Solo Sikoa faces make-or-break moment in WWE main event scene

After main-eventing SummerSlam against Cody Rhodes and setting the stage for Roman Reigns' return to WWE programming, Solo Sikoa has found himself at a crossroads.

With the SummerSlam match being rather disappointing and the return of Reigns, as well as the rise of Jacob Fatu, he must find a way to stand out sooner rather than later. On last Friday's SmackDown, Sikoa issued a challenge to Rhodes for a rematch for his Undisputed WWE Championship, which Rhodes accepted, but not before extending a challenge to Fatu, which was denied.

The issue became apparent during this segment. Sikoa’s challenge to Rhodes received little to no reaction from the live audience or online fans. In contrast, the mere mention of Fatu’s name sent the crowd into an uproar, signifying fans' real desire.

Since his WWE debut in late June, Fatu has been handled carefully, quickly establishing himself as a dominant force. His first appearance saw him attack Rhodes, and he later took down Reigns while wearing a walking boot. WWE’s plans for Fatu are clear, and Rhodes’ challenge last Friday is unlikely to be a one-off.

Despite not competing yet in a singles match, Fatu has been given moments to shine during tag team matches. Often, he dominates for short bursts, showing off his move set before either securing the win himself or allowing Sikoa to finish the match. This dynamic was displayed during SmackDown's main event, with Fatu setting up Sikoa for the pin.

It has become increasingly clear that Jacob Fatu is being positioned as the true star of the New Bloodline and the potential future face of the company. Sikoa’s rematch with Cody Rhodes on the Sept. 13 premiere of SmackDown on the USA Network will likely be a pivotal moment for his career.

Since assuming leadership of the Bloodline on the post-WrestleMania 40 SmackDown, Sikoa has garnered solid but largely circumstantial reactions as a heel due to Reigns’ absence. Now that Reigns has returned, seeking to reclaim the Tribal Chief title, with Paul Heyman potentially not far behind, Sikoa must prove he belongs at the top.

In addition to Reigns and Fatu overshadowing him, rumors have been circulating that The Rock will return to the company in October after a five-month absence, potentially after Survivor Series: War Games. If these rumors prove true, they add another figure that could overshadow Sikoa, further complicating his path to the top. As WrestleMania season approaches and the five-year Bloodline saga nears its conclusion, Sikoa’s future as a main eventer appears uncertain.

Next week’s SmackDown is make-or-break for Sikoa. Following months of mediocre performances and a lackluster match on WWE's second-biggest stage of the year, this may be his last chance to prove he belongs among the main event talents. His rematch with Rhodes will take place in a steel cage, which could allow the two to deliver a more compelling match.

If Sikoa rises to the occasion, he may secure his spot on the card, possibly even becoming Roman Reigns’ first opponent upon his return, perhaps at WWE’s Bad Blood in October.

However, if he falters, his position as one of SmackDown’s top stars —  and his place in WWE’s larger landscape — could be in jeopardy. WWE and Triple H might shift the focus to Jacob Fatu, setting up a match between him and Reigns. Sikoa could move down the card in this scenario, potentially returning to NXT after the Bloodline storyline concludes, risking getting lost in the shuffle.

Sikoa’s main event future hinges on next week’s SmackDown. The stakes could not be higher.