How Old Was Roman Reigns When He Started Wrestling?

Roman Reigns, born Leati Joseph “Joe” Anoa’i, is one of the most recognized faces in professional wrestling. Known for his powerhouse moves, undeniable charisma, and connection with fans, Reigns has etched his name in WWE history. However, his journey to becoming “The Tribal Chief” was neither simple nor immediate. It began with a decision to step into the wrestling ring after an impressive yet short-lived football career. Fans often wonder: how old was Roman Reigns when he started wrestling? By examining his life, career milestones, and family legacy, we can better understand how a young man in his early 20s laid the foundation for becoming one of WWE’s biggest stars.

The Wrestling Heritage of the Anoa’i Family

Roman Reigns is not just a wrestling superstar—he’s a part of the legendary Anoa’i family, one of the most influential wrestling dynasties in history. This family has produced some of the greatest names in wrestling, such as Yokozuna, Rikishi, The Wild Samoans, and even Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Growing up surrounded by wrestling legends, it was almost inevitable that Reigns would one day follow in their footsteps.

• The Anoa’i Family Legacy
  Wrestling is deeply ingrained in the Anoa’i family’s culture. Roman’s father, Sika Anoa’i, was one-half of the legendary tag team, The Wild Samoans, and his uncle Afa played an equally pivotal role in establishing their name in wrestling. Their success inspired many future generations of the family to step into the ring.
• Close Ties to The Rock
  Roman Reigns shares a close bond with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, his cousin. While The Rock ventured into wrestling a decade earlier, his guidance and success further motivated Reigns to take wrestling seriously.

This familial connection not only gave Roman a solid foundation but also set high expectations for him. For Roman, living up to his family’s name was a challenge he embraced with determination.

Roman Reigns’ Early Life: Athletic Beginnings in Football

Before pursuing a wrestling career, Roman Reigns was a promising football player. Born in Pensacola, Florida, Reigns displayed athletic talent from an early age. He attended Pensacola Catholic High School and later Escambia High School, excelling in football as a standout player. His skills earned him a scholarship to Georgia Tech, where he played as a defensive tackle.

At Georgia Tech, Reigns showed immense promise, earning accolades and recognition for his athletic abilities. In 2007, he was even named to the first-team All-ACC, a testament to his dominance on the field. While football was his first love, it did not ultimately become his lifelong career.

• The NFL Dream
  After college, Reigns signed with the Minnesota Vikings and later the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL. Unfortunately, his professional football career was cut short due to health issues, including a diagnosis of leukemia that temporarily derailed his athletic pursuits.
• Transitioning to Wrestling
  Following his NFL departure, Roman decided to explore a career in professional wrestling. At just 22 years old, he began training, marking the start of his journey in the squared circle.

The Beginning of His Wrestling Career

Roman Reigns officially began his wrestling career in 2010, signing with WWE and being assigned to its developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). At this point, he was 25 years old. Wrestling was not an entirely unfamiliar territory for him, thanks to his family’s influence. However, stepping into the ring presented a new set of challenges, as he had to prove himself in an industry with incredibly high expectations.

In FCW, Reigns wrestled under the name “Leakee.” His initial run was not particularly glamorous, as he often lost matches and struggled to find his footing. However, these early years were instrumental in shaping his resilience and improving his in-ring skills.

• Early Challenges in FCW
  Roman faced several hurdles, including adapting to WWE’s style of wrestling and finding a unique character that resonated with fans.
• Support from Mentors
  During his time in FCW, Reigns worked with experienced trainers and wrestlers who helped him refine his craft. These mentors recognized his potential and pushed him to improve.

The Rise of Roman Reigns in WWE

Roman Reigns’ big break came in 2012 when he was called up to WWE’s main roster as part of The Shield, alongside Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. The trio debuted at the Survivor Series pay-per-view, disrupting a match and immediately making an impact. Reigns was just 27 years old when he became a household name through The Shield.

The Shield’s dominance in WWE marked the beginning of Reigns’ meteoric rise. They were involved in high-profile rivalries, including matches against John Cena, Randy Orton, and The Undertaker. Reigns stood out due to his physicality, intensity, and undeniable presence in the ring.

• Key Rivalries and Matches
  The Shield had unforgettable rivalries with top WWE Superstars, including a memorable feud with Evolution.
• Breakout Moment
  Reigns had his breakout moment in 2014 when he started competing in singles matches and participating in high-stakes events, such as the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania.

Becoming “The Big Dog” and WWE’s Top Star

By 2015, Roman Reigns was positioned as a main-event talent in WWE. His first major singles accomplishment came when he won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the age of 30. While his rise to the top was met with mixed reactions from fans, Reigns continued to prove himself through incredible matches and consistent performances.

Over the next few years, Roman transitioned into his “Big Dog” persona, solidifying his place as the face of WWE. His feud with Brock Lesnar, in particular, helped establish him as one of the company’s top stars.

• Fan Reception
  While some fans initially rejected Reigns as a top star, his dedication and resilience eventually won them over.
• Memorable Matches and Titles
  Roman’s battles with legends like The Undertaker and Triple H further cemented his legacy.

Roman Reigns Today: The Tribal Chief and Universal Champion

Roman Reigns reinvented himself in 2020, adopting “The Tribal Chief” persona. This character transformation marked a turning point in his career, as he became a dominant heel and aligned himself with Paul Heyman. The move revitalized his character and earned widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike.

As the Universal Champion, Reigns has had one of the longest and most dominant title reigns in WWE history. His matches against superstars like Edge, Daniel Bryan, and John Cena have been nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his growth as a performer.

• The Tribal Chief Persona
  Reigns’ role as the Tribal Chief highlights his storytelling ability and connection with his heritage.
• Universal Champion Reign
  His dominance as Universal Champion has solidified his status as one of WWE’s all-time greats.

Conclusion

Roman Reigns began his wrestling journey in his early 20s, officially signing with WWE at the age of 25. Over the years, he has evolved from a struggling developmental talent to the face of WWE, captivating audiences with his athleticism and charisma. From his days in FCW to his dominance as Universal Champion, Reigns’ journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the influence of a strong wrestling legacy. Today, Roman Reigns is not just a wrestler—he’s an icon whose story continues to inspire millions around the world.