let’s know about the interesting facts about Roman Reigns The tribal chief

Is Roman Reigns the Most Divisive WWE Superstar Ever? Debating His Controversial Babyface Push (2014-2020)

During his controversial babyface push (2014-2020), Roman Reigns ( The Tribal Chief) did reign supreme in terms of business. WWE secured lucrative billion-dollar TV deals, expanded licensing, and launched its own streaming network, all with Reigns as the face of the company. However, fan reception remained mixed.

Today, Reigns sits atop WWE as a critically acclaimed and commercially successful champion, but with a character that feels more authentic – a perfect fit for his charisma. This transformation has resonated with fans, turning a business boon into a beloved champion.

From College Football Star to WWE Champion: Roman Reigns’ Unique Path

Before his WWE reign, Roman Reigns, then known as Joe Anoa’i, carved a path through college football. A standout player for Georgia Tech, he even shared the field with NFL legend Calvin Johnson. Johnson lauded Reigns’ athleticism, stating on “The Rich Eisen Show” (via Fightful), “It’s awesome to see him doing that, just taking that thing over. That was Joe though. He was great at what he did when he played on the football field, so I expected nothing less.”

Reigns’ football journey took an unexpected turn in 2007 when he signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. However, a leukemia diagnosis during a physical forced him off the team. This marked a major turning point, setting the stage for his future dominance in the world of professional wrestling.

Undeterred by his NFL setback, Reigns, still chasing his football dream, headed north to the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2008. He joined the Edmonton Eskimos (now Edmonton Elks) and saw action in five games during his lone season. However, his CFL stint wasn’t meant to be, and he wasn’t re-signed after the year. This marked the end of his football career, paving the way for him to fully commit to professional wrestling.

Roman Reigns’ Humble Beginnings: Debuts and Tag Team Success

Roman Reigns’ journey to the top began with a baptism by fire. His very first professional match in 2010 pitted him against Richie Steamboat, son of the legendary “The Dragon” Ricky Steamboat, in WWE’s developmental territory, FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling). While Reigns wasn’t victorious in his debut, it marked the start of a rigorous training ground.

Within FCW, Reigns honed his skills by facing future WWE stars like Big E, Shad Gaspard, Damien Sandow, Bo Dallas, and even a pre-Fiend Bray Wyatt (then known as Husky Harris). Interestingly, fans accustomed to Reigns’ dominant babyface persona might be surprised to learn he started in FCW as a heel (villain). However, his talent shone through, culminating in a FCW Florida Tag Team Championship victory alongside Mike Dalton.

WrestleMania 31: A Bittersweet Debut for Reigns

It’s interesting to learn that WrestleMania 31 holds a special place in Roman Reigns’ heart, despite the grueling nature of the match against Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The match itself was intense and physically demanding, with Reigns facing off against one of the most dominant forces in WWE history. Despite the challenges he faced, it seems that WrestleMania 31 left a lasting impression on Reigns, perhaps due to the significance of competing for the top championship on the grandest stage of them all.

Roman Reigns’ WrestleMania debut at WrestleMania 31 was a rollercoaster of emotions. While it marked his first singles match on the grandest stage, the night took a surprising turn. In a historic moment, Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase during the match, pinning Reigns to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This marked the first-ever cash-in at WrestleMania, leaving Reigns with a bittersweet taste of victory stolen away.

A Wrestling Dynasty: Roman Reigns’ Anoa’i Family Legacy

Roman Reigns is deeply entrenched in the legacy of professional wrestling. Hailing from the esteemed Anoa’i family, he carries the torch passed down by fathers, uncles, brothers, and cousins who have all made their mark in the wrestling world.

Roman Reigns isn’t just a wrestling superstar; he’s part of a legendary wrestling dynasty, the Anoa’i family. His father, Sika Anoa’i, was one half of the iconic Wild Samoans tag team champions alongside his brother Afa. Their dominance spanned across WWE, Mid-South Wrestling, Stampede Wrestling, and more.

The Anoa’i legacy extends beyond Reigns’ immediate family. His brother, Rosey, competed in the Three Minute Warning tag team. His cousins, The Usos, are a powerhouse in the current WWE tag team division. Reigns was also related (cousin) to the former WWE Intercontinental Champion, Umaga, who too was part of the Three Minute Warning.

The family tree extends further, with the inclusion of WWE Attitude Era star Rikishi (uncle) and Hollywood megastar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (cousin) adding to the Anoa’i family’s illustrious wrestling history.

Before The Shield Dominated WWE: Their Forgotten FCW Triple Threat

Roman Reigns is etched in WWE history for his iconic tenure with The Shield, alongside Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. From 2012 to 2014, this powerhouse trio left an indelible mark, conquering legendary opponents like Evolution and engaging in memorable battles, including an unforgettable clash with The Wyatt Family.

