Ranking Roman Reigns’ WWE SummerSlam matches from worst to best

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That said, in this article, we rank Roman Reigns’ SummerSlam matches from worst to best.

#8. Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper (SummerSlam 2015)

Roman Reigns entered SummerSlam 2015 alongside Dean Ambrose to continue their rivalry with Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper. The feud had produced entertaining television segments in the weeks leading up to the premium live event. However, the match itself never reached the level many expected.

The contest was enjoyable. It featured the hard-hitting style fans expected from all four competitors. However, the stakes weren’t particularly high. No championship or career-defining opportunity was on the line. It ultimately served as the conclusion to a mid-card rivalry rather than a landmark moment in Reigns’ career.

Looking back, it remains a solid tag team match. However, it lacks the historical importance and unforgettable moments of his other SummerSlam appearances.

#7. Reign vs. Randy Orton (SummerSlam 2014)

Fresh off his breakout singles push after The Shield’s split, Roman Reigns faced Randy Orton in one of the biggest tests of his young singles career.

The match accomplished exactly what WWE intended. Reigns defeated one of the company’s most decorated veterans clean, further establishing himself as the promotion’s next top star. His victory also continued the momentum he had built following his standout Royal Rumble performance earlier that year.

Despite its significance for Roman’s advancement, the match itself was fairly straightforward. Arguably, it never reached the emotional intensity or spectacular action associated with his later SummerSlam classics. It was a successful performance, but one that has largely been overshadowed by Brock Lesnar’s destruction of John Cena in the night’s main event.

#6. Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed (SummerSlam 2025)

After years of complicated family dynamics, Roman Reigns reunited with Jey Uso to battle Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed at SummerSlam 2025.

The match highlighted the renewed chemistry between Roman and Jey while simultaneously showcasing Breakker as one of WWE’s fastest-rising stars. Also, Bronson Reed played his role well. Thus, creating several believable moments where the veteran duo looked vulnerable.

Although entertaining from start to finish, this was ultimately a tag team attraction rather than a career-defining showcase for Reigns. It furthered multiple storylines without carrying the historical significance of his biggest SummerSlam victories.

#5. Fatal Four-Way Match for the Universal Championship (SummerSlam 2017)

Roman Reigns entered one of the most chaotic matches of his career when he challenged Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship alongside Braun Strowman and Samoa Joe.

The Fatal Four-Way quickly turned into an all-out war. Every competitor had opportunities to shine. However, Braun Strowman’s destruction of Lesnar with multiple tables remains one of the most memorable moments of the contest.

Although Reigns failed to capture the title, he still played a major role in one of SummerSlam’s most exciting championship matches. The nonstop pace, constant momentum shifts, and believable near-falls made this one of WWE’s best multi-man matches of the era.

Its only drawback is that Roman wasn’t the defining performer of the contest, as Strowman’s breakout display often receives most of the praise.

#4. Reigns vs. Jey Uso – Tribal Combat (SummerSlam 2023)

By 2023, Roman Reigns’ Bloodline saga had become one of WWE’s greatest long-term stories. His Tribal Combat match against Jey Uso represented another emotional chapter in that family conflict.

The storytelling was exceptional throughout the bout. Every exchange carried years of history. Also, Jey’s determination to dethrone his cousin created genuine suspense about Roman’s lengthy championship reign.

The controversial finish involving Jimmy Uso’s betrayal ultimately divided the WWE Universe. Although it successfully advanced the Bloodline storyline, many fans believed it undercut Jey’s emotional journey.

Even so, the match remains one of Roman’s strongest SummerSlam performances. Perhaps because of its storytelling, character work, and emotional investment.

#3. Reigns vs. John Cena (SummerSlam 2021)

There are few bigger marquee matches in WWE history than Roman Reigns vs. John Cena.

SummerSlam 2021 marked the first one-on-one showdown between Tribal Chief Roman and the returning Cena. The build centered around legacy. The Franchise Player attempted to prevent Roman from fully cementing himself as WWE’s undisputed top star.

Inside the ring, both men delivered exactly what the occasion demanded. Roman Reigns defeated John Cena clean in the middle of the ring. Thus, he reinforced his dominance as Universal Champion and proved that WWE’s future truly belonged to him.

As memorable as the match was, its biggest surprise came when Brock Lesnar made his shocking return, instantly creating anticipation for Roman’s next major rivalry.

#2. Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar – Last Man Standing Match (SummerSlam 2022)

Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar had battled numerous times before. However, SummerSlam 2022 finally produced the definitive chapter in their rivalry.

The Last Man Standing stipulation allowed both superstars to unleash complete chaos. Lesnar famously drove a tractor into the ring, lifting it off the ground with Roman still inside. It was one of the most unforgettable visuals in SummerSlam history.

The action escalated throughout the contest, with weapons, interference, and creative near finishes making every count feel meaningful. Instead of feeling repetitive, the stipulation helped the rivalry reach a dramatic conclusion unlike any of their previous encounters.

For many fans, this remains one of Roman Reigns’ greatest in-ring SummerSlam performances.

#1. Reigns vs. Lesnar – Universal Championship (SummerSlam 2018)

At the top of the list is the victory that finally changed everything.

For years, Roman Reigns had pursued Brock Lesnar, only to fall short on WWE’s biggest stages. At SummerSlam 2018, he finally overcame The Beast to capture the Universal Championship and end Lesnar’s dominant title reign.

The match was faster-paced than many of their previous encounters. Braun Strowman’s presence at ringside added another layer of unpredictability. Thus, forcing Lesnar to constantly divide his attention between his challenger and the looming Money in the Bank threat.

More importantly, the victory represented a turning point in Roman’s career. After years of setbacks against Lesnar, he finally stood tall as Universal Champion and ushered in a new era atop WWE.