Jey Uso has nothing but mixed emotions coming into his WWE Universal Championship match against Roman Reigns at WWE Clash of Champions.
The match between Uso and Reigns seemed like nothing but a fantasy 4 weeks ago. Now, we see the tension rising in the Samoan Dynasty and are getting an insight into the growth of Jey Uso like we never have before.
Speaking on the WWE Ahora preview of tonight’s Clash of Champions pay-per-view event, Uso describes how hard it is to prepare for somebody like Roman Reigns and how their deep connection makes it that much more difficult.
“Whatever it was, he was always number one, said Uso of Reigns. “So, Uce, it is hard to prepare [for] someone like, you know, it's like fighting my brother -- like fighting twins. I don't know. We'll see tonight.”
One element of uncertainty in the match is the role of Paul Heyman as Roman Reigns’ new manager. Like most in the bloodline, Jey is fond of Paul Heyman. Paul Heyman managed Jey’s father, Rikishi and his uncle, Samu in WCW in 1989. For Uso, the addition of Paul Heyman to the mix just adds to the wealth of conflicting emotions surrounding this match.
“I've got mixed emotions because I look at Paul Heyman from going way back with our family, right? You know, he was there. He was there before -- I'm a grown man now. But seeing what he's done in the business and just the stripes he's earned in the wrestling business, I mean, I like him. It could give Roman some more edge. It could give Roman what he needs to break out. Unfortunately, tonight, he's in his corner, you know, Roman and Paul Heyman are in the same corner and that corner is opposite from me. I got my family in my corner. A lot of mixed emotions, though. A lot of mixed emotions.”
Perhaps it was that connection that led to Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns choosing Jey Uso to take the place of Big E in the Fatal 4-Way Match that earned Uso his match against Roman tonight. In Jey’s mind, he believes that they were hoping for a night off, while also giving him the courtesy of a big opportunity. Now, he says they have another thing coming.
“I, deep down, feel like they put me in that position. ‘Hey, let's throw my cousin a bone right quick, you know, let's give him a break.’ Then, boom, your boy wins it. Like, no one thought I'd win it, you know? The WWE Universe was shocked. I'm pretty sure Roman and Paul Heyman were shocked. But guess what? They put me in that position and I delivered. Now tonight, I'm fighting for the Universal Championship for the first time in my life and it's not in the backyard.”
From the backyard to the ThunderDome, this family feud will play out tonight at WWE Clash of Champions. Fightful’s live coverage of WWE Clash of Champions will begin tonight at 6 p.m. Eastern.
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