Roman Reigns: WWE Superstar’s Journey, Secrets and Future Aspirations

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — About an hour into our flight to the Royal Rumble, Joe Anoa’i, more famously known as WWE superstar Roman Reigns, revealed an unexpected spoiler: he’s not winning the Royal Rumble. The declaration felt as shocking as uncovering a plot twist from a beloved TV series before it airs.

Anoa’i has portrayed Reigns in WWE since 2012, evolving the character from an awkward good guy to a commanding presence as a villain, known for his catchphrase, “Acknowledge me.” “I’m very passionate about being a storyteller, being able to dive into a character and wear a different skin,” Anoa’i said, emphasizing the storytelling aspect of wrestling.

Though he embodies the larger-than-life Reigns, Anoa’i is quite different—self-described as a laid-back introvert and a father of five. Reigns, on the other hand, is a dominating figure, resembling a mob boss who rules over his family. Anoa’i noted, “We just turn the dial up,” highlighting how performers amplify their personalities in the ring.

As our flight approached Indianapolis, the atmosphere became electric with anticipation for WWE’s marquee event. Traditionally, the winner of the Royal Rumble earns a title shot at WrestleMania, where Reigns could potentially face Cody Rhodes again, following past matchups. “Three in a row seems a bit much,” he candidly admitted regarding the potential storyline.

Anoa’i, who holds the universal championship, has become a defining figure in WWE, achieving record-setting attendance and expectations. He’s been a lead performer during WWE’s profoundly profitable era, discussing broad changes after the 2023 merger with UFC’s parent company, resulting in the formation of TKO Group Holdings.

WWE’s influence has even spilled into the political sphere, with figures like Donald Trump having made prominent appearances. Anoa’i recognizes that paths to success can follow varying trajectories, paralleling his wrestling career with potential ventures in Hollywood. With a brief appearance in “Hobbs & Shaw” and a forthcoming role in “The Pickup” alongside Eddie Murphy, he seems on the cusp of a possible transition to acting.

Although he relishes his wrestling persona, Anoa’i expressed caution regarding the end of his wrestling career. “After I finish the contract that I’m in, we probably got another year or two max,” he revealed, pointing to an inevitable shift to less physically demanding roles.

Fitness plays a significant role in Anoa’i’s routine. Prior to our flight, he completed a workout designed to maintain his physique, which he deems essential for performance. “If my look isn’t right, then my performance will suffer,” he stated as he prepared for his TV appearance.

Anoa’i often references his wrestling heritage, proudly belonging to the Samoan Dynasty—one of wrestling’s most illustrious families. He practiced wrestling as a child, absorbing the influence of his lineage while navigating his childhood with a strong family bond.

His early aspirations included a football career, marked by a scholarship to Georgia Tech and a brief stint with the NFL, as well as the Canadian Football League. A life-changing cancer diagnosis—chronic myeloid leukemia—cut that dream short, redirecting him towards wrestling after a heart-to-heart with his father.

Transitioning from performing in smaller independent circuits to the WWE main roster, Anoa’i experienced growing pains typical to all wrestlers, including public skepticism. When fans responded negatively to his initial character, he took the feedback to heart. “They were able to see the holes in my game,” he reflected, understanding the need to earn their respect.

The pandemic era proved pivotal. WWE continued to operate while other sports paused, leading Anoa’i to reevaluate his portrayal as Reigns amid a challenging creative landscape. His collaboration with Paul Heyman redefined Reigns, transforming him into “the Tribal Chief” and solidifying his compelling narrative.

As we prepare for the Royal Rumble, Anoa’i feels a mix of nerves and excitement, indicative of a performer poised to deliver. Fans swarmed the airport upon our arrival, a tangible reminder of the adoration and energy that surrounds him. “Good problems,” Anoa’i said, choosing to see the positive side in the intense fan presence that often accompanies his star status.

Backstage at Lucas Oil Stadium, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. WWE’s commitment to delivering captivating entertainment continues to engage audiences and enrich the wrestling landscape, with Reigns being a pivotal figure in this evolution.

As and if Anoa’i transitions to a new phase in his career post-WWE, he is likely to carry the same fierce dedication that made him a standout star. Whether in acting, politics, or another arena, one thing is clear: he is ready for whatever comes next, perhaps even a future leadership role. “You never know,” he teased as we landed in Indianapolis.