Roman Reigns, whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoa’i, is one of the most recognizable faces in professional wrestling today. As of 2025, Roman Reigns has an estimated net worth of $14 million, and at 39 years old, he stands as a dominant force in WWE, both in and out of the ring. While his journey to the top of sports entertainment wasn’t always smooth, it’s his resilience and evolution that have kept fans—and critics—talking for years.
How Did Roman Reigns Transition From Football to Wrestling?
Before Roman Reigns became a household name in the WWE Universe, he had dreams of conquering the football world. After graduating from high school, Reigns attended Georgia Tech, where he majored in management and played football as a defensive tackle. His efforts on the field earned him the title of Defensive Player of the Year.
In 2007, Reigns was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. However, an early leukemia diagnosis sidelined him before he could make an impact. Brief stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos followed, but none offered the success or stability he was looking for. By 2008, Roman decided to hang up his cleats, unknowingly stepping toward the path that would make him a global icon.
What Sparked Roman Reigns’ Meteoric Rise in WWE?
Roman Reigns signed with WWE in 2010 and began training in its then-developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling. Just two years later, he made his WWE main roster debut as part of the notorious faction, The Shield, alongside Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose (now known as Jon Moxley in AEW). Initially cast as a heroic character fighting injustice, Reigns quickly made waves thanks to his undeniable athleticism and presence.
However, WWE’s decision to position Reigns as the “face of the company” sparked significant backlash. Despite impressive accolades—including six WWE Championships, two WWE Universal Championships, and a win at the 2015 Royal Rumble—fans often felt Reigns was being force-fed to them. This sentiment reached a fever pitch in 2015 and 2016 when WWE even resorted to pumping in fake crowd cheers during his entrances to drown out the overwhelming boos.
Why Did Roman Reigns Finally Embrace His Villainous Side?
The narrative began to shift dramatically in 2020. After years of polarizing reactions, WWE made a bold decision: turn Roman heel (villain) and rebrand him as “The Tribal Chief.” This version of Reigns was more ruthless, confident, and willing to acknowledge his dominance unapologetically. Fans and critics who once jeered began to respect this layered, complex persona.
Since then, Reigns has rewritten WWE history. His Universal Championship reign has shattered records, surpassing 1,000 days in 2023, making it the longest modern-era WWE title reign since 1988. Under the guidance of on-screen advocate Paul Heyman, Roman’s character became more than just a powerhouse—it evolved into a compelling and dynamic figurehead for WWE’s SmackDown brand.
How Has Roman Reigns’ Personal Life Influenced His Career?
Beyond the bright lights of the squared circle, Roman Reigns is a devoted family man. In 2014, he married Galina Joelle Becker, whom he met during his college years at Georgia Tech. Together, they’ve built a family, including five children—remarkably, two sets of twins among them.
Roman’s Samoan and Italian heritage is steeped in wrestling royalty. He hails from the legendary Anoa’i family, which includes icons like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Yokozuna, Rikishi, and The Usos. His father, Sika Anoa’i, and his late brother, Rosey, were also professional wrestlers, making Reigns’ wrestling lineage one of the richest in the industry.
What Health Challenges Has Roman Reigns Overcome?
Roman’s battles outside the ring have shaped the warrior we see today. Diagnosed with leukemia at a young age, Reigns faced the disease twice—first cutting his football career short and then returning in 2018. His heartfelt announcement that leukemia had returned shocked the WWE Universe, but the outpouring of support was overwhelming.
In 2019, Reigns announced his leukemia was once again in remission, marking a triumphant return to action. The experience gave fans a more human perspective of Reigns, allowing them to see beyond the larger-than-life persona. In addition to leukemia, Roman also dealt with in-ring injuries, including a broken nose sustained in a brutal bout with Sheamus, requiring nasal reconstructive surgery.
What’s Next for The Tribal Chief?
As of 2025, Roman Reigns shows no signs of slowing down. While still carrying the Universal Championship and holding court as the “Head of the Table,” Reigns continues to captivate audiences with his storytelling and hard-hitting matches. Whether fans love or love to hate him, Roman Reigns is undeniably a pillar of WWE’s success and an inspiration both inside and outside the ring.
From being booed out of arenas to earning grudging respect as one of the industry’s most dominant performers, Roman Reigns’ story is one of persistence, reinvention, and legacy.
