Roman Reigns has added yet another nickname to his WWE legacy, this time from a genuine family member within the Bloodline faction. Known widely as The Tribal Chief and The Head of the Table, Reigns recently returned to RAW, where he launched an attack on Paul Heyman’s new group and debuted the nickname OTC One. Still, Bloodline legend Rikishi believes there is a more fitting title waiting for him.
During a recent episode of the Rikishi Fatu Off the Top podcast, Rikishi was asked about Reigns’ potential involvement in a tag team match at SummerSlam. While predicting that The Tribal Chief might stay in singles competition, Rikishi branded Reigns as “God Mode,” a name that signifies his dominance and influence in WWE.
Do I think God mode needs to be in a tag? No, I don’t. God Mode stands alone. That’s his new name what I’m gonna call him, God Mode, right? Everybody calls him OTC one now. I think it is, and I’m gonna call him God Mode. Because he’s good for business, he’s the one that make things happen, he’s the one that opens up opportunity not only for the company, but for everybody.” —Rikishi, Hall of Famer
The term “God Mode” is not entirely new to Roman Reigns’ narrative. It has appeared among his catchphrases since adopting the Tribal Chief persona, paired with his iconic demand to “Acknowledge Me.” The label underscores his unstoppable nature and his ability to dominate the WWE landscape.
Rikishi Believes Roman Reigns Is Strongest as a Solo Competitor
Although Roman Reigns has historically been linked with various tag teams and factions, most notably The Bloodline, his solo success as The Tribal Chief is widely recognized. Rikishi supports this view, asserting that Reigns does not require a large entourage to maintain his supremacy or to captivate WWE audiences.
In the podcast, Rikishi emphasized how Roman’s presence has been a key driver of both company success and locker room morale. He also expressed that Reigns’ strength and star power mean he does not need to rely on “a pile” of allies to command attention or carry the brand forward at SummerSlam.
Y’all making money, and y’all should be thanking him, you know? You know, when God walks through you, he walks man. He don’t walk with a pile man, you know? He can it’d be all right, but he don’t need it in my book, you know? So let’s see who’s out there.” —Rikishi, Hall of Famer
Rikishi’s comments highlight the belief that Reigns’ dominance and business impact come from his individual prowess rather than reliance on others. This suggests WWE could focus on showcasing Roman in high-profile singles matches, likely shaping the build-up to SummerSlam.
The Road Ahead for Roman Reigns at SummerSlam
As WWE prepares for SummerSlam, Roman Reigns continues to be a central figure surrounded by speculation about his next match type. With Rikishi’s endorsement of the “God Mode” nickname and insistence that Reigns thrives without needing a large faction, expectations are growing for a powerful solo showing.
Reigns’ ability to captivate fans and drive the business makes him a unique asset, and his new WWE nickname reflects his enhanced status within the company. The upcoming SummerSlam event will test whether “God Mode” Roman Reigns continues to dominate alone or if new alliances or rivalries will emerge to challenge his reign.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Roman Reigns’ illness?
A. After he came back, WWE released a documentary about one of their top stars. It shared, for the first time, that Reigns had been dealing with chronic myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer that can’t be cured but can be treated, for more than ten years.
Q. What is the disease of Roman Reigns?
A. Reigns first learned he had leukemia, specifically CML, in 2007 when he was 22. He fought the illness and overcame it, but the cancer came back 11 years later. This return of the disease made him give up his WWE Universal Championship title and take a break from WWE.
