NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Roman Reigns has been called “the head of the table” for a reason.
He was the Undisputed WWE Champion for years and the leader of The Bloodline before returning to the top of the company at WrestleMania 42 where he defeated CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Since the victory, Jacob Fatu has been the biggest thorn in the side. Fatu made it clear he wanted everything Reigns had. Reigns’ victory over Fatu at Backlash earlier this month wasn’t enough. He challenged Reigns to Tribal Combat at Clash of Italy – a match that would put Reigns’ title as “Tribal Chief” on the line.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Roman Reigns delivers a spear to Jacob Fatu during Clash of Italy at the Inalpi Arena in Torino di Sangro, Italy on May 31, 2026. (Andrew Timms/WWE)
Reigns had already dispatched challengers to his place in his family when it came to Tribal Combat. Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa have both tried and failed over the years. Reigns tried to make sure Fatu would never challenge him again in an attempt to “domesticate” him. One of the strategies was to eliminate Fatu’s use of the Tongan Death Grip – a move that Fatu has pulled off time and time again.
Reigns used a toolbox to crush Fatu’s hand and momentarily keep the use of the Tongan Death Grip at bay. It would take a lot more than that to keep Fatu down. Reigns knew he had to dig deep. He led Fatu through a barricade, stomping security members in the process.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Jacob Fatu prepares for his match during Clash of Italy at the Inalpi Arena in Torino di Sangro, Italy on May 31, 2026. (Rich Freeda/WWE)
He walked around the ring and shouted that he didn’t need anyone’s help as he removed the turnbuckles. Fatu tried to hit another Tongan death grip but couldn’t get it in sync. Reigns countered with a Superman Punch, but Fatu ate them all. Reigns tried for a spear but Fatu hit it on Reigns first.
Fatu hit a pop-up Samona Drop and then a moonsault. Still, he couldn’t pin Reigns. On the second pin attempt, Reigns hit a low blow on Fatu. The two men who left it all on the line were gassed in the middle of the ring.
Reigns got up and smashed Fatu’s head on the exposed turnbuckle. Fatu was dazed and Reigns tossed him through the table. Fatu got back up and Reigns hit another spear. It was the last one he needed.
Reigns defeated Fatu, retained the World Heavyweight Championship and remained head of the table.
Roman Reigns celebrates his victory during Clash of Italy at the Inalpi Arena in Torino di Sangro, Italy on May 31, 2026. (Andrew Timms/WWE)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Fatu will now fall in line behind Reigns and The Usos. But Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga also looked at Fatu’s loss.
