Roman Reigns, one of the most dominant figures in WWE history, recently opened up about a deeply personal moment that has fueled his drive to reclaim his spot at the pinnacle of professional wrestling. In an emotional revelation, Reigns shared a dream he had of his late father, Sika Anoa’i, a former wrestler and member of the legendary Wild Samoans tag team. According to Reigns, his father appeared to him with a powerful message: “I want to see you stand on top of WWE and hold that belt again, but don’t be sad anymore. Be strong Tribal Chief.” These words, Reigns said, have resonated with him profoundly, reigniting his passion and determination as he navigates a pivotal chapter in his career.
The current date, April 4, 2025, marks a time of reflection for Reigns, who has been absent from the WWE spotlight since losing the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania XL on April 7, 2024. That loss ended a historic title reign of 1,316 days, the fourth-longest world championship run in WWE history and the longest since 1988. For nearly four years, Reigns ruled as the “Tribal Chief,” the head of The Bloodline, and the undisputed king of the squared circle. His defeat, however, was not just a professional setback but a personal one, coming less than a year after his father’s passing in June 2024. Sika, a foundational influence in Reigns’ life, had always dreamed of seeing his son achieve greatness in the family business of wrestling.
Reigns’ journey in WWE has been one of triumph and tribulation. Born Leati Joseph Anoa’i into the famed Anoa’i wrestling dynasty, he debuted on the main roster in 2012 as part of The Shield, alongside Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. His transition to a solo competitor saw him evolve from a polarizing babyface to a commanding heel, a shift that began in 2020 with the creation of The Bloodline storyline. Under the guidance of Paul Heyman, Reigns embraced his Samoan heritage and the moniker “Tribal Chief,” a nod to his role as the leader of his family’s legacy. This persona brought him unprecedented success, including multiple WWE Championship reigns and a unified title that solidified his status as the company’s top star.
The dream Reigns described offers a rare glimpse into the emotional weight he carries. Sika’s words, as recounted by his son, reflect both pride in Roman’s accomplishments and a call to resilience. “Don’t be sad anymore” suggests an acknowledgment of the grief Reigns has endured—grief over his father’s death and perhaps the loss of his championship. Yet, the directive to “be strong” and reclaim the belt echoes the unyielding spirit that has defined Reigns’ career. It’s a message that aligns with the values of the Anoa’i family, where strength, perseverance, and legacy are paramount.
Since his WrestleMania loss, Reigns has made sporadic appearances, most notably returning at SummerSlam 2024 to aid Cody Rhodes against Solo Sikoa, who had taken over The Bloodline in Reigns’ absence. This act hinted at a potential face turn, a shift from the ruthless heel persona fans had come to know. However, Reigns’ recent comments suggest his focus remains on recapturing the championship, driven by his father’s dream. The WWE landscape has shifted in his absence, with Rhodes establishing himself as a formidable champion and new talents like Bron Breakker and Gunther rising through the ranks. For Reigns to stand on top again, he’ll need to overcome not just these competitors but also the internal struggles he’s hinted at.
Fans and analysts alike are speculating about what’s next for the Tribal Chief. His 1,316-day reign was a testament to his in-ring prowess and storytelling ability, blending physical dominance with psychological depth. The partnership with Rhodes at Bad Blood 2024 against Sikoa and Jacob Fatu showed a willingness to adapt, but Reigns made it clear during contract negotiations that his ultimate goal is to reclaim the WWE Championship. “I’m taking back what’s mine,” he told Rhodes, his eyes fixed on the title belt—a moment that underscored his intent to honor his father’s vision.
As Reigns prepares for his next move, the wrestling world watches with bated breath. His father’s dream, as shared in this poignant anecdote, serves as both motivation and a reminder of the legacy he carries. Whether he returns as the Tribal Chief of old or a reinvented version of himself, one thing is certain: Roman Reigns is far from finished. The belt may not be around his waist today, but the fire in his heart burns stronger than ever, fueled by a promise to stand tall once more.
