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, actor, and former football player. Since 2010, he has been signed to WWE, currently performing part-time on the Raw brand. Widely considered one of the best in professional wrestling, Reigns holds the record for the longest WWE Universal Championship reign at 1,316 days. This is the title's longest reign, WWE's fourth-longest world title reign, and the longest championship reign recognized by the company since 1988.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

May 2007: Signed by the Minnesota Vikings

In May 2007, Roman Reigns, then known as Anoaʻi, was signed by the Minnesota Vikings after going undrafted in the NFL draft.

August 2007: Signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars

In August 2007, after being released by the Minnesota Vikings due to a leukemia diagnosis, Anoaʻi was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars, only to be released less than a week later.

2008: Signed by the Edmonton Eskimos

In 2008, Anoaʻi signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and played one season before retiring from football.

August 19, 2010: Televised debut as Roman Leakee

On August 19, 2010, Anoaʻi made his televised debut for Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the ring name Roman Leakee in a 15-man battle royal.

January 16, 2011: Competed in 30-man Grand Royal

On January 16, 2011, Roman Leakee competed in a 30-man Grand Royal on FCW 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: Debut on NXT as Roman Reigns

In August 2012, after WWE rebranded FCW to NXT, Anoaʻi debuted on NXT as Roman Reigns, with a villainous character.

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, attacking Ryback during the WWE Championship match and forming The Shield.

January 27, 2013: The Shield aided CM Punk at the Royal Rumble

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

January 26, 2014: Royal Rumble performance

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

January 24, 2016: Lost WWE Championship in Royal Rumble match

On January 24, 2016, Roman Reigns defended the WWE Championship in the Royal Rumble match and 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 to The Miz on the 25th Anniversary of Raw, ending his reign at 63 days.

2018: Royal Rumble Elimination Record

In 2018, Braun Strowman broke Reigns' Royal Rumble record for most eliminations in a single match.

January 26, 2020: Reigns vs Corbin in a 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, Reigns participated in the Royal Rumble match as entrant number 26, but was the last competitor eliminated by Drew McIntyre.

2020: Heel Turn

In 2020, Roman Reigns turned heel, marking a significant shift in his character and on-screen persona.

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

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

January 1, 2022: Reigns vs Lesnar match cancelled due to COVID-19

On January 1, 2022, the Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar at Day 1 was cancelled due to Reigns testing positive for COVID-19.

January 18, 2023: Longest Reigning Champion

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

January 27, 2024: Reigns Retains Titles at Royal Rumble

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.

January 6, 2025: Reigns vs. Sikoa at Raw Premiere

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

January 31, 2026: Royal Rumble Win

On January 31, 2026, at the Royal Rumble, Roman Reigns entered at number 26, eliminated five participants, and last eliminated Gunther to win the Royal Rumble match for the second time. This victory secured him a world championship match at WrestleMania 42.