Many wrestling fans dream of a Shield triple threat match – a clash between the iconic trio of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley). This dream became reality at the 2016 Battleground PPV, where Ambrose emerged victorious in a fast-paced championship match.

But here’s a lesser-known fact: this wasn’t their first dance! Four years prior, on January 12, 2012, these future WWE stars battled it out in a triple threat match within the walls of FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling), WWE’s developmental territory. The stakes? The number one contendership for the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship. While Reigns secured the win that night, he wouldn’t go on to capture the title.

The Shield’s Shocking Origin: Roman Reigns Wasn’t the First Choice?

It’s fascinating to hear about the origins of The Shield and how Roman Reigns wasn’t initially part of the plan. CM Punk’s insight into the creation of the group sheds light on the collaborative process behind the scenes in WWE and how certain talents were identified for specific roles. Despite not being part of the original pitch, Reigns’ inclusion in The Shield proved to be a pivotal turning point in his career, leading to tremendous success both as part of the faction and later as a singles competitor.

CM Punk, the man credited with conceiving The Shield, initially envisioned a different lineup. In an interview on Colt Cabana’s “Art of Wrestling” podcast (h/t Cageside Seats), Punk revealed his original picks – established independent wrestlers Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, alongside Kassius Ohno (better known as Chris Hero on the independent circuit). Hero shared a long history with Punk, including a legendary TLC match for IWA Mid-South that remains a fan favorite.

However, the final decision wasn’t Punk’s alone. While he proposed the idea to Triple H and Vince McMahon, they preferred Roman Reigns (then known as Leakee) for the third spot. Although Punk wasn’t personally invested in Reigns, he ultimately agreed, understanding the bigger picture.

Champion and Survivor: Roman Reigns’ Journey with Leukemia : Roman Reigns’ Double Victory Over Leukemia

Roman Reigns’ journey as a cancer survivor is a testament to his strength and resilience, both in and out of the ring. His decision to publicly share his battle with leukemia not only shed light on his personal struggles but also inspired countless fans worldwide. Reigns’ courageous fight against cancer and his subsequent return to the ring serve as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. His story continues to resonate with many, serving as a source of hope and inspiration for those facing similar challenges.

Roman Reigns’ battle with leukemia isn’t a singular story. In 2007, even before his WWE career began, he faced this challenge for the first time while playing football for the Minnesota Vikings. This lesser-known detail highlights the true depth of his struggle.

Reigns opened up about this experience in an interview with SagerStrong, crediting his mother as a pillar of strength. He poignantly compared their bond to teammates relying on each other, with his mother being the one who “grabbed him by the strap and dragged him through the process.” This quote showcases the profound impact his mother had on his fight.

Roman Reigns holds the record for the longest championship reign in over three decades.

Roman Reigns’ dominance as the WWE Universal Champion is remarkable, with his reign extending for over 700 days and counting. Throughout this period, Reigns has faced and defeated a slew of formidable challengers, solidifying his status as one of the most dominant champions in recent memory. His ability to overcome opponents like Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, Kevin Owens, and others speaks volumes about his in-ring prowess and strategic prowess.

Reigns’ reign began with a victory over Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman at the Payback PPV in 2020, and since then, he has successfully defended the title against all comers. His longevity as champion reflects not only his exceptional talent but also his ability to adapt and evolve as a competitor. As he continues to reign atop the WWE Universal Championship, Reigns remains a formidable force in the world of professional wrestling.

Roman Reigns’ current championship reign stands as one of the longest in WWE history. At over 700 days, it surpasses every title run since Hulk Hogan’s reign ended in 1988. However, wrestling historians will remember that Hogan himself went on to unify the WWE and Universal Championships at WrestleMania 38, further solidifying his legacy.

While Reigns’ dominance is undeniable, the all-time record belongs to Bruno Sammartino, whose reign stretched for an incredible 2,803 days. Other legends like Hulk Hogan (pre-1988), Bob Backlund, and Pedro Morales have also held the world title for over 1,000 days. Reigns’ journey continues, and whether he can reach those legendary heights remains to be seen.

From the Ring to the Silver Screen: Roman Reigns Sets His Sights on Hollywood

Following in the footsteps of WWE icons Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena, Roman Reigns is ready for his next big challenge: Hollywood. With a lighter WWE schedule secured by his 2022 contract, Reigns has openly expressed his desire to explore acting. As he told “The Michael Kay Show” on ESPN, he sees Hollywood as an opportunity to leverage the skills honed during his wrestling career.