The Reigning King of WrestleMania: A Case for Roman Reigns' True Legacy
ESPN, a sports media powerhouse, recently attempted to rank the greatest WrestleMania main events featuring the iconic Roman Reigns. While their analysis of sports legends like LeBron James and Shohei Ohtani is often spot-on, their take on Reigns' legacy falls short.
The article in question, authored by Sean Coyle, crowned Reigns' triple threat match against Seth Rollins and CM Punk as the pinnacle of his WrestleMania career. It's a bold choice, but one that I believe misses the mark. My money is on a different match altogether.
The Match of the Year:
In 2025, Reigns' showdown with Rollins claimed the top spot in my book. It had all the makings of a classic: a gripping storyline, high-stakes drama, and a massive audience. But here's the twist—Reigns lost. And that's precisely what makes it so intriguing.
Defeat doesn't diminish a wrestler's greatness; it often enhances it. Think of Steve Austin's iconic loss to Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13, or Shawn Michaels' legendary status despite multiple WrestleMania defeats. These moments define their careers, showing that victory isn't the sole measure of greatness.
The Underdog's Triumph:
However, when it comes to Reigns' most significant WrestleMania moment, I argue it's his victory over Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39. This match, ranked fifth by ESPN, holds a special place in wrestling history. It was Reigns' moment of truth, akin to Hulk Hogan's iconic clash with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III.
Reigns, like Hogan, entered as an underdog, but with a twist. He was the hated villain, the Tribal Chief, with the entire arena rooting for his downfall. Yet, he emerged victorious, leaving a sea of disappointed fans and a heartbroken Rhodes.
This heel victory sparked an emotional firestorm. One fan's viral meltdown, captured on camera, showcased the raw passion of wrestling fandom. It's these moments that remind us why wrestling is more than just scripted entertainment; it's a cultural phenomenon that evokes genuine emotion.
The Rematch Saga:
ESPN's second-place pick, the rematch at WrestleMania XL, was indeed a spectacle. The chemistry between Reigns and Rhodes was undeniable, and the cameos from legends like The Rock and John Cena added to the allure. But it lacked the raw, unfiltered emotion of their first encounter.
In my opinion, the true measure of a wrestler's impact is their ability to evoke genuine reactions. Reigns' victory at WrestleMania 39 did just that, leaving an indelible mark on the WWE universe. It's a testament to his skill that he could make fans believe in the reality of his character, even amidst the theatrics.
What many fail to grasp is that wrestling is an art form that transcends mere athleticism. It's a performance that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, captivating audiences worldwide. Roman Reigns' legacy is not just about wins and losses; it's about the stories he tells and the emotions he evokes. His WrestleMania 39 triumph is a prime example of why he is a legend in the ring.
