Roman Reigns's top 5 matches in WWE

Roman Reigns was tagged as being “the guy” almost the moment The Shield made their main roster debut in the WWE. After many blunders, missteps, and shotty bookings, it’s safe to say that he’s in the best position possible. Fans hang on to his every word. He performs a truncated schedule. And he remains at the top of the card, even when he’s not on the show. SummerSlam 2024 is hours away and the big angle of the night hinges on the anticipation of Reigns' return to finally confront Solo Sikoa’s version of The Bloodline.

Reigns’s run in WWE has been something that will be studied for time to come. Vince McMahon saw the value in Reigns as a top talent, but almost worked tirelessly to botch his push time and time again. The COVID-19 global pandemic changed things as Reigns came back under the guise of being The Tribal Chief, kicking off a run that would set him apart from the rest of the industry. Looking back at his time in WWE, these are five matches that stand out as some of his best offerings to date.

Cody Rhodes vs Roman Reigns: Bloodline Rules

WrestleMania 40 – April 7, 2024

This is the most recent entry on the list and the last time Reigns has been in a WWE ring. After two years of build, it was time for Cody Rhodes to “Finish his story.” The tagline that fans were tired of reading and had become a meme, finally came true. Rhodes defeated Reigns in what was a successful story told over time and involving several of the top stars in the company. Even with the appearances of The Rock, The Undertaker, John Cena, and others – it was the interference of Seth Rollins that sent Reigns over the edge.

However, even before the “Avengers End Game” moment, the match that Rhodes and Reigns were having was an excellent display of in-ring abilities. This is certainly one of Rhodes’ best matches since his return and the emotion of the moment helps boost this to another level.

Daniel Bryan vs Roman Reigns: Title vs Career

WWE SmackDown: April 30, 2021

Whether you call him Daniel Bryan or Bryan Danielson, the fact still remains – he’s the best professional wrestler in the world. As his career comes to an end, he has a special place within the list of Roman Reigns’s top matches.

Bryan and Reigns were involved in a back-and-forth feud that played off the intertwining moments of their career. As Reigns stood firmly atop the WWE as the Tribal Chief, Bryan made one last run at the championship. He put his career on the line in an effort to take Reigns’s title. As expected, they had a great match from start to finish, with Reigns picking up the win. But what makes this match stand out is that it would be Bryan’s last match in WWE before turning up in All Elite Wrestling, returning to the name Bryan Danielson and kicking off this epic run.

Braun Strowman vs Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns vs Samoa Joe

WWE SummerSlam: August 20, 2017

This match was outright madness. Braun Strowman, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and Samoa Joe battling for the WWE Universal Title. It was a quick romp as much as to be expected, with all three men immediately taking Lesnar out in an attempt to make him a non-factor. From there, it was an example of what would become known as a “Meat Fest” with the three remaining men hitting power move after power move. When Lesnar got back into the battle, the action didn’t slow down one bit. Many saw this as a great opportunity for WWE to put the title on Samoa Joe, but that would not be the case as it was just another tool used to further the angle between Lesnar and Reigns.

AJ Styles vs Roman Reigns: Extreme Rules

WWE Extreme Rules: May 22, 2016

Much of AJ Styles’s WWE run has been the guy just under the guy. While he’s a multiple-time champion, he was never truly given the run at the top that many believe he deserved. That descriptor is used when talking about the time when Roman Reigns and AJ Styles battled in 2016. This was another step in their months-long feud, with Reigns picking up the victory. But it was an enjoyable match from start to finish back at a time long before he’d become the performer he’s turned into today.

The Wyatts vs The Shield: Six-Man Tag

WWE Monday Night Raw: March 3, 2014

This is a special match on the list. Not because of how great it was in the ring, but because it was. But more so because of the individuals we’ve lost since then. It will be one of the best matches that both Bray Wyatt and Brodie Lee took part in throughout their career and should be recognized as such. Pitting The Shield against the Wyatts was a big moment because it was one of those rare times that WWE gave the fans what they wanted. It was six men, two factions, both overly loved by the fans. All they wanted to see was the action that these characters would bring to life and it was delivered. Certainly, a must-watch among the best matches for all the parties involved.