Roman Reigns returned to WWE at SummerSlam, shocking fans as he decimated Braun Strowman and 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt in a post-match attack. 

The following week on SmackDown, he aligned himself with Paul Heyman, confirming what many thought would never be possible... his heel turn. 

Since then, 'The Tribal Chief' as he's now known, has gone on to dominate the blue brand, feuding with his real-life cousin Jey Uso in one of the hottest storylines of the year. 

It's fair to say the WWE Universe are loving this side of Roman - one we haven't seen before.

But according to his former ally Seth Rollins, a violent, destructive, dominating Reigns isn't actually all that 'new'. 

"Well, look, for anyone who’s known Roman Reigns for as long as I have, you’re going to know that this isn’t new," Rollins said of his former 'Shield Brother' on WWE's The Bump.

"Roman had to struggle for a long time to kind of closet this side of him.

Reigns has shown a new side in WWE

"He is an alpha and he sees himself in this light and in this way. I think he’s kind of just got a different lease on the situation and you’re seeing the true Roman Reigns right now."

Rollins then went on to praise Roman's return, suggesting that he's doing his best ever work in WWE right now. 

"Obviously, physically, he took his time off seriously and he’s in the best shape that he’s ever been in and his in-ring performances have followed suit. 

Rollins says Reigns is in the shape of his life

"I say kudos to Roman Reigns for finally taking the bull by the horns instead of riding the bull. To me, I’m all about it, I’m happy to see his success anywhere he goes and whatever he does." 

Right now, Rollins is full of nothing but praise for Reigns. But maybe, just maybe, the pair will cross paths one day soon and begin a feud of their own on SmackDown?