Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Roman Reigns

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

Roman Reigns, real name Leati Joseph Anoaʻi, is a prominent American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE. Widely considered one of the best in the world, he performs on the Raw brand. He holds the distinction of having the fourth-longest world title reign in WWE history, with his WWE Universal Championship reign spanning 1,316 days and being the longest championship reign since 1988. Before wrestling, Reigns was a football player.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1988: Longest WWE Championship Reign Since 1988

In 1988, Roman Reigns achieved the longest reign of any WWE championship run, reaching 871 days as Universal Champion. This marked the longest reign in the WWE since 1988, establishing Reigns as a prominent figure in WWE history.

2014: Heel Turn and Universal Championship Win

In 2014, Roman Reigns turned heel, aligning with Paul Heyman. He then defeated "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt and Strowman at Payback to win the Universal Championship for the second time.

2018: Various matches and feuds

In 2018, Roman Reigns competed in the Royal Rumble match, but was eliminated last by Shinsuke Nakamura. He won the Elimination Chamber match to face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34, but was unsuccessful. He feuded with Bobby Lashley, defeating Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam to win the Universal Championship for the first time.

February 25, 2019: Return to Raw after Leukemia Remission

On February 25, 2019, Roman Reigns returned to Raw, announcing his leukemia was in remission. He joined Seth Rollins in assisting Dean Ambrose from an attack, marking a significant moment in his career and personal life.

December 2019: Last pinfall loss since December 2019

In December 2019, Roman Reigns was involved in matches that marked his last pinfall loss, a significant moment as he continued to dominate in various events and matches afterwards.

2019: Move to SmackDown and Feuds

In 2019, Roman Reigns was drafted to SmackDown and began feuds with Elias, Shane McMahon, and Drew McIntyre. These rivalries highlighted his presence on the brand and led to several matches.

January 26, 2020: Feud with King Corbin and Royal Rumble Appearance

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

2020: Roman Reigns Turns Face

In 2020, Roman Reigns made his return at SummerSlam and turned face, attacking Sikoa and helping Rhodes retain his title in a Bloodline Rules match.

January 31, 2021: Universal Title Defense Against Kevin Owens

On January 31, 2021, Roman Reigns defended his Universal Championship against Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match at Royal Rumble, continuing their intense feud.

January 1, 2022: Universal Championship Match Cancelled Due to COVID-19

On January 1, 2022, the scheduled Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar at Day 1 was cancelled because Reigns tested 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, surpassing Gunther's NXT UK Championship reign. This marks the longest reign of any WWE championship since 1988, solidifying Reigns' historic title run.

January 27, 2024: Retained Titles in a Fatal Four-Way Match

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

2024: Sikoa Declares Himself New Tribal Chief

In 2024, after weeks of bypassing Reigns' orders and ousting Heyman from the group, Sikoa removed Reigns from the leadership of The Bloodline, declaring himself as the new "Tribal Chief".

January 6, 2025: Reigns Defeats Sikoa to Reclaim Ula Fala and Tribal Chief Title

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