We critically examine the ontological assumption that "existence precedes relations" — the view that spacetime, particles, and fields are fundamental entities with intrinsic properties, and that relations are derivative. Through a careful analysis of three key physical problems (the black hole information paradox, quantum non-locality, and the nonu2011renormalizability of quantum gravity), we argue that the entity-first assumption leads to deep conceptual tensions that resist resolution. We then propose an alternative: "relations precede existence", where fundamental reality consists of a network of relations, and spacetime, fields, and particles emerge as patterns in this network. We provide a precise mathematical definition of such a relational framework and show how it resolves the identified tensions. Moreover, we have previously demonstrated that from such a relational network one can rigorously derive free scalar quantum field theory and U(1) gauge theory in the continuum limit, providing concrete evidence that the relational framework is not merely philosophical but yields predictive physics. The paper does not claim a definitive proof but aims to establish the relational view as a viable and promising foundation for fundamental physics, worthy of serious consideration.