Roman Reigns, one of the most captivating figures in professional wrestling, has undergone significant transformation over the years, leaving behind his earlier persona known as cThe Big Dog to embrace his current character, cThe Tribal Chief.c
During a recent interview with IGN, Reigns declared, cThere is no Big Dog. He's dead now. I don't even see the other guy. He doesn't even exist. It didn't happen.c reflecting on his evolution and definitive break from the past. This strong assertion encapsulates his commitment to the character he has developed since returning to WWE.
Reigns' earlier persona, cThe Big Dog,c was positioned as the leading hero of WWE upon his debut after the breakup of The Shield in 2014. Initially, he garnered numerous championships and accolades. Yet, the character struggled to connect with audiences, eliciting widespread rejection. Many found cThe Big Dog to be inauthentic and forced, causing fans to clamor for alternative stars such as Daniel Bryan to be pushed to the forefront instead.
Between 2015 and 2020, crowds routinely booed Reigns, and his attempts to play the role of the good guy fell flat. Even his real-life battle with leukemia, which he publicly shared during his wrestling career, failed to garner the sympathy WWE might have expected from fans. It wasn’t until 2020, after taking time off to be with his family during the pandemic, when Reigns returned to the squared circle with the persona of cThe Tribal Chief.c
This reinvention marked his alliance with Paul Heyman and added depth to his character. The cTribal Chief is characterized as powerful, arrogant, and manipulative, claiming authority not only over his wrestling career but also over his family within the WWE storyline, namely The Bloodline, which includes the Usos and Solo Sikoa. This new character resonates deeply with Reigns’ Samoan heritage, integrating callbacks to his family and heritage as the leader of his tribe.
Reigns' shift revitalized his career, establishing him as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and solidifying his place atop the company's hierarchy. His portrayal of cThe Tribal Chief has been met with enthusiasm from fans, who now see him as one of the most compelling characters on the roster. At SummerSlam 2020, he debuted the new character to resounding approval, often receiving the kind of respect and admiration he had long sought from audiences.
Looking forward to WrestleMania 41, Reigns is set to return to WWE programming, following the aftermath of Seth Rollins’ attack after his Royal Rumble elimination. His absence was strategically planned, as it created anticipation for his expected face-offs against both Rollins and CM Punk—a major storyline leading up to the event. This well-timed absence from television has not only maintained Reigns’ aura of dominance but has also built excitement for upcoming matches, ensuring he remains at the forefront of discussions as WrestleMania approaches.
Roman Reigns' character evolution is not merely televised antics; it reflects themes of resilience, transformation, and self-identity. His departure from cThe Big Dog to cThe Tribal Chief symbolizes the power of reinvention and the importance of authenticity, both for himself and for the fans who now wholeheartedly embrace him. The change resonates with anyone who has faced adversity and emerged more significant and self-assured on the other side. Reigns has become not just a champion, but also a symbol of perseverance and self-discovery, undeniably shaping the current WWE narrative.