Pro Wrestling Illustrated has released its 2025 edition of the PWI 500, an annual ranking of the 500 top active male wrestlers worldwide. This year’s list, covering performances from August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025, drew attention for one notable omission: Roman Reigns, who had consistently ranked among the elite wrestlers for over a decade, did not appear.
Reason Behind Roman Reigns’ Exclusion From the List
Roman Reigns’ absence breaks a longstanding streak; he had been included every year since 2011 and was almost always in the top ten. Despite still being an active competitor without retirement, the critical factor was the number of matches he wrestled during the evaluation period. PWI requires a minimum of ten matches within the specified timeframe to qualify for the list.
Reigns only competed six times between August 2024 and July 2025, which fell short of the threshold, leading to his exclusion. This does not suggest a decline in skill or credibility; rather, it reflects limited in-ring activity during the period measured by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
Limited Matches Mark Roman Reigns’ Activity
The limited count of six matches contrasts with previous years when Reigns was among the most active performers. His inactivity this year largely stems from external commitments and selective appearances. Comparatively, during the previous evaluation period, Reigns had fewer matches as well, making his early presence in this cycle notable.
During the current assessment window, Reigns participated in key events including a tag team match at SummerSlam and secured a victory over Bronson Reed at Clash in Paris. These appearances show involvement but still fall short of the ten-match minimum criteria.
Future Prospects for Reigns’ Return to the Rankings
Looking ahead, Roman Reigns appears to be positioning himself for a return to the PWI 500. Already having two matches early in this evaluation period, he only needs to compete in at least eight more bouts before July 31, 2026, to meet the eligibility standards. However, his schedule remains uncertain.
Reigns is currently taking time away from WWE to portray Akuma in the upcoming Street Fighter film. This career transition to Hollywood may further reduce his wrestling appearances in the near future, complicating his chances of making next year’s PWI 500, despite his established reputation.
Implications of Reigns’ Absence and What Lies Ahead
The notable absence of Roman Reigns from the 2025 PWI 500 highlights how activity level influences wrestler rankings even for those with top-tier status. This situation underscores the balance wrestlers must maintain between in-ring participation and outside ventures.
While Reigns’ temporary break affects his current standing, his legacy and skill remain intact. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if he can balance his expanding career with WWE commitments and return to the prestigious list in the future.
