Roman Reigns Medically Cleared For WWE SmackDown Return

WWE have announced that Universal Champion Roman Reigns has been cleared for a SmackDown return after missing the recent Day 1 PPV due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

The announcement came ahead of this Friday’s edition of SmackDown, where new WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and his advocate Paul Heyman will be appearing, with WWE teasing a face-to-face between the two champions on the show.

Reigns was originally pulled from the road during WWE’s Christmas house show loop to protect ‘The Tribal Chief’ before the first PPV of the year, before news of a positive test was released on January 1 hours before Day 1 was set to air.

At the time Reigns said the following about contracting COVID: "I yearn to perform tonight at #WWEDay1 to defend my Universal Championship. However, unfortunately, earlier today I tested positive for COVID-19. Due to the proper protocols I am unable to compete as originally scheduled. I look forward to returning to action as soon as possible."