Roman Reigns Ambushed by 946 Faction and Sami Zayn Ahead of Crown Jewel

Roman Reigns was left lying in the ring after a chaotic and violent assault on the November 2 episode of WWE Raw. The former champion was first ambushed by the expanding 946 faction and then blindsided by a helluva kick from his Crown Jewel opponent, Sami Zayn, just days before their title showdown.

946 Faction Adds Former TNA Champion in Brutal Raw Ambush

The main event segment on November 2 exploded into a brawl between Reigns's Bloodline and the rival 946 faction. After a match between Solo Sikoa and Royce Keys ended in disqualification, Reigns entered the fray and delivered superman punches. His momentum was shattered when a masked man entered the ring and struck him with a steel chair. The assailant unmasked to reveal himself as Cruz Montana, a two-time former TNA World Champion making his WWE debut as the newest member of 946. The faction then systematically dismantled the Bloodline, handcuffing Jimmy Uso to the ring post and powerbombing Jey Uso through the announce table.

Sami Zayn Seizes Opportunity to Strike Before PPV

After the 946's assault, a wounded Reigns struggled to his feet in the ring. That moment of vulnerability was all Sami Zayn needed. The Undisputed WWE Champion, who had traded intense verbal barbs with Reigns earlier in the night, sprinted to the ring and connected with a devastating Helluva Kick. Zayn stood over the fallen Reigns, sending a clear message before their Champion vs. Champion match at the Crown Jewel event. Their promo exchange saw Reigns dismiss Zayn's title as secondary, while Zayn reminded him of being hit with a chair by Zayn in a past iconic moment.

Paul Heyman Explains Why He Chose to Manage Reigns

In a separate interview, Paul Heyman detailed why he chose to align with Roman Reigns after his legendary run with Brock Lesnar. Heyman, the self-proclaimed Wise Man, stated Reigns was the only performer he would have followed Lesnar with. "There is no one else I could have followed up my run with Brock Lesnar with than Roman Reigns," Heyman said. He praised Reigns as a top-tier athlete and performer, admitting he has learned more from the Tribal Chief than the other way around. Heyman called Reigns's creation of an "island of relevancy" his defining trait, raising anyone who shares the screen with him.

Reigns's Backstage Influence Extends to NXT Champion

Reigns's influence isn't limited to the main roster. Current NXT Champion Grayson Waller revealed that Reigns played a direct role in his decision to adopt a more serious ring gear. Waller said he first wore wrestling tights at the Royal Rumble, moving away from his signature boxing shorts. Backstage, Reigns pulled him aside and said, "Hey, that's the look. You look like a champion now." Waller took the endorsement to heart, stating that if Roman says that, he was going to keep the new look to be perceived as a legitimate title contender.

• Key Takeaways: The 946 faction, now including former TNA Champion Cruz Montana, delivered a severe beatdown to Roman Reigns and the Bloodline on the November 2 Raw. Sami Zayn capitalized on the chaos, attacking Reigns days before their Crown Jewel championship match. Paul Heyman called Reigns the only performer he would have managed after Brock Lesnar. Reigns's backstage praise convinced NXT Champion Grayson Waller to permanently change his ring gear.