Roman Reigns, born Leati Joseph Anoa’i, is one of WWE’s biggest superstars. As a member of the legendary Anoa’i wrestling family, he debuted as part of The Shield before transforming into “The Tribal Chief.”
From epic WrestleMania bouts to unforgettable rivalries, Roman Reigns has carved a legacy of greatness. Here are the ten best matches that left an indelible mark among the fans.
10 Best Roman Reigns Matches of All Time
Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar – WrestleMania 31
Roman Reigns entered his first WrestleMania main event against Brock Lesnar, showcasing his resilience. The brutal match saw Lesnar’s dominance with suplexes and F5s, but Reigns countered with his signature Superman Punch and Spears.
The match’s intensity peaked when Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, turning it into a triple-threat match. Rollins pinned Reigns, stealing the victory and creating one of WWE’s most shocking endings.
- Rating:
- Storytelling: 9/10
- Technical Skill: 8/10
- Crowd Reaction: 10/10
Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso – Hell in a Cell 2020
This emotionally charged “I Quit” match was more than a contest; it was a family drama. Reigns played the manipulative Tribal Chief, pushing Jey Uso to acknowledge him as the head of the family. Inside the unforgiving Hell in a Cell structure, Reigns showed ruthless aggression, mixing power moves with psychological warfare.
The match’s climax was heartbreaking. Jimmy Uso intervened, forcing Jey to quit to protect his brother. Reigns’ dominance redefined his character in this masterpiece.
- Rating:
- Storytelling: 10/10
- Psychology: 10/10
- Crowd Reaction: 8/10
The Shield vs. Evolution – Extreme Rules 2014
This six-man tag match was a chaotic showcase of The Shield’s chemistry and Evolution’s veteran instincts. Reigns, alongside Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, took on Triple H, Randy Orton, and Batista. Reigns was a powerhouse, delivering spears and rapid offense.
The match saw action spill into the crowd, with Rollins delivering a jaw-dropping dive from the stands. Reigns’ spear on Batista ended the hard-hitting brawl, cementing The Shield as the dominant faction of that era.
- Rating:
- Team Chemistry: 9/10
- Technical Skill: 8/10
- Crowd Reaction: 9/10
Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes – WrestleMania 39
This highly anticipated match featured Cody Rhodes’ rise versus Reigns’ reign. The bout balanced dramatic storytelling and athleticism, with Cody gaining momentum through near-falls and emotional moments.
Reigns’ cunning strategy, bolstered by interference from The Bloodline, turned the tide. The crowd was electrified by the emotional stakes and high-quality in-ring action. Reigns’ controversial win further established his legacy as a master manipulator and a dominant force in WWE.
- Rating:
- Storytelling: 10/10
- Psychology: 9/10
- Crowd Reaction: 10/10
Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Edge – WrestleMania 37
This triple-threat main event saw Reigns battling two legends, Daniel Bryan and Edge, in a highly competitive match. The story revolved around Reigns’ need to prove himself as the Tribal Chief.
The action was fast-paced, with Edge’s intensity and Bryan’s technical prowess adding layers to the drama. Reigns’ cunning tactics prevailed as he pinned both opponents simultaneously, a bold statement that solidified his status as an unstoppable champion.
- Rating:
- Storytelling: 9/10
- Technical Skill: 8/10
- Crowd Reaction: 9/10
Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles – Extreme Rules 2016
AJ Styles brought his high-flying and technical mastery to challenge Reigns’ raw power in this thrilling match. The bout was packed with counters, false finishes, and intense moments that had fans on their feet.
Styles pushed Reigns to his limits with daring moves and resilience, while Reigns used his brute strength to dominate key moments. The climax featured interference from The Usos and The Club, adding chaos to an already stellar contest.
- Rating:
- Technical Skill: 9/10
- Psychology: 8/10
- Crowd Reaction: 9/10
Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins – Royal Rumble 2022
This match revisited the storied history between Reigns and Rollins, blending nostalgia and mind games. Rollins entered with The Shield’s theme, playing mental games with Reigns. The match showcased Rollins’ agility against Reigns’ power.
Despite dominating most of the bout, Reigns’ frustration boiled over, leading to a disqualification finish. The psychology and storytelling captured the complex relationship between the two, leaving fans eager for another chapter.
- Rating:
- Storytelling: 10/10
- Psychology: 10/10
- Crowd Reaction: 8/10
Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens – Royal Rumble 2023
Reigns and Owens delivered a brutal, high-stakes match with Sami Zayn’s loyalty hanging in the balance. Owens brought the fight with the relentless offense, but Reigns’ cold, calculating style dictated the pace.
Post-match, Zayn’s dramatic betrayal of Reigns stole the show and added emotional depth to the rivalry. The match balanced physicality and storytelling, showing why Reigns excels in layered narratives.
- Rating:
- Storytelling: 9/10
- Psychology: 9/10
- Crowd Reaction: 10/10
Roman Reigns vs. John Cena – SummerSlam 2021
Reigns faced WWE’s biggest star in a dream match that lived up to the hype. Cena brought his experience and charisma, while Reigns showcased his evolution as a heel champion. The back-and-forth action kept the audience engaged, with near-falls amplifying the excitement.
Reigns’ clean victory solidified his dominance, and Brock Lesnar’s surprise return after the match hinted at even greater challenges ahead.
- Rating:
- Storytelling: 8/10
- Technical Skill: 8/10
- Crowd Reaction: 9/10
Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn – Elimination Chamber 2023
This emotional clash had a red-hot Montreal crowd behind Zayn. Reigns displayed his heel brilliance, using every tactic to thwart Zayn’s Cinderella story. The match saw Zayn counter Reigns’ offense with heart and determination, creating thrilling near-falls.
Despite interference from The Bloodline, Reigns emerged victorious. The contest exemplified the drama and emotion that make WWE unforgettable.
- Rating:
- Storytelling: 10/10
- Psychology: 9/10
- Crowd Reaction: 10/10
The Reign of The Tribal Chief Continues
Roman Reigns’ career is a testament to his evolution as a performer, from Shield enforcer to WWE’s most dominant champion. His ability to blend storytelling with top-tier athleticism keeps fans engaged and invested in his journey. As the Tribal Chief continues to redefine greatness, every WWE fan should stay tuned to witness the next chapter in his incredible legacy.
