Roman Reigns' Wrestling History

Roman Reigns, whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoa'i, is a professional wrestler and former American football player. Born on May 25, 1985, in Pensacola, Florida, Reigns comes from a prominent wrestling family. He is a member of the Anoa'i wrestling dynasty, which includes legendary names such as The Rock (Dwayne Johnson), Yokozuna, and Rikishi. Throughout his career, Roman Reigns has become one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures in the world of professional wrestling. Let's delve into his fascinating journey and explore the history of Roman Reigns.

Roman Reigns hails from a Samoan-American heritage. His father, Sika Anoa'i, was one-half of the iconic tag team The Wild Samoans, and his older brother, Rosey, also had a notable wrestling career. Growing up in a wrestling family, Reigns had exposure to the sport from an early age. However, his first love was football, and he pursued a successful collegiate and professional career before stepping into the squared circle.

Reigns attended Pensacola Catholic High School and later moved to Escambia High School, where he excelled as a football player. He was a standout defensive tackle and received several accolades during his high school career. Reigns' success on the gridiron earned him a football scholarship at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), where he continued to display his skills as a defensive lineman.

After his collegiate career, Roman Reigns entered the world of professional football. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2007 but was released before the regular season began. He then joined the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad but was released once again. Reigns' football aspirations continued as he played for the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2008. However, he was released from the team the following year.

Despite facing setbacks in football, Reigns possessed an undeniable athletic prowess and a desire to make a mark in the sports world. Inspired by his family's wrestling legacy, he set his sights on professional wrestling. Roman Reigns began his training at the renowned Wild Samoan Training Center, owned by his uncle, Afa Anoa'i, in 2008. Under the guidance of his family, Reigns honed his skills and prepared for a career inside the ring.

After completing his training, Roman Reigns made his professional wrestling debut in 2010, under the ring name Leakee. He competed in various independent promotions, including Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), the developmental territory for WWE at the time. Reigns showcased his abilities and caught the attention of WWE officials.

In 2012, WWE rebranded its developmental territory and launched NXT. Roman Reigns was part of the inaugural NXT roster and quickly made an impact. He formed a faction known as The Shield alongside Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, serving as their enforcer. The Shield made an immediate impact, targeting top WWE Superstars and asserting their dominance. Their unique look, unrelenting aggression, and strategic teamwork made them one of the most popular factions in recent history.

As The Shield gained popularity, Roman Reigns, with his imposing physique and intense in-ring style, stood out as a potential breakout star. Fans began to take notice of his undeniable presence and natural charisma. However, in June 2014, the group disbanded, and each member embarked on their individual journey.

Following The Shield's breakup, WWE pushed Roman Reigns as a top singles competitor. He adopted the ring name Roman Reigns, which combined his real name with the concept of royalty, symbolizing his perceived destiny to rule the wrestling world. Reigns quickly became a polarizing figure among

Roman Reigns has formed strong friendships with several wrestlers throughout his career. One of his closest friends is Seth Rollins, who was his Shield stablemate and has remained a trusted ally both in and out of the ring. Another close friend is Dean Ambrose (now known as Jon Moxley), with whom Reigns shared many memorable moments as part of The Shield. Additionally, Reigns has built friendships with other wrestlers such as Braun Strowman, Cesaro, and Samoa Joe. These friendships not only contribute to the camaraderie in the wrestling industry but also provide support and companionship in the demanding world of professional wrestling.