6 WWE Superstars who have stepped up to Roman Reigns

”
], { type: “text/html” }
);
const iframe = document.createElement(“iframe”);
iframe.src = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
iframe.style.cssText = “width:100%;height:100%;border:0;”;
container.appendChild(iframe);
attachIframeMessageListener(iframe);
}
const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, obs) => {
const entry = entries[0];
if (entry.isIntersecting) {
obs.unobserve(entry.target);
requestIdleCallback(() => {
initWidget(entry.target);
}, {
timeout: 200
});
}
}, {
root: null,
rootMargin: “300px 0px”,
threshold: 0.01
});
requestIdleCallback(() => {
$all(“.nl-inline-form-container”).forEach((c) => {
observer.observe(c);
});
});
})();

Now, let’s take a look at six WWE Superstars who have stepped up to Roman Reigns.

#6. Jacob Fatu (WWE RAW after WrestleMania 42)

This is the most recent entry on this list. On the April 20 episode of WWE RAW, which was the first edition of the red brand after WrestleMania 42, Roman Reigns took to the ring with The Usos to celebrate his conquest of CM Punk. The atmosphere was electric. However, it turned chilly the moment the music of Jacob Fatu hit.

Unlike The Usos and Solo Sikoa, Fatu didn’t come out to acknowledge the Tribal Chief. He stepped into the ring and went nose-to-nose with the OTC. He made it clear that he wasn’t interested in Bloodline politics. He was interested in gold. The Samoan Werewolf’s clean victory over Solo Sikoa on the subsequent SmackDown seemingly solidified him as a legitimate threat.

With their showdown at Backlash in Tampa now almost official, the world is waiting to see if Jacob Fatu can do what so many others have failed to do: break the Roman Empire.

#5. Cody Rhodes (RAW – March 20, 2023)

Long before finishing the story became a multi-year epic, there was the initial confrontation that set the tone. On the March 20 episode of WWE RAW in 2023, Cody Rhodes stood in the ring and dismantled Roman’s aura with words before they ever traded blows.

The American Nightmare didn’t just step up. He likely challenged Reigns on a deeply personal level. Bringing up family, legacy, and what it truly meant to carry a wrestling dynasty, Cody seemingly positioned himself as the ultimate foil to The Tribal Chief. While Roman ruled through dominance and manipulation, Rhodes stood for perseverance.

This confrontation set the stage for their WWE WrestleMania bout and proved that stepping up to Roman Reigns required more than courage.

#4. LA Knight (SmackDown – Oct. 13, 2023)

In late 2023, nobody was hotter in WWE than LA Knight. When Roman Reigns returned to SmackDown after a brief hiatus, he expected the usual fanfare. Instead, he was met by a man who didn’t care about lineage or God Mode.

Knight stepped into the ring on the October 13 episode and told Roman to his face that he was “occupying his space.” For a brief moment, it seemed like the tribal hierarchy didn’t matter, only The Megastar did. Knight’s fearless attitude and refusal to back down during their contract signing for WWE Crown Jewel somewhat made Reigns look human for the first time in months.

It was a testament to LA Knight’s charisma that he could stand in the ring with the most protected star in the company and feel like he belonged.

#3. Goldberg (SmackDown – Feb. 8, 2022)

In February 2022, the “Spear vs. Spear” match that was two years in the making finally became a reality. On the February 8 episode of WWE SmackDown. Goldberg walked into the ring and told Roman Reigns that he was “next.”

While fans were divided on Goldberg’s late-career title matches, there was no denying the visual impact of the Hall of Famer standing across from Roman Reigns. Da Man didn’t care about The Bloodline’s numbers game. He believed his raw power could end the reign in seconds.

This led to a technical submission victory for the OTC at Elimination Chamber. It likely showed that Roman Reigns was becoming a smarter, more tactical predator.

#2. John Cena (Money in the Bank 2021)

The summer of John Cena in 2021 began with a roar that nearly blew the roof off the arena. After Roman Reigns defeated Edge in a grueling main event, Cena’s music hit, and the 17-time WWE World Champion made his return.

The Franchise Player didn’t just step up to the OTC; he challenged his very identity. During their promos leading up to SummerSlam, John Cena called Roman a “glorified 11-year prospect.” That’s not all. He told him he only needed three seconds to take everything away.

The tension between the face of the Ruthless Aggression era and the king of the Island of Relevancy was palpable. The GOAT’s presence likely forced Roman Reigns to reach a new level of intensity. Reigns’ victory seemingly cemented his status as the undisputed top star of the modern era.

#1. Brock Lesnar was a massive threat to Roman Reigns’ title run (SummerSlam 2021)

Just moments after Roman celebrated his victory over Cena at SummerSlam, the familiar riff of Brock Lesnar’s music sent shockwaves through the stadium.

The image of a bearded Lesnar walking toward the ring while a terrified Paul Heyman cowered in the corner is an all-time classic WWE moment. The Beast Incarnate was the only man the OTC truly seemed to fear during his historical run.

Their rivalry culminated in a Last Man Standing Match at The Biggest Part of the Summer. At the event, Brock Lesnar literally lifted the ring with a tractor.