Roman Reigns’ Long Road to Acceptance
Despite being pushed as a face of WWE in 2014, Roman Reigns faced significant rejection from fans who resisted the idea of him becoming the next John Cena.
It took the company six years to reshape his character and repackage him as the formidable ‘Tribal Chief,’ a transition that finally won over the audience.
Early Career and Initial Popularity
Roman Reigns entered WWE as part of “The Shield” faction and received critical acclaim.
However, his popularity waned when the company transitioned him into a heroic solo act in 2014, leading to criticism that his ascent felt forced and unnatural.
Resilience Through Negative Crowd Reactions
Despite being booed in four consecutive appearances at WrestleMania events, Reigns continued to be positioned as the face of WWE, showcasing resilience and determination amid the crowd’s disapproval.
Personal Challenges and Triumphs
In 2018, Reigns, also known as Joe Anoa’i, disclosed his Leukemia diagnosis on Monday Night Raw, relinquishing his title and taking a break from WWE for four months.
His return in 2019 for WrestleMania 35 after announcing remission was a monumental moment.
Evolution to the “Tribal Chief” Persona
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reigns took another hiatus and made a remarkable comeback at SummerSlam 2020, unveiling the ‘Tribal Chief’ persona, leading the Bloodline faction.
The Reign of the “Head of the Table”
This transformation received widespread acclaim from fans and critics, elevating Reigns to the forefront of WWE as its most prominent figure since John Cena’s departure.
Holding the Universal title for over three years, Reigns shows no sign of relinquishing his grip on the belt.
Praise and Legacy
Wrestling fans and legends alike have hailed Reigns’ evolution, likening his stature and talent to legendary figures such as Cena and Shawn Michaels.
His new persona and skillset have cemented his place as a central figure in WWE’s ongoing narrative.