Why is Roman Reigns So Famous?

Roman Reigns is famous thanks to his legendary matches, compelling storylines, and record-breaking title reign in the modern era.

Leati Joseph Anoa'i is the real name of Roman Reigns. He was born on May 25, 1985. He is a popular professional wrestler who gained fame primarily through his association with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Whether enforcing justice as a vital member of The Shield or steadily ascending to multiple early WWE Championship reigns, Roman Reigns has consistently etched an indelible mark on the memories of those who have crossed paths with him. He has recently surpassed Bruno Sammartino's second longest title-reign of 1238 days and is now eying Hulk Hogan's milestone. Roman Reigns' ongoing reign began on August 30, 2020.

Roman Reigns' journey as a singles competitor is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he has clashed with some of the biggest names in the industry, including epic battles against Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Triple H, and a momentous WrestleMania encounter with The Undertaker. Notably, Reigns delivered The Undertaker only his second defeat at The Showcase of the Immortals, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with on the grandest stage in professional wrestling.

The Tribal Chief stands unequivocally at the pinnacle of WWE's attractions, holding the undisputed and unchallenged position as the primary draw and undisputed number one in the world of professional wrestling. Roman Reigns' commanding presence, stellar performances, and remarkable championship achievements make him the focal point of WWE's entertainment, solidifying his status as the premier and unrivaled attraction in the industry.

Here are the main reasons behind Roman Reigns' fame:

1. Legendary WWE Career: Roman Reigns is a Dominant Champion

Roman Reigns rose to prominence as a member of The Shield, a dominant faction in WWE that also included Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. The trio played a key role in various storylines and became fan favorites

The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, boasts an impressive wrestling career, holding the prestigious title of six-time world champion in WWE. His championship reigns include four WWE Championship victories and two WWE Universal Championship triumphs. In addition to these accomplishments, Reigns has earned recognition as a one-time WWE United States Champion, a one-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, and a one-time WWE Tag Team Champion, achieving the latter honor alongside Rollins. Notably, he emerged victorious in the 2015 Royal Rumble and was crowned the 2014 Superstar of the Year.

A dominant force in the ring, Reigns has left an indelible mark on WWE history. He shares the WWE record for most eliminations in a Survivor Series match, achieving four in the 2013 event. Furthermore, he previously held the record for most eliminations in a Royal Rumble match, accomplishing a remarkable 12 in the 2014 event. Reigns secured his status as the 28th Triple Crown Champion and the 17th Grand Slam Champion upon winning the Intercontinental Championship.

2. Unique Character and Persona: The Tribal Chief is the Head of the Table

Roman Reigns has portrayed a character that WWE has positioned as a dominant, powerful, and often controversial figure. His "Big Dog" persona and his catchphrase "Believe That" became well-known among wrestling fans. His character has evolved to become WWE's Tribal Chief and Head of the Table. Roman Reigns wants all the wrestlers to acknowledge him including his cousins, which are part of the Bloodline faction. The incorporation of his cousin, Jey Uso, into his storyline marked a pivotal moment in Roman Reigns' character development, infusing a personal and emotionally resonant dimension. The intense and emotionally charged feud between Reigns and Uso served as a powerful showcase of Roman's storytelling prowess and his adeptness at forging deep connections with audiences. This compelling narrative not only illustrated Reigns' commanding presence as a top heel in WWE but also revealed his ability to elicit genuine emotional responses from fans, underscoring the depth and complexity of his character. The inclusion of personal relationships and the exploration of intricate family dynamics added layers to Reigns' persona, elevating him beyond a typical wrestling villain and solidifying his status as a multifaceted and captivating figure in the world of professional wrestling.

3. Championship Success: Roman Reigns is the Longest Reigning Champion in the Modern Era

Roman Reigns has had considerable success in terms of championship victories in WWE. He has won multiple world championships, including the WWE Universal Championship and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

In recent years, Roman Reigns has etched his name into the annals of wrestling history with a truly legendary tenure as the WWE Universal Champion. Seizing the title in 2020, Reigns has transcended expectations, now holding the distinction of being the longest-reigning world champion in the modern era. His dominance as the Tribal Chief reached its zenith at WrestleMania 38 when he clinched the WWE Championship, solidifying his status as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. However, it's worth noting that, although Reigns' dual title reigns are a remarkable feat, the company officially recognizes and distinguishes the reigns separately. This distinction highlights the unparalleled success and impact Reigns has had on the championship landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary wrestling scene.

4. Exellent In-Ring Ability: Roman Reigns Can Wrestle Anyone

Reigns is known for his athleticism and in-ring skills. His matches, especially on major WWE pay-per-view events, have contributed to his popularity.

Roman Reigns' in-ring ability has reached unprecedented heights, largely attributed to his exceptional and critically acclaimed matches with wrestling luminaries such as Lesnar, McIntyre, Logan Paul, Owens, and Cody Rhodes. Additionally, the compelling storyline surrounding The Bloodline and Sami Zayn has been hailed as some of the most outstanding wrestling content, not just in the present era but in the annals of the sport's history.

Reigns' ability to deliver consistently acclaimed performances against top-tier opponents has solidified his reputation as a premier in-ring talent. His encounters with the likes of Lesnar, McIntyre, Logan Paul, Owens, and Cody Rhodes have been a showcase of wrestling prowess, earning admiration from both critics and fans alike. These matchups have not only elevated Reigns' stature but have also contributed significantly to the overall appeal of WWE programming.

5. Family Legacy: Roman Reigns is the Distant Cousin of the Rock, Dwayne Johnson 

Roman Reigns comes from the Anoa'i wrestling family, which has a strong tradition in professional wrestling. His lineage includes several well-known wrestlers, such as his father Sika Anoa'i and distant cousin Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, which adds to his wrestling legacy.

Hailing from the renowned Anoaʻi wrestling family, Roman Reigns shares blood relations with wrestling luminaries such as The Tonga Kid, Rikishi, Umaga, and Yokozuna. Additionally, his first cousins once removed include The Usos and Solo Sikoa, further solidifying the familial connection within the wrestling world.

Roman Reigns' educational journey took him through Pensacola Catholic High School and Escambia High School. Subsequently, he pursued a degree in management at the Georgia Institute of Technology, showcasing a commitment to both his academic and athletic pursuits. Roman Reigns has several nicknames such as Tribal Chief, Head of the Table and the Big Dog.

6. Strong Connection with Fans: Roman Reigns is WWE's Number One Needle Mover

While Roman Reigns has experienced both cheers and boos from the audience, his ability to connect with fans and elicit strong reactions—whether positive or negative—has contributed to his fame. His character has evolved, and his interactions with the audience have played a crucial role in shaping his popularity.

Roman Reigns has headlined numerous pay-per-view events, with seven appearances in WWE's flagship event, WrestleMania, including at WrestleMania 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, and 39. His stellar performances have garnered widespread acclaim, as reflected in his top rankings in Pro Wrestling Illustrated's annual PWI 500 list of the top 500 singles wrestlers in both 2016 and 2022.