Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Roman Reigns

How Roman Reigns built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Leati Joseph Anoaʻi, known as Roman Reigns, is a prominent American professional wrestler and actor currently signed to WWE. He is considered one of the top wrestlers globally, holding the record for the longest WWE Universal Championship reign at 1,316 days. This also marks the fourth-longest world title reign in WWE history and the longest championship reign recognized by WWE since 1988. He is a former football player as well. Reigns performs on the SmackDown brand.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1988: Longest championship reign recognised by WWE since 1988

In 1988, Roman Reigns' 1,316-day reign as WWE Universal Championship is the longest reign of the title's history, the fourth longest world title reign in WWE history and the longest championship reign recognised by the company since 1988.

May 2007: Signed by Vikings, Diagnosed with Leukemia

In May 2007, Anoaʻi was signed by the Minnesota Vikings but was released later that month after being diagnosed with leukemia.

August 2007: Signed and Released by Jaguars

In August 2007, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Anoaʻi, only to release him less than a week later.

2007: NFL and Jaguars Stints

In 2007, after playing college football for Georgia Tech, Anoaʻi had brief off-season stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL).

2008: CFL Season with Edmonton Eskimos

In 2008, Anoaʻi played a full season for the Canadian Football League's (CFL) Edmonton Eskimos before his release and retirement from football.

August 19, 2010: Televised Debut as Roman Leakee

On August 19, 2010, Anoaʻi made his televised debut using the ring name Roman Leakee in a 15-man battle royal, which was won by Alex Riley.

2010: Signed by WWE

In 2010, Anoaʻi was signed by WWE and made his main roster debut under the ring name Roman Reigns in 2012.

January 16, 2011: Grand Royal Participation

On January 16, 2011, Roman Leakee competed in a 30-man Grand Royal, but was eliminated.

January 2012: Pinned FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion

In January 2012, Roman Leakee pinned FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion Leo Kruger in a non-title match.

August 2012: NXT Debut as Roman Reigns

In August 2012, after WWE rebranded FCW to NXT, Anoaʻi debuted on NXT as Roman Reigns, portraying a villainous character, and defeated CJ Parker on October 31.

November 18, 2012: Main Roster Debut at Survivor Series

On November 18, 2012, Roman Reigns made his main roster debut at Survivor Series alongside Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins as The Shield, attacking Ryback during the WWE Championship match, allowing CM Punk to retain the title.

2012: Main Roster Debut with The Shield

In 2012, Roman Reigns made his main roster debut as a member of The Shield alongside Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Reigns held the WWE Tag Team Championship once with Rollins.

January 27, 2013: Aid to CM Punk at Royal Rumble

On January 27, 2013, The Shield continued to aid CM Punk at the Royal Rumble.

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January 26, 2014: Royal Rumble Runner-Up

On January 26, 2014, at the Royal Rumble, Roman Reigns entered at number 15 and eliminated 12 competitors, ultimately finishing as the runner-up after being eliminated by Batista.

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2014: WWE's "Face of the Company" Push

From 2014 to 2020, WWE attempted to establish Roman Reigns as their next "face of the company", which faced disapproval from audiences and critics.

2014: Disbanded Shield

In 2014, The Shield disbanded and Roman Reigns entered singles competition.

2015: Royal Rumble Win and WrestleMania 31 Title Shot

In 2015, Roman Reigns won the Royal Rumble match and earned a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 31.

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2015: Royal Rumble Win

In 2015, Roman Reigns won the Royal Rumble, among other championships and accomplishments.

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January 24, 2016: Lost Championship in Royal Rumble Match

On January 24, 2016, Roman Reigns lost the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the Royal Rumble match after being eliminated by Triple H.

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2016: Drafted to Raw Brand

In 2016, Roman Reigns was drafted to the Raw brand during the WWE draft.

January 9, 2017: Lost United States Championship

On January 9, 2017, Roman Reigns lost the United States Championship to Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens in a handicap match.

January 22, 2018: Lost Intercontinental Championship

On January 22, 2018, Roman Reigns lost the Intercontinental Championship to The Miz on the 25th Anniversary of Raw, ending his reign at 63 days.

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February 25, 2019: Reigns Reveals Leukemia is in Remission

On February 25, 2019, Roman Reigns returned to Raw and announced that his leukemia was in remission. Later that night, he teamed with Rollins to aid Ambrose against McIntyre, Lashley, Elias, and Corbin, marking a significant and emotional return to wrestling.

January 26, 2020: Reigns Defeats Corbin in Falls Count Anywhere Match

On January 26, 2020, at Royal Rumble, Roman Reigns defeated King Corbin in a falls count anywhere match with assistance from The Usos. Later that night, he entered the Royal Rumble match but was the last competitor eliminated by Drew McIntyre.

2020: Repackaged as Villain

Between 2020 and 2024, Roman Reigns was repackaged as a villainous character, which was generally met with acclaim.

January 31, 2021: Reigns Defeats Owens in Last Man Standing Match

On January 31, 2021, at Royal Rumble, Roman Reigns successfully defended his title against Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match, continuing their feud that had been building over perceived disrespect to Reigns' family.

January 1, 2022: Match Against Lesnar Cancelled Due to COVID-19

On January 1, 2022, the day of the Day 1 event, Roman Reigns' scheduled match against Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship was cancelled because Reigns tested positive for COVID-19. This led to significant changes in the event's card.

January 18, 2023: Longest WWE Championship Reign Since 1988

On January 18, 2023, Roman Reigns' Universal Championship reign reached 871 days, surpassing Gunther's NXT UK Championship reign and becoming the longest WWE championship reign since 1988.

January 27, 2024: Reigns Retains Titles in Fatal Four-Way Match

On January 27, 2024, at Royal Rumble, Roman Reigns retained his titles in a fatal four-way match against LA Knight, Randy Orton, and AJ Styles, marking another successful defense in his championship run.

2024: End of Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Reign

In 2024, Roman Reigns lost the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, and the Universal Championship was retired with Reigns recognized as its final champion.

January 6, 2025: Reigns Reclaims Ula Fala and Tribal Chief Title

On January 6, 2025, at the Raw premiere on Netflix, Roman Reigns defeated Sikoa in Tribal Combat to reclaim his Ula Fala and Tribal Chief title, with The Rock presenting Reigns with the Ula Fala after the match, ending their feud.