WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff recently shared his insights on the intriguing hug between The Rock and Roman Reigns during a SmackDown segment, interpreting it as a “mafia hug” with potential underlying tension.
Last Friday’s SmackDown kicked off with The Tribal Chief, Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa, and Jimmy Uso in the ring.
The Rock joined the gathering, delivering a promo where he issued a challenge to Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins for a tag team match against him and Reigns on night one of WrestleMania XL.
Bischoff, discussing the segment on the latest episode of 83 Weeks, highlighted the building heat between Rock and Reigns.
He noted the subtle expressions and suggested that the hug could foreshadow a potential betrayal, emphasizing,
“That’s like a mafia hug. ‘Oh, I’m gonna hug you right before I kill you, coz that’s how that works.'”
The dynamics between Reigns and The Rock were further emphasized during the promo, with Reigns interrupting The Rock’s signature catchphrase, asking for acknowledgment, and eventually sharing the hug that Bischoff finds laden with storyline tension.
Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins responded to The Rock’s challenge on Monday Night RAW, announcing their intention to confront The Rock and Reigns on SmackDown and provide an “obvious” answer.
Speculation is rife among fans and experts that they will accept the challenge, setting the stage for an epic tag team match at WrestleMania XL.
While Cody Rhodes is set to challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on Night Two of WrestleMania XL, Seth Rollins will defend his World Heavyweight Title against Drew McIntyre at the grand event, adding further excitement and anticipation to the unfolding WWE narrative.
