In a historic and emotional conclusion to WrestleMania 40, Roman Reigns’ legendary 1300-day reign as WWE Undisputed Champion came to an end. The event marked the culmination of an era defined by Reigns’ dominance and charisma, leaving fans and fellow wrestlers in awe of his accomplishments. However, the night took an unexpected turn when The Tribal Chief, visibly emotional, walked down the ramp, embraced his manager Paul Heyman, and celebrated what appeared to be the final moments of his illustrious WWE career.
Roman Reigns’ journey to the top began in 2020 when he captured the WWE Universal Championship, igniting a reign that would span nearly four years. His dominance reached new heights in 2022 when he faced WWE Champion Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38 in a champion-versus-champion, winner-takes-it-all match. Reigns emerged victorious, becoming the WWE Undisputed Champion and solidifying his status as the preeminent force in professional wrestling.
Reigns’ ability to retain his title at three out of the four WrestleManias during his reign further cemented his legacy. However, WrestleMania 40 marked a pivotal moment as he finally lost his WWE Undisputed Championship, bringing an end to his storied run.
As Roman Reigns made his way backstage after his loss, tears streamed down his face. Fans and commentators alike were left wondering why The Tribal Chief, known for his stoic and unyielding persona, was overcome with such profound emotion. While the end of a monumental championship reign was undoubtedly a factor, there was a deeper, more personal reason behind Reigns’ tears.
According to a tweet from Pro Wrestling Finesse, Roman Reigns’ championship reign ended on April 7th, the same day as the birthday of his late brother, Rosey. This poignant coincidence added a layer of sentiment to an already historic night, explaining why Reigns was so visibly moved. Rosey’s memory and the significance of the date undoubtedly played a role in the overwhelming emotions Reigns experienced as he bid farewell to his title.
With his championship reign now over, the WWE Universe is abuzz with speculation about Roman Reigns’ next move. Will The Tribal Chief step away from WWE, or does he have another chapter to write in his storied career? Triple H, a key figure in WWE, hinted at an exciting future for Reigns, suggesting that the end of his reign is merely the beginning of a new and thrilling journey.
“Before I talk on Cody, let me talk about Roman,” Triple H stated. “There’s a lot of banter about the greatest of all time. You can make arguments for a lot of people in that, and there’s a lot of metrics that you could measure that by, or opinions or whatever that is. If he is not the, he is one of, absolutely for certain—the greatest of all time. Then, to do what he did on Sunday with Cody Rhodes and getting to the end of this chapter. He’s going to go on a whole new story now that is going to blow people’s minds. He’s going to take it to a whole other level. Can’t tell you how much respect I have for Roman Reigns.”
Cody Rhodes, who played a pivotal role in Reigns’ final match as champion, was quick to acknowledge The Tribal Chief’s contributions to the sport. Rhodes, known for his respect for the legacy and traditions of professional wrestling, recognized the significance of Reigns’ reign and the impact he has had on the industry.
WrestleMania 40 will be remembered not just for the end of Roman Reigns’ championship reign but for the raw and heartfelt emotion that underscored the event. As Reigns moves forward, fans can expect new and exciting chapters in his career, driven by the same passion and dedication that defined his time as the WWE Undisputed Champion. The future is bright for Roman Reigns, and the WWE Universe eagerly awaits to see what The Tribal Chief will conquer next.
