Add as a preferred source on Google Roman Reigns is not officially advertised for this Friday’s WWE SmackDown on May 1 at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
As of now, WWE is promoting the show with Cody Rhodes opening the broadcast, Jacob Fatu returning to the blue brand, Charlotte Flair facing Jacy Jayne, and Ricky Saints making his main-roster debut.
Reigns’ absence from the advertising is notable given the proximity of Backlash, where the reigning World Heavyweight Champion will defend his title against Jacob Fatu on May 9 in Tampa.
WWE is even using the OTC’s name only as context for Fatu’s appearance on tonight’s SmackDown. In other words, the safest bet is that Reigns will not appear in person on the show. The focus should stay on Fatu, who had a strong interaction with the champion on Monday Night RAW and now returns to SmackDown to further the rivalry.
Still, a surprise appearance can’t be entirely ruled out, especially as this is the penultimate SmackDown before Backlash.