Roman Reigns recently discussed the difficult start to his WWE career, highlighting the stark contrast between his early experiences and the current conditions for emerging wrestlers. In an ESPN interview focused on the WWE and ESPN partnership, Reigns shared insights about the developmental system and how it has evolved over time.
He described training in a modest warehouse in Tampa where he earned just $500 weekly, describing the space as small, dusty, and far from ideal.
Well, it’s rough. I mean, when I started this was years ago. I was making $500 a week in a dirty, little, dusty Tampa warehouse.
—Roman Reigns, WWE Superstar
Reigns contrasted that with today’s state-of-the-art performance center, which offers multiple rings and advanced facilities, giving wrestlers the resources and compensation they deserve.
Now, it’s a complete performance center. There’s got to be seven to ten rings ready to go at all times. I mean, the facilities are second to none. The guys come in and make more money. But that’s how it works. You know, as we grow, as we get bigger and better, the foundation the starting point is going to, you know, lift up as well. But it’s rough.
—Roman Reigns, WWE Superstar
Comparing Wrestling to Early Football Experiences
Beyond WWE’s development challenges, Reigns reflected on how wrestling’s demands differ from his years playing football. He noted that, unlike football where success is measured by winning the majority of plays, in wrestling every fall represents a complete loss.
The way I explain it, I played football since I was 7 years old. If you’re a good football player, you’re winning maybe 70 to 75% of the snaps. So, you’re doing well, you know what I mean?
—Roman Reigns, WWE Superstar
Reigns emphasized the physical and emotional impact of falling in the ring, comparing it to a harsh experience that never gets easier despite repeated efforts.
Every single time that I fall down on the mat, hit that canvas, I lose 100% of the time. It hurts every single time. Some big brother picks you up and throws you down it does not feel good. There are a lot of things that we can, you know, make the magic but when you fall down, you just fall down. So that yeah, that’s the thing.
—Roman Reigns, WWE Superstar
Upcoming Film Role and WWE Appearances
In addition to his wrestling career, Roman Reigns is preparing for a four-week film shoot this September as part of the new Street Fighter movie. He will portray the character Akuma and start filming on September 2 through the 26th, while fellow wrestler Cody Rhodes takes on the role of Guile.
Despite the expectation that Reigns might take time off following a recent attack featured on WWE RAW, he remains scheduled to appear on the August 18 episode. Meanwhile, Rhodes is anticipated to spend less time on the film set than Reigns.
Significance of Reigns’ Journey and What Lies Ahead
Roman Reigns’ reflections reveal the significant progress WWE has made in supporting talent development while underscoring the personal hardships wrestlers endure. His transition from modest beginnings to becoming a major WWE star and actor illustrates the evolving nature of professional wrestling and its expanding cultural reach. As he balances his in-ring commitments with new on-screen roles, Reigns’ career trajectory exemplifies the expanding opportunities for wrestlers beyond the ring.
