WWE Smackdown has seen its fair share of wrestling icons over the years, from The Rock to John Cena. But in recent years, there has been one superstar who has risen above the rest and solidified his place as the top dog on Smackdown: Roman Reigns.
With his dominant presence, impressive in-ring skills, and captivating storylines, Roman Reigns has become a fan favorite and a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the rise of Roman Reigns and why he is the reigning champion of WWE Smackdown.
The Early Days of Roman Reigns
Born Leati Joseph Anoa’i, Roman Reigns comes from a long line of professional wrestlers. His father, Sika Anoa’i, was one half of the legendary tag team The Wild Samoans, and his cousins include Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Yokozuna.
Reigns initially pursued a career in football, playing for Georgia Tech and later signing with the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars. However, after a brief stint in the NFL, he decided to follow in his family’s footsteps and pursue a career in professional wrestling.
In 2010, Reigns signed with WWE and was assigned to their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). He made his main roster debut in 2012 as a member of the faction The Shield, alongside Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins.
The Shield and Solo Success
The Shield quickly became one of the most dominant factions in WWE, with Reigns as the powerhouse of the group. They held the WWE Tag Team Championships and the United States Championship, and their matches were always a highlight of any show.
In 2014, Reigns broke away from The Shield and began his solo career. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a fan favorite, winning the Royal Rumble in 2015 and earning a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 31.
Although he didn’t win the title at WrestleMania, Reigns continued to be a top contender and eventually won the championship at Survivor Series in 2015. He went on to hold the title three more times, solidifying himself as a top superstar in WWE.
The Big Dog of Smackdown
In 2016, WWE underwent a brand split, with Raw and Smackdown becoming separate brands with their own rosters. Reigns was drafted to Raw, where he continued to have success and win championships.
However, in 2020, Reigns made a shocking return to WWE after a brief hiatus and aligned himself with Paul Heyman, one of the most notorious managers in wrestling history. This new alliance marked a major shift in Reigns’ character, as he embraced his role as a heel (villain) and became known as the “Tribal Chief.”
The Reigning Champion
Roman Reigns’ current reign as Universal Champion is the longest in Smackdown history, and he shows no signs of slowing down. His matches are always a must-see, and his promos (in-ring speeches) are some of the most captivating in WWE.
But it’s not just his in-ring skills that make Reigns a top superstar. He has also become a master at storytelling, with his ongoing feud with his cousin Jey Uso being a highlight of Smackdown for months. The emotional and personal nature of their rivalry has kept fans invested and on the edge of their seats.
Reigns’ dominance and success have also been recognized by his peers, as he was named the 2020 Wrestler of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated and was ranked #1 on the PWI 500 list of the top 500 wrestlers in the world.
The Future of Roman Reigns
With his current reign as Universal Champion, it’s clear that Roman Reigns is at the top of his game and is the face of WWE Smackdown. But what does the future hold for the Tribal Chief?
Many fans are eagerly anticipating a potential match between Reigns and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, which would be a dream match between two of the biggest names in wrestling. There have also been rumors of a potential Shield reunion, which would be a major moment for fans who have been following Reigns’ career since his days in the faction.
No matter what the future holds, one thing is for sure: Roman Reigns will continue to dominate and solidify his place as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
In Conclusion
Roman Reigns’ rise to the top of WWE Smackdown has been nothing short of impressive. From his early days in The Shield to his current reign as Universal Champion, he has proven himself to be a top superstar and a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling.
With his captivating storylines, dominant in-ring skills, and natural charisma, Reigns has become a fan favorite and a true icon in the world of sports entertainment. And as long as he continues to reign supreme on Smackdown, there’s no telling what he will accomplish next.
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