For many wrestling fans, the name Roman Reigns brings to mind images of a charismatic and talented professional wrestler. Reigns, whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoa’i, has emerged as one of the premier superstars in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Known for his power, agility, and undeniable presence, Roman Reigns is a formidable figure in the wrestling world.
In this article, we will delve into 25 interesting facts about Roman Reigns, highlighting aspects of his personal life, his wrestling career, and his achievements.
1. Roman Reigns was born on May 25, 1985, in Pensacola, Florida.
2. Reigns is of Samoan and Italian descent. His father, Sika Anoa’i, was a member of the famous Samoan wrestling family, the Anoa’i family.
3. Prior to his wrestling career, Reigns was a promising football player. He played college football for Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and later had brief stints in the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL).
4. Reigns started his professional wrestling career in 2010 with Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), which later became WWE’s developmental territory, NXT.
5. He is a member of the wrestling faction, The Shield, alongside Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. The Shield debuted in WWE in 2012 and quickly became one of the most influential groups in wrestling history.
6. Roman Reigns’ wrestling name is derived from two sources: “Roman” represents his Italian heritage, while “Reigns” symbolizes his dominating presence in the wrestling ring.
7. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Reigns is a five-time World Champion in WWE.
8. Reigns main evented WrestleMania four times in a row from 2015 to 2018, a feat achieved by very few wrestlers.
9. His signature move is the “Superman Punch,” and his finishing move is called the “Spear.”
10. Roman Reigns’ catchphrase, “This is my yard,” signifies his dominance and control in the wrestling industry.
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11. In October 2018, Reigns announced on live television that he was battling leukemia for the second time, a disease he had initially been diagnosed with at 22 years old.
12. After successfully battling leukemia, Reigns made a triumphant return to WWE in February 2019.
13. Reigns is married to Galina Becker, and they have five children together.
14. He appeared in the 2019 film “Hobbs & Shaw,” a spinoff of the Fast & Furious franchise, alongside his cousin, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
15. He is a cousin of former WWE wrestlers Yokozuna, Rikishi, Umaga, and The Tonga Kid, emphasizing the rich wrestling history in his family.
16. Roman Reigns was the 2014 Superstar of the Year, as voted by fans in the Slammy Awards.
17. He has the record for the most eliminations in a single Royal Rumble match with 12 in 2014.
18. In 2020, Reigns adopted a new character persona, referring to himself as “The Tribal Chief” and “The Head of the Table.”
19. His ring attire of combat boots, cargo pants, and tactical vests is a unique deviation from typical wrestling gear, which adds to his persona.
20. In addition to wrestling, Reigns has appeared in several television shows like “Cousins for Life” and “Elena of Avalor.”
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21. Reigns has been the cover star of the WWE video game, WWE 2K20.
22. Despite his intimidating in-ring persona, Reigns is known for his philanthropic efforts, including regular involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
23. Reigns has often been the subject of polarizing opinions among fans. Despite being a face (heroic character), he has been both heavily booed and cheered.
24. His WWE entrance theme, “The Truth Reigns,” is one of the most recognizable themes in modern wrestling.
25. In spite of facing several challenges, including his battle with leukemia, Roman Reigns has managed to maintain his status as one of WWE’s top superstars, reflecting his resilience and passion for wrestling.
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Roman Reigns’ life and career are as dynamic as the man himself. Despite the adversities, his journey from a football player to a top-tier professional wrestler is inspirational. He is a testament to hard work, dedication, resilience, and the power of never giving up, making him not only an interesting personality but also a role model to many around the world.