Night of Champions PLE. Because WWE typically uses the preceding episodes of Raw to build momentum and storylines for the main event, there was no creative justification to feature Reigns on the shows leading up to the Saudi Arabian event. He was removed from the advertising to align with the actual production plans.
Understanding WWE’s Advertising Strategy
For many fans, the sudden removal of a top star from advertised dates can seem like a sign of backstage turmoil, but it is often a byproduct of how WWE manages its long-term calendar. Meltzer noted that WWE does not always have its creative plans fully mapped out two months in advance, with the exception of WrestleMania.
This leads to a pattern where stars are advertised as a baseline, only to be removed once the specific creative for a show is finalized. A similar situation has occurred with CM Punk, who is frequently advertised for most shows but is pulled from specific dates once the production team determines he isn’t needed for that particular episode’s narrative.
Addressing Pay Cut Speculation
The sudden change in scheduling led to rumors that Reigns might have been asked to take a pay cut. However, these claims have been dismissed as unfounded. Meltzer stated that Reigns is “literally just about the last person in the company who would have been asked to take a pay cut,” emphasizing his standing and value within the organization.
What’s Next for Roman Reigns?
While June may be quiet for Reigns on television, his schedule remains active in the immediate short term. He is expected to remain on Raw through the end of May as he prepares for Backlash and the Clash in Italy.
The only variable that could alter this trajectory is the outcome of his title defense against Jacob Fatu. While a title change would likely create a new story necessitating his presence on television, a successful defense means his absence through June will likely remain in place. As it stands, Reigns is slated to return to television in July to begin the build-up for SummerSlam.
Key Takeaways: Roman Reigns’ June Schedule
- The Cause: Reigns is not scheduled for the Night of Champions PLE in Saudi Arabia on June 27.
- The Logic: WWE removed him from June Raw dates because there is no storyline building toward the Saudi event for him.
- Advertising Norms: WWE often advertises stars before creative is finalized and adjusts the roster as dates approach.
- Rumor Debunked: There is no evidence that Reigns was asked to take a pay cut.
- Upcoming Appearances: He will appear through May for Backlash and the Clash in Italy, returning in July for SummerSlam.
the removal of Roman Reigns from June’s advertisements is a matter of creative alignment rather than a sign of conflict. Fans can expect the Tribal Chief to return to the spotlight in July as the road to SummerSlam begins.