A much-anticipated clash between WWE’s Roman Reigns and The Rock might still happen, according to Lloyd Anoa’i, a pro wrestling veteran and member of the Bloodline family. In a recent interview with Lee Tarrier of PWMania.com, Anoa’i expressed optimism that the matchup could take place on WWE’s biggest stage, commonly known as WrestleMania. He explained why this massive encounter is not off the table despite previous doubts.
Insights on Roman Reigns’ Evolution as the Tribal Chief
Lloyd Anoa’i shared his perspective on how Roman Reigns transformed into one of WWE’s most dominant characters. Initially focused on football, Reigns’ trajectory in wrestling was unexpected but slowly built from his time in FCW to his role in The Shield. The moment he adopted the Tribal Chief persona, everything fell into place, marking a turning point where he commanded authority and grew into an unstoppable force.
“Roman — Joe — is a natural. At first, he was focused on football, and wrestling wasn’t his main plan. But once he got into it, Vince knew right away he’d be a star. From FCW to The Shield, they built him up step by step. And when he finally grew into the Tribal Chief character, everything clicked. He became unstoppable. You could see the confidence, the presence — he owned it.” ?Lloyd Anoa’i, Bloodline Family Member
Potential for a Record-Setting Matchup Against The Rock
Anoa’i highlighted the extraordinary impact a Roman Reigns vs The Rock bout would create, describing it as a potential record breaker. He acknowledged WWE’s prior teasing of this showdown followed by a strategic delay but insisted that this chapter in their rivalry remains open. Even with The Rock’s reduced wrestling schedule, his involvement in the storyline could unfold in surprising ways.
“I’d love to see it. That match would be a record-breaker, no doubt about it. WWE teased it before and then pivoted, which I thought was smart at the time. But I don’t think it’s off the table at all. Even if The Rock isn’t wrestling full-time, he’ll always be part of the story in some way. WWE always leaves the door open for surprises.” ?Lloyd Anoa’i, Bloodline Family Member
Opportunities for New Rivalries in WWE
Regarding other top WWE storylines, Anoa’i shared enthusiasm for developing fresh feuds. He expressed interest in working alongside Drew McIntyre, someone he has known from McIntyre’s early days in Europe. Anoa’i described McIntyre as a talent capable of drawing substantial attention if paired with Roman Reigns, envisioning a storyline with main-event appeal that could generate significant excitement.
“Of course, anything with my family is a natural storyline. But outside of that, I’d love to work with Drew McIntyre. I’ve known Drew since Europe when he was young. He deserves more, and if built properly, he could draw huge money — especially in a program with Roman. That’s a main-event level story right there.” ?Lloyd Anoa’i, Bloodline Family Member
Paul Heyman’s Role in WWE Creative and Family Representation
Anoa’i revealed that Paul Heyman personally involved him in WWE’s creative projects in 2023, emphasizing how Heyman sought authenticity in portraying their family and culture. Heyman’s direction ensured that their story was told with respect and accuracy, a factor that profoundly resonated with Anoa’i. The creative process included filming in Pensacola and Orlando with family members participating.
“Paul Heyman called me and said Vince wanted me involved. So I went with the crew to Pensacola to shoot with my uncle, and then back to Orlando to film my dad. Paul was hands-on with everything. He knew exactly what he wanted, but he also wanted our voices and our culture represented properly. That meant a lot to me, because it wasn’t just about wrestling — it was about telling our family’s story the right way.” ?Lloyd Anoa’i, Bloodline Family Member
Cultural Significance Behind the Tribal Combat Storyline
The storyline involving Tribal Combat carries deeper meaning connected to Samoan heritage. Anoa’i described how the ulafala necklace worn by Roman Reigns is an authentic cultural symbol passed down through chiefs, not a mere fictional prop. Hearing explanations from his father and uncle about the significance of these traditions in both Samoan and English languages reflected the family’s seriousness about honoring their roots, a respect WWE upheld during the storyline’s presentation.
“It was powerful, because the ulafala necklace Roman Reigns wears is real — it’s a symbol of our culture, passed down by our chiefs. That’s not something made up for TV. Hearing my dad and my uncle explain its importance, in Samoan and in English, was straight from the heart. That’s something our family takes very seriously, and WWE respected that.” ?Lloyd Anoa’i, Bloodline Family Member
Legacy of Samoan Representation on WWE’s Largest Platforms
Reflecting on the broader impact, Anoa’i expressed pride in how his family, including The Wild Samoans, paved the way for Samoan presence in professional wrestling. He honored the lineage starting with figures like Peter Maivia and Rikishi, continuing through current stars such as The Usos and Roman Reigns. Seeing their culture celebrated on WWE’s biggest stages personally moves him and highlights the ongoing importance of representation in sports entertainment.
“Watching my dad and uncle, The Wild Samoans, put Samoa on the map — that’s my proudest memory. They led the way for all of us. From Uncle Peter Maivia to Rikishi, The Usos, Roman — it’s a lineage I’m proud to be part of. Seeing our culture represented on the biggest stage in wrestling, it touches my heart every single time.” ?Lloyd Anoa’i, Bloodline Family Member
