Bully Ray believes WWE is missing a major creative opportunity with the upcoming Tribal Combat match between Jacob Fatu and Roman Reigns at Clash in Italy. While the match has been promoted as a high‑stakes showdown, he argued on the Busted Open podcast that the stipulation lacks true identity and needs stronger presentation to stand apart from a standard no‑disqualification match.

Ray said the announcement on WWE RAW failed to give the concept real meaning. He emphasized that the term “Tribal Combat” should carry cultural and visual weight, not just function as another anything‑goes stipulation. As he explained, “Jacob Fatu said tribal combat, and it didn’t sound like it meant anything. What is tribal combat? Tribal combat should mean that the ring should be surrounded with fellow Samoans in the family, almost like a glorified lumberjack match. You can’t challenge another Samoan to tribal combat and have him turn it down, and thus we have to handle it amongst ourselves.”

He compared the stipulation unfavorably to other specialty matches that offer clear differences in rules and presentation. Ray said, “At the end of the day, a tribal combat match is the same thing as a no DQ, a weapons match, a street fight. The only way you can win the match is by pinfall or submission. No sh-t, Sherlock, the same way you win every other match.”

Producer Paul added during the discussion that the winner becomes Tribal Chief and the loser must acknowledge them. Ray agreed those stakes matter but stressed that they are post‑match consequences, not defining elements of the match itself.

Ray also criticized WWE’s handling of the Tongan Death Grip. He praised the company for highlighting it as a dangerous finishing move but questioned the lack of follow‑through after Backlash. He said, “I love the fact that the WWE is putting the spotlight on a finishing maneuver. The Tongan Death Grip is supposed to crush your Adam’s apple, your larynx, your vocal cords, your everything. But you put the Tongan Death Grip on Roman Reigns, and then the guy gets up a couple of minutes later, and he’s talking like nothing went wrong. Why are we taking a move that we can build around so much, and then just kind of, it worked, moving on?”

Tommy Dreamer defended the build, noting that both Jimmy Uso and Roman Reigns have helped elevate Fatu by allowing him to stand strong in multiple confrontations. He pointed out that the Bloodline needed to restrain Fatu to gain any advantage, which reinforced his credibility.

Despite his concerns, Ray expects the Italian crowd to deliver a memorable atmosphere. As he recalled, “The second loudest crowd I’ve ever been in front of in my life was in Milan. I’m assuming the Italian crowd will be hot for this anything‑goes Tribal Combat match.”

Bully Ray Criticizes Tribal Combat Build for Reigns vs. Fatu

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