Top 3 moments during Roman Reigns's historic run

Joseph Anoa’i aka Roman Reigns made his in-ring debut for WWE in 2010. His television debut was on August 19, 2010, for FCW where he would compete as Roman Leakee in a 15-man Battle Royale.
Being that Roman is from the famous Anoa’i family, it came as no surprise that after playing football, Roman would make his way into wrestling. Roman played college football at Georgia Tech and briefly in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars. His family would cement one of the biggest and longest storylines in the modern era in wrestling as he became known as the Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, and ultimately, the leader of the Bloodline.

Obviously, we can think back to Roman being “The Big Dog” as he was part of the Shield. The other two members were Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley). But, he would have singles success with many feeling that he was forced down the fans' throats. I was certainly NOT one of those people who felt that way as I have been a fan from the beginning. But that’s neither here nor there.

Roman would return to WWE after a hiatus because of his battle with leukemia. He would return and his new persona was one of a heel embracing his Samoan heritage and showing his dominance over the roster in WWE. And to shock fans even more, two days before he won the triple threat match against Bray Wyatt and Braun Strawman at Payback in 2020, Roman would align with Paul Heyman signifying a new way he planned to do things.

As more and more time goes on, you see Roman’s character dive deeper into what he felt was necessary to be the Head of the Table/ head of the Anoa’i family leading with fear, ego and some tendencies that did spill over into his own blood.

Let's count down three moments I considered to be some of his biggest moments as The Tribal Chief.

#3 Roman VS. Brock: Winner Takes All (WrestleMania 38)

At WrestleMania 38 on April 3, 2022, Roman Reigns faced Brock Lesnar in a Winner Takes All match for both the WWE Universal Championship and the WWE Championship. The two of them had a rivalry dating back to 2015. Paul Heyman also was the manager of both. Something of semi-significance during this match. Everyone wanted to know who Paul would be loyal to. This match had spears and suplexes running amuck. Brock was more powerful, but Roman was more ruthless and strategic.

At one point during this match up, it showed Paul being caught in the middle. He seemed to play both sides until he gave Roman the Universal title which Roman would use to hit Brock with. After many spears, finishes and Superman punch, Roman would beat Brock signifying his new title as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.  

#2: Roman’s brutal beat down of Jey Uso at Clash of Champions (September 27, 2020)

This match-up showed the original discord between the Usos and Roman, as he would take on Jey for the Universal title. Jey would say at the beginning that “it didn’t have to go down like this” before the bell rang. Roman would brutalize Jey talking to him and us at home and the Thunderdome, with every moment, Roman would make it harder for Jey. Jey played the underdog trying hard to win even though we all knew it was a win he wouldn’t have. Roman asked Jey many times to acknowledge him, and Jey still refused.

Eventually, Jimmy would come out (as he was gone with injury) and try to throw in the towel, but Jey refuses. Roman continues until Jimmy does throw in the towel saying “We’re family, what the hell is wrong with you? You’re the chief. The Tribal Chief, just leave him alone.” This match was very reminiscent of Rocky 4 where Ivan hurts Apollo so bad that Rocky throws in the towel, but it was too late.

This match signified just how brutal Roman could be, but also showed he would do anything to stay on top showing absolutely no remorse.

# 1: Roman Reigns' 1,000+ Day Title Reign (June 2023)

In May 2023, Roman Reigns would hit the extraordinary milestone of being the Universal Champion for 1,000 days. While, I remember quite a few wrestling fans upset with this accomplishment, I for one was ecstatic about it. He had victories over several opponents including those who are considered legends in their own right. While, it may have seen to not be the right move, Roman’s title run showed just how he was almost unbeatable in WWE.

Roman would go on to hold the title for a total of 1,316 days. This title reign would be the fourth longest world time reign in WWE history, and the longest reign since 1988.

Sure, the Usos being Roman's allies were great as it showed how powerful one stable could be, but for me those were good, but not the ah-ha moments for me. Love him or hate him, you can't deny that Roman got wrestling fans and non-wrestling fans talking about the Bloodline and telling people to acknowledge him. I can't wait to see what is next for the OG Tribal Chief and the Bloodlne saga.

Until Next time, this is Katrina signing off.