Top 10 Rivals of Roman Reigns: From Challengers to Legends

 

(The image used is AI-generated and inspired by Roman Reigns. This blog is not affiliated with or endorsed by WWE. All WWE trademarks belong to their respective owners)

10. Braun Strowman

The “Monster Among Men” was a destructive force during his feud with Roman Reigns in 2017. From flipping ambulances to brutal backstage beatdowns, Strowman pushed Reigns into some of the most chaotic brawls of his career. Their intense clashes helped define the physical edge of Reigns' character.

9. Kevin Owens

Owens has been a constant threat, especially during Roman’s reign as the Tribal Chief. Their 2020–2021 rivalry included TLC and Last Man Standing matches that showcased KO's resilience and Roman's cunning. Owens never backed down, but Roman always found a way to stay on top.

8. Jey Uso

Family turned foe. When Roman returned in 2020, he made Jey Uso the first to fall in line—or suffer the consequences. Their Hell in a Cell "I Quit" match was deeply emotional and brutal, highlighting Roman’s transformation into the Head of the Table.

7. Daniel Bryan

Bryan brought the perfect contrast to Roman's dominance: heart, skill, and integrity. Their battles in 2015 and again in 2021 were wrestling clinics. Whether it was Fastlane or WrestleMania season, Bryan made Roman earn every victory.

6. Seth Rollins

Brothers from The Shield turned bitter enemies. Seth’s shocking betrayal in 2014 planted the seed for a rivalry that would stretch across years. Their Royal Rumble 2022 match proved that the wounds were still fresh, and the chemistry still electric.

5. Edge

Edge’s return to full-time competition led him straight to Reigns. The build-up to WrestleMania 37 was personal and explosive. Though Edge brought experience and mind games, Roman stood tall, asserting himself as the true top guy of this era.

4. John Cena

The face of the previous generation clashed with the face of the current. Cena’s promos lit a fire under Reigns in 2017, and their 2021 SummerSlam match was a high-stakes blockbuster. Reigns' win marked the official passing of the torch.

3. Brock Lesnar

The Beast Incarnate has been Roman’s most consistent main-event rival. Their rivalry spanned WrestleMania 31, 34, and the explosive SummerSlam 2022 showdown. Whether Roman was chasing or defending, Brock always brought the danger and the drama.

2. Cody Rhodes

Cody’s mission to “finish the story” collided with Roman’s quest to stay unbeaten. Their WrestleMania 39 main event was emotionally charged and beautifully built. Roman retained, but the door for a future clash remains wide open.

1. The Undertaker

No rival signified Roman’s rise more than The Deadman. At WrestleMania 33, Roman defeated The Undertaker in a symbolic and emotional moment. That match wasn’t just a win—it was a career-defining torch pass that marked the beginning of Roman’s takeover.