One of 2026’s most anticipated Air Jordan releases so far is a pair that nearly didn’t come out. After reportedly being on the release schedule for 2025 before being cancelled and replaced with the original “Flu Game” style, the Air Jordan 12 Retro “Bloodline” is finally set to arrive at retail stores and online.

“Sometimes the game is in your blood,” reads Nike’s e-commerce product description for the new Air Jordan 12 retro. With a Black/Black/Varsity Red color combination, it’s hardly the first time the Chicago Bulls colors have graced Michael Jordan’s 12th signature sneaker, but the placement is unique on the upcoming colorway. 

The nearly all-black leather look is broken up with small red accents on the upper eyelets, TPU Jumpman badge and on the heel and outsole branding. To further emphasize the premium treatment, the heel tab is constructed with a debossed leather instead of the Air Jordan 12’s typical woven stripe. Elsewhere, the shoe’s tongue branding is completely blacked out including its Jumpman logo and “Two 3” spell-out embroidery.

Adding an extra layer of mystique to the new Air Jordan 12 style is its unofficial connection to WWE star Roman Reigns, who leads a group known as the Bloodline. While there’s no formal ties between the sneaker and the pro wrestler, Jordan Brand has gifted him product in the past including the Bloodline Air Jordan 12 weeks before its official release.

Other recent Air Jordan news of note includes early leaks of notable 2027 releases including the Air Jordan 3 Retro Neo Pink, Air Jordan 4 Retro Berlin and Air Jordan 4 Retro Spotlight.

After months of back-and-forth speculation, the Air Jordan 12 Retro Bloodline is finally set to be released on May 23 for $215. Readers can expect availability from Nike’s Snkrs app and select Jordan Brand retailers worldwide. The sneaker’s style code is CT8013-003. Ahead of the launch, readers can find a full detailed look at Nike’s official e-commerce images below.