The Reign of Reigns: An In-Depth Look at Roman’s Championship Run
Roman Reigns‘ dominance in WWE has been nothing short of monumental. His Universal Championship reign has etched his name into the history books, and to put it simply: As of today, his Universal Championship reign is over 1,164 days and still going strong. Let’s delve deeper into this historic run, examining its milestones, defenses, and what the future might hold for the “Tribal Chief.”
A Historical Perspective: More Than Just a Title Reign
Roman Reigns captured the Universal Championship at Payback in August 2020, defeating Bray Wyatt (The Fiend) and Braun Strowman in a Triple Threat match. This victory marked the beginning of a new era. What sets his reign apart isn’t just the longevity, but also the character transformation that accompanied it. From a polarizing figure often pushed as the company’s top babyface, Reigns reinvented himself as the cunning, manipulative “Tribal Chief,” head of the dominant Bloodline faction. This character shift injected new life into his career and solidified his position as the face of WWE.
His run has already surpassed many legendary reigns. As of November 2023, his 1,164+ days as champion places him among the all-time greats. To put it in perspective, it’s the longest WWE championship reign since Hulk Hogan’s run in the late 1980s.
Milestones and Title Defenses in 2023
2023 was a busy year (for everyone else) during this historic reign. While some might argue that the frequency of his title defenses was lower than desired, each defense was a spectacle. “The Head of the Table” defended his title a select few times, each time raising the stakes and the drama:
- Royal Rumble: Defeated Kevin Owens
- Elimination Chamber: Defeated Sami Zayn
- WrestleMania 39 (Night Two): Defeated Cody Rhodes
- Crown Jewel: Defeated LA Knight
These high-profile matches showcased the reach and control of the Bloodline, often involving interference and controversial finishes. While some fans craved more frequent defenses, WWE strategically booked Reigns to maintain his aura of invincibility.
The Future: Can Anyone Topple the Tribal Chief?
The biggest question on everyone’s mind is: When will Roman Reigns lose the title? He will eventually lose the title to someone. But for now, he continues to reign supreme. Possible future opponents are always being teased, and the breakup of the Bloodline could play a major role.
FAQs: Your Questions About Roman Reigns’ Reign Answered
How long has Roman Reigns been Universal Champion?
As of November 2023, Roman Reigns has been Universal Champion for over 1,164 days.
How many times has Roman Reigns defended his title in 2023?
Roman Reigns has defended the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship four times as of November 2023.
Who did Roman Reigns defeat to become Universal Champion?
Roman Reigns defeated Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman in a Triple Threat match at Payback 2020 to win the Universal Championship.
How many world titles has Roman Reigns held in WWE?
Roman Reigns is a six-time world champion, with four WWE Championship reigns and two Universal Championship reigns.
Has John Cena ever been Universal Champion?
No, John Cena has never held the Universal Championship.
Who defeated John Cena?
Solo Sikoa defeated John Cena at Crown Jewel 2023.
Who did Roman Reigns beat at Crown Jewel 2023?
Roman Reigns defeated LA Knight at Crown Jewel 2023 to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Who has the longest championship reign in WWE history?
Bruno Sammartino holds the record for the longest WWE Championship reign at 2,803 days.
Which titles has Roman Reigns held in WWE?
Roman Reigns has held the WWE Championship, the Universal Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the United States Championship.
How many days until Roman Reigns breaks Bruno Sammartino’s record?
To break Bruno Sammartino’s record of 2,803 days, Roman Reigns would need to hold the title for more than 4 more years.
Has Randy Orton ever defeated Roman Reigns?
No, Randy Orton has not beaten Roman Reigns in any championship match.
Who all won at Crown Jewel 2023?
Winners at Crown Jewel 2023 included: Seth Rollins, Rhea Ripley, Solo Sikoa, Logan Paul, Iyo Sky, and Roman Reigns.
How many times has Charlotte Flair been champion?
Charlotte Flair is a 14-time women’s world champion in WWE.
What is the shortest title reign in WWE history?
Seth Rollins had the shortest title reign with 2 minutes.
What religion is Roman Reigns?
Roman Reigns religion is Christianity.
Conclusion: A Reign for the Ages
Roman Reigns‘ Universal Championship reign is more than just a statistical achievement; it’s a testament to his evolution as a performer, his dominance as a character, and his impact on WWE’s landscape. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s no denying the significance of this era. As we look ahead, the question remains: who, if anyone, will be the one to finally dethrone the Tribal Chief? Only time will tell.
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