WWE pulled a new Bronson Reed t-shirt from its online shop just days after its release due to potential copyright issues, a report from WrestleVotes notes. The original design featured a sneaker graphic that closely resembled Jordan Spizikes, prompting WWE to remove the item. A revised version without the sneaker imagery is now available on WWE Shop.
The sneaker motif tied directly to Reed’s current “The Tribal Thief” persona. The character and nickname were built around Reed attacking “The Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns on two occasions and stealing his sneakers. Reed then began wearing the stolen footwear around his neck as a trophy, calling them “Shoe-la-fala.” WWE officially recognized the moniker on the August 25 episode of Monday Night Raw, releasing the merchandise just hours before a show-closing brawl between Reed and Reigns.
This merchandise setback arrives as Reed and Reigns gear up for a clash at Clash in Paris on Sunday, August 31. The feud intensified on this week’s Raw when a war of words between the rivals turned physical, requiring officials to break up the melee. During the confrontation, Reed also claimed Samoan heritage, a claim that seemed to surprise Reigns.
Bronson Reed’s singles push is part of his role as the powerhouse of the Raw faction known as “The Vision,” led by Seth Rollins and also featuring Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman.
Industry note: This incident illustrates how WWE blends storytelling with merchandise, balancing creative branding against rights and likeness considerations. For fans, the feud remains a focal point heading into Clash in Paris, with the potential for dramatic moments and character-driven trophy props to play a part in the show’s climactic finish. If the storyline continues to build, the revised shirt may also spark renewed interest in Reed’s “The Vision” arc as the countdown to the pay-per-view closes.