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 professional wrestler and former football player signed to WWE since 2010. Performing on the Raw brand, he is considered one of the best wrestlers globally. Reigns holds the record for the longest WWE Universal Championship reign at 1,316 days, which is the fourth-longest world title reign in WWE history. This is also the longest championship reign recognized by WWE since 1988, marking a significant achievement in his wrestling career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1988: Longest WWE Championship Reign Since 1988

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

1988: Longest championship reign recognised by the company since 1988

Since 1988, Roman Reigns' 1,316-day reign as WWE Universal Championship is the longest championship reign recognised by the company.

August 2007: Signed and Released by Jacksonville Jaguars

In August 2007, Anoaʻi was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars but was released less than a week later.

2007: Brief NFL Stints

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

2008: Plays in the CFL

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

2008: Played for Edmonton Eskimos

In 2008, Anoaʻi played for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL), appearing in five games before being released and retiring from professional football.

August 19, 2010: Televised Debut in FCW

On August 19, 2010, Roman Leakee, the ring name of Anoa'i, made his televised debut in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) in a 15-man battle royal, which was won by Alex Riley.

2010: Signed by WWE

In 2010, Anoaʻi was signed by WWE.

January 16, 2011: Competed in FCW Grand Royal

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

2012: Main Roster Debut

In 2012, Anoaʻi made his main roster debut under the ring name Roman Reigns as a member of The Shield alongside Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins.

2014: The Shield Disbands

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

2014: Heel Turn

In 2014, after a five-month hiatus, Roman Reigns returned at SummerSlam and aligned himself with Paul Heyman on SmackDown, turning heel for the first time since 2014.

January 24, 2016: Lost WWE Championship at Royal Rumble

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

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, ending his reign at 106 days.

January 22, 2018: Lost Intercontinental Championship

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

2018: Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, WrestleMania 34, Greatest Royal Rumble, Backlash, Money in the Bank, Extreme Rules, SummerSlam

In 2018, Roman Reigns competed in the Royal Rumble, won the Elimination Chamber match, faced Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34, and had a rematch at the Greatest Royal Rumble. He also feuded with Bobby Lashley, culminating in a Universal Championship win at SummerSlam.

February 25, 2019: Reigns returns to Raw

On February 25, 2019, Roman Reigns returned to Raw, announcing his leukemia was in remission, and reunited with Rollins and Ambrose to fend off an attack.

December 2019: Last Pinfall Loss Since December 2019

At Money in the Bank on July 1, 2023, Roman Reigns and Sikoa lost to The Usos after Reigns was pinned by Jey, marking his first pinfall loss since December 2019.

2019: WWE Superstar Shake-up, Money in the Bank, Super ShowDown, Stomping Grounds, Extreme Rules

In 2019, Roman Reigns was drafted to SmackDown during the WWE Superstar Shake-up, defeated Elias at Money in the Bank, lost to Shane McMahon at Super ShowDown, defeated McIntyre at Stomping Grounds, and teamed with The Undertaker to defeat McMahon and McIntyre at Extreme Rules.

January 26, 2020: Royal Rumble

On January 26, 2020, Roman Reigns defeated King Corbin in a falls count anywhere match at Royal Rumble, then entered the Royal Rumble match but was eliminated last by Drew McIntyre.

2020: Returns and Turns Face

On August 3, 2024, Roman Reigns returned at SummerSlam under the new moniker "The O.T.C" attacking Sikoa and helping Rhodes retain his title in a Bloodline Rules match, turning face for the first time since 2020.

January 31, 2021: Royal Rumble

On January 31, 2021, Roman Reigns retained his Universal Championship against Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match at Royal Rumble.

January 1, 2022: Day 1

On January 1, 2022, Roman Reigns' scheduled match with Brock Lesnar at Day 1 was cancelled due to Reigns testing positive for COVID-19.

January 18, 2023: Longest WWE Championship Reign Since 1988

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

January 27, 2024: Royal Rumble 2024

On January 27, 2024, Roman Reigns retained his titles in a fatal four-way match at Royal Rumble, pinning AJ Styles. He defeated LA Knight, Randy Orton and AJ Styles.

2024: The Bloodline Changes

In 2024, Roman Reigns took time off, and Sikoa appointed himself as leader of The Bloodline, kicking out Jimmy. Later, Sikoa ousted Reigns from leadership, declaring himself the new "Tribal Chief".

January 6, 2025: Raw premiere on Netflix

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