Can't Send Text Messages on Apple Watch

Series 8.

I JUST activated cellular use on it a week ago after only using wifi/bluetooth connection to iphone for the last year or so.

Ever since activing cellular, when I turn OFF the cellular, it won't let me send a text reply with the watch when someone texts me.

Maybe related but I noticed that reminders cleared on the watch or 'do not disturb' set on the watch are not synced up to my other apple devices that are under the same Apple ID.