Roman Reigns recently declined to name Cody Rhodes as his greatest rival, instead highlighting Brock Lesnar as the most pivotal opponent in his <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE journey. This insight comes as Reigns reflected on his career-defining moments, emphasizing how his rivalry with Lesnar reshaped his path in the wrestling world. The discussions took place around WWE’s recent broadcasting partnership, with Reigns speaking openly about his evolution in the ring.
Reigns has competed against numerous prominent WWE stars, including Rhodes, who engaged in a widely praised two-part WrestleMania feud with him. Despite many fans considering their rivalry among the best, Reigns chose not to single out Rhodes when asked about his toughest competition. Instead, he recognized Lesnar, a wrestler who has faced Reigns multiple times on wrestling’s biggest stage.
The Impact of Facing Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania
Reigns first confronted Brock Lesnar in the WrestleMania 31 main event after earning a Royal Rumble victory to challenge Lesnar for the WWE Championship. Their encounter ended without a definitive winner, as Seth Rollins unexpectedly seized the championship in what became known as the Heist of the Century. This match marked a turning point in Reigns’ career, elevating his status within WWE.
Reflecting on that pivotal night, Reigns stated,
Brock Lesnar. My whole career changed once I got into the ring with him.
—Roman Reigns
Five years earlier, Reigns described the impact of his first match with Lesnar, explaining how it significantly raised his profile in the industry. The experience pushed him to new professional heights, reshaping the trajectory of his wrestling career.
When you work with Brock Lesnar. When you are in the ring with Brock Lesnar, it puts you, it jumps you multiple jumps. My life changed in 2015. WrestleMania 31, it hasn’t been the same.
—Roman Reigns
The rivalry continued with another WrestleMania showdown three years later in New Orleans. Although many expected Reigns to emerge victorious at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Lesnar retained his title in an unexpected result.
Reigns on Lesnar’s Unique Presence and Performance
Roman Reigns praised Brock Lesnar’s abilities as a performer and competitor, echoing sentiments previously expressed by fellow WWE star John Cena. He highlighted the intense focus required when facing Lesnar in the ring, acknowledging the unpredictability and respect Lesnar commands.
A lot of love for Brock. He’s a great performer. A lot of people heard the statements that John Cena made about him. I’m not sure if he was wrong. You know, I mean he’s one of the few guys that people really really believed. Even as a performer, you have to always keep your eyes on him. If you watch, when I am in the ring with him, I never take my eyes off Brock because you just never know.
—Roman Reigns
At WrestleMania 38, Reigns was finally able to defeat Lesnar at AT&T Stadium with Paul Heyman in his corner. This victory solidified Reigns’ status as the Tribal Chief and underscored the threat Lesnar represents.
That’s a type of competitor. That’s an intimidating man, that he is.
—Roman Reigns
Brock Lesnar’s Respect for Roman Reigns’ Growth
Brock Lesnar rarely offers praise or interviews, but prior to their WrestleMania 38 match, he provided candid remarks about Reigns’ evolution. Lesnar recognized Reigns as a genuine superstar who matured into a major threat both as a competitor and a character within WWE.
I see a f–king superstar, I see a guy who came into his own and is a real threat as a person and as a character. … Roman has the ‘It’ factor, has had it. It’s exciting to me. I get goosebumps just thinking about this match.
—Brock Lesnar
Roman Reigns debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2012 as part of The Shield, with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. Initially billed as the powerhouse of the group, Reigns’ early solo push was met with resistance from the audience, who found his character and promotional style difficult to connect with. However, his alliance with Paul Heyman, previously instrumental in Lesnar’s success, helped Reigns achieve unprecedented popularity.
Reigns held the Undisputed WWE Championship for an impressive 1,316 days, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in WWE history. His relationship with Heyman and his battles against Lesnar have been central to his rise.
Future Prospects for the Roman Reigns Brock Lesnar Rivalry
The rivalry between Reigns and Lesnar may soon reignite following Lesnar’s surprise return at SummerSlam last weekend. Although Lesnar is expected initially to pursue a new feud with John Cena after attacking him during WWE’s premium live event, a fresh chapter between the Tribal Chief and the Beast Incarnate appears inevitable. Meanwhile, Reigns began SummerSlam’s first night teaming with Jey Uso to defeat rising stars Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, maintaining his presence as WWE’s dominant figurehead.
As the WWE landscape continues to evolve, the ongoing tension between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar promises to remain a key storyline, capturing the attention of fans and shaping the company’s future main-event scene.
