What is Tribal Combat match in WWE? Everything you need to know
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
Roman Reigns will battle Jacob Fatu in a Tribal Combat match.
World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns will defend the title in a rematch against Jacob Fatu at WWE Clash in Italy this weekend. However, unlike their clash at Backlash, this time around it will be a Tribal Combat match.
Additionally, the two stars will battle for the title of the ‘Tribal Chief,’ a title which is currently held by Roman. Ahead of the clash, let us take a look at what Tribal Combat is, its history, and rules, before the lights go out in the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy, for the Heavyweight rematch.
What is Tribal Combat match?
The Clash in Italy showdown will mark the third Tribal Combat match in WWE, all of them featuring members of the Anoa’i family. Both of these matches have featured Roman Reigns, who remains undefeated in Tribal Combat matches. When it comes to the rules of the match, even WWE is not sure about it.
That said, there is one constant through the Tribal Combat matches, which is that there are no disqualifications or count-outs. The only way to win the match is via pinfall or submission.
Furthermore, WE has also previously established that Tribal Combat matches require approval from the elder members of The Bloodline before they can officially happen.
Another rule of the match is that the winner gets the right to lead the Anoa’i family, with the winner earning the honor of wearing the ula fala as the recognized head of the family table, ‘The Tribal Chief.’
When was the last Tribal Combat match held in WWE?
The last time the match took place in WWE was during the Raw Netflix debut at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, in January 2025, where Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa battled for the Ula Fala. Reigns emerged victorious in the match, reclaiming the stolen Ula Fala.
On the other hand, the first time the match took place in WWE featured Roman against Jey Uso in the main event of SummerSlam 2023, where the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and recognition of Tribal Chief of the Anoaʻi family were on the line.
Reigns once again won the match, and this Sunday, he is set to put his undefeated streak, along with the World Heavyweight title and the title of the Tribal Chief, on the line against Jacob Fatu.
What are the rules for a Tribal Combat match?
There are no disqualifications or count-outs, and the only way to win the match is via pinfall or submission. Additionally, the title of the Tribal Chief is also on the line in the match.
What is Roman Reigns’ record in Tribal Combat matches?
Roman is undefeated in Tribal Combat matches, heading into the clash against Jacob Fatu.
When and where will Clash in Italy take place?
Inalpi Arena in Turin, Piedmont Region, Italy, will host the upcoming edition of the Clash in Italy PLE on May 31.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.
Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.