Roman Reigns, regarded as one of the top WWE Superstars of his generation, has faced an unexpected setback as he was once again excluded from Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s prestigious PWI 500 list. This development on September 24 highlights the impact of Reigns’ increasingly limited appearances in WWE events over recent years. Despite his high status, his part-time schedule has kept him away from live action frequently, which seems to have influenced this omission.
Reigns’ absence in the squared circle contrasts sharply with the prominence of other competitors. His former rival, Cody Rhodes, claimed the top spot on the PWI 500 list, followed closely by Jon Moxley. This marks a significant shift as Reigns, often referred to as “The Tribal Chief,” did not meet the criteria set by the ranking panel for the second consecutive year.
John Cena’s Upcoming Match Confirmed Against Former Adversary
WWE officially revealed that John Cena will face AJ Styles at the upcoming Crown Jewel event, reigniting a rivalry that has captivated audiences. This bout represents their first one-on-one match since 2018, fulfilling Cena’s expressed wish to compete against “The Phenomenal One.” These remaining five appearances mark the final chapter in Cena’s retirement tour, culminating with what is expected to be his last match in December.
Charlotte Flair Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Late Best Friend
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Charlotte Flair recently shared a deeply personal loss with her fans on Instagram. She mourned the passing of her longtime best friend, Britney Zahn, recounting memories of their bond since their early teens. Flair recalled how the two first connected over volleyball tryouts and quickly became inseparable, with both their families growing close over the years.
“I remember driving down 485 in my parent’s car, nervous. I didn’t know any of the girls who would be there. The only name I recognized was Britney Zahn from Charlotte Catholic — the outside hitter no one at PDS could stop. She had just moved from Louisville, Kentucky, and everyone was saying she was the best player in the state. My parent’s wanted me to try out for the same team: Charlotte Elite. One of the parents told them this was the team to be on, and that Britney was the girl they were going to build it around. We both made the team. A week later, since I didn’t have my license yet, Britney offered me a ride to practice. She’s been my best friend ever since… We were inseparable. My family loved Britney as their own.”
She also reflected on the tragedies she and Zahn endured, including the loss of their younger brothers, and how Britney faced her hardships with dignity.
“We both lost our little brothers, but even in her seemingly perfect world, that kind of devastation was unthinkable. Still, she carried it with grace. I was just telling her how we had our whole lives ahead of us, how we could be whoever we wanted to be. I never expected a world without her. Until I see you again. I love you Zahn. 🪽”
Implications of Roman Reigns’ Limited WWE Participation
Roman Reigns’ transition to a part-time role in WWE has stirred concern among fans and analysts about his long-term position within the sport. This shift has affected his visibility and momentum, causing him to miss out on important accolades such as the PWI 500, which ranks the top 500 wrestlers globally based on their activity and performance. His absence from this list for the second year suggests that his current approach may influence his legacy in the wrestling world.
Meanwhile, competitors like Cody Rhodes and Jon Moxley, who maintain regular appearances and high-profile storylines, are thriving and receiving recognition accordingly. Experts like Vivek Sharma of Sportskeeda Wrestling emphasize how part-time schedules can impact a superstar’s rankings and fan perception.
What’s Next for Roman Reigns and WWE Fans?
As WWE continues to navigate its roster dynamics, Reigns’ ongoing WWE absence raises questions about his future engagement with the company and the franchise’s direction in featuring its top talents. Fans remain hopeful that Reigns will return to a more consistent role, preserving his dominant status within the company. In the meantime, storylines and ranking announcements like those surrounding John Cena’s farewell tour and Charlotte Flair’s personal tributes continue to shape WWE’s evolving narrative.
With his absence from the PWI 500 creating a ripple effect, Reigns’ situation underscores the challenges faced by part-time wrestlers in maintaining both prominence and legacy in the competitive world of professional wrestling.
