Jey Uso is stepping deeper into the spotlight—and he’s doing it with the weight of his family legacy on his shoulders.

The shadow of Roman Reigns: Is WWE setting up a Jey Uso heel turn? |  Cageside Seats

The former tag team specialist has been showing a more focused and serious side on WWE RAW, drifting from his brother Jimmy and carving out a new solo path. Now headed into a massive match against CM Punk for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1, Jey took a moment to reflect on his roots—and where he stands with Roman Reigns today.

Speaking during the latest RAW recap, Jey opened up about his evolving dynamic with the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

“He see me now, Uce, we equals now,” Jey said. “He did teach me the game, man. I was a student to him, I sat under the learning tree all of COVID. I was there. Like front row, man. I had my ticket, just learning the game, man, learning from Big Uce, learning from The Wiseman.”

It’s a striking evolution for someone who once struggled to step out of Roman’s massive shadow. But even with this newfound confidence, Jey made it clear he’s not gunning for the role of Tribal Chief.

“Me and Roman got a love-hate relationship, like y’all can tell, man, but respect between us is there now. So, he’s still big uce, he’s still my Tribal Chief, man. There’ll never be another Tribal Chief to Jey Uso but Roman Reigns.”

Jey Uso has a tense exchange with Roman Reigns: SmackDown highlights, Oct.  18, 2024 | WWE

The emotion behind his words reveals a wrestler still honoring the bloodline—even as he prepares to break new ground alone.

Jey’s title match against CM Punk will mark the biggest singles opportunity of his career, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether he walks out as champion or not, one thing is clear—he’s not just Roman’s cousin anymore. He’s a main eventer in his own right.