Roman Reigns, one of WWE’s biggest stars, was dramatically removed from TV after a brutal attack at the Clash in Paris event on August 31, 2025. Fans were shocked as Reigns was stretchered out of the arena following a post-match assault. This article explains why WWE decided to write him off television and what it means for his future.
What Happened at WWE Clash in Paris?
At Clash in Paris, Roman Reigns faced Bronson Reed in the opening match. Reigns won the match with his signature Spear, defeating Reed in front of a lively Paris crowd. However, the celebration was cut short when Bron Breakker and Reed launched a vicious attack on Reigns after the match.
The Brutal Post-Match Attack
After defeating Reed, Reigns got his stolen shoes back from Paul Heyman, his former manager, and even choked Heyman out with a guillotine hold. As Reigns celebrated on the announce table, Breakker surprised him with a powerful spear, sending him crashing through the table. The assault didn’t stop there. Breakker speared Reigns again as he tried to walk to the back, and Reed joined in, hitting multiple Tsunami splashes. Jey Uso tried to help Reigns, but he was also taken out with a spear from Breakker. The attack ended with Reigns being strapped to a stretcher and wheeled out of the arena, with WWE later announcing he had suffered multiple fractured ribs.
Why Was Roman Reigns Written Off TV?
The dramatic stretcher angle was a storyline move to temporarily remove Reigns from WWE programming. The main reason for this is his commitment to filming a major Hollywood movie.
Filming for Street Fighter
Roman Reigns is set to play the character Akuma in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie. Filming is scheduled to begin in Queensland, Australia, in early September 2025 and is expected to wrap up by the end of the month, around September 26, if everything goes according to plan. This means Reigns will be away from WWE for at least a month to focus on his movie role. The brutal attack at Clash in Paris was WWE’s way of explaining his absence in the storyline.
Balancing WWE and Hollywood
Reigns has expressed his desire to juggle both his WWE career and his growing Hollywood aspirations. In a recent interview with Stephanie McMahon on her podcast What’s Your Story?, he said, “I want to be the first guy who can do both—lead a movie and still main event a pay-per-view.” Unlike other WWE stars like The Rock or Dave Bautista, who left wrestling to focus on acting, Reigns wants to remain a WWE Superstar while taking on big film roles. However, filming schedules can conflict with WWE’s demanding TV schedule, which is likely why WWE chose to write him off temporarily.
What Injuries Were Reported?
In the storyline, WWE announced that Reigns suffered multiple fractured ribs due to the attack by Reed and Breakker. A medical update shared by WWE’s Cathy Kelley stated that Reigns was taken to a hospital in Paris for an MRI and X-rays to assess his condition. This is part of the storyline to make his absence believable, and there are no reports of real injuries.
When Will Roman Reigns Return?
While the exact date of Reigns’ return is unclear, it’s likely he’ll be back on WWE TV after finishing his filming for Street Fighter. Reports suggest he could return around the Survivor Series event in November 2025. However, given his status as a top star, WWE might keep him off TV longer to build anticipation for his comeback. Some speculate he could miss the rest of 2025, but this seems unlikely as he’s advertised for major events like Survivor Series.
Upcoming WWE Events and Reigns’ Role
Here’s a look at key WWE events where Reigns might return:
| Event | Date | Likelihood of Reigns’ Return |
|---|---|---|
| Wrestlepalooza | October 2025 | Unlikely, due to filming |
| Survivor Series | November 2025 | Possible, post-filming |
| Royal Rumble | January 2026 | Highly likely |
| WrestleMania 42 | April 2026 | Almost certain |
How Will This Impact WWE Storylines?
Reigns’ absence opens the door for other superstars to shine. His ongoing feud with The Vision faction, led by Seth Rollins and including Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, will likely continue when he returns. Jey Uso, who tried to save Reigns at Clash in Paris, could also play a bigger role in the storyline, possibly leading to a tag team match or a major confrontation at Survivor Series. Additionally, Reigns’ history with Paul Heyman and The Vision could lead to a dramatic reunion or betrayal when he returns.
Fan Reactions
Fans were stunned by the brutal beatdown and Reigns being stretchered out. Social media posts on X showed mixed reactions—some fans were upset about his absence, while others were excited about his Hollywood role. The WWE Universe is eager to see how Reigns will return and whether he’ll seek revenge on Reed, Breakker, and The Vision.
Conclusion
Roman Reigns’ dramatic exit from WWE television at Clash in Paris was a clever storyline move to allow him to film his role as Akuma in the Street Fighter movie. The post-match attack by Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, combined with the stretcher angle, sets up his temporary absence while keeping fans invested in his storyline. As Reigns balances his WWE career with Hollywood, his return—likely around Survivor Series—promises to be a major moment. Until then, fans can look forward to seeing how WWE builds up his comeback and what new rivalries will emerge.
