The Resurgence of Roman Reigns: A Tale of Triumph and Tenacity
The narrative of Roman Reigns’ remarkable comeback to WWE is a story etched in resilience and fortitude, punctuated by his reign as the Undisputed Universal Champion. However, amidst the glory and conquests, there lies a lesser-known chapter that almost saw Reigns walk away from wrestling forever.
In a candid conversation with Uproxx, Paul Heyman unveiled a pivotal moment when Reigns contemplated retirement during the tumultuous era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Heyman, Reigns had mentally resigned himself to retirement:
“He considered himself retired. He wasn’t coming back.”
Heyman, who was at the helm of Monday Night Raw, witnessed the fervent desire of SmackDown’s creative team for Reigns’ return. However, despite their pleas, Reigns remained resolute in his decision to retire.
Recounting the discussions, Heyman revealed:
“Every week I heard all the SmackDown writers and producers and personnel saying, ‘God, I just wish Roman would come back.’ And I would ask, has anybody talked to him? Yeah, he says he’s retired. He’s not coming back.”
The revelation of Reigns’ retirement mindset adds depth to his eventual resurgence, amplifying the significance of his subsequent achievements. Despite believing his wrestling days were over, Reigns embarked on a historic journey that has solidified his place in WWE history.
Roman Reigns temporarily stepped away from wrestling in early 2020 due to health concerns stemming from his battle with leukemia. However, his return marked a triumphant comeback, leading to a reign as champion spanning over 1300 days.
As WrestleMania 40 draws near, Reigns prepares for two monumental clashes across the April 6-7 event. On Saturday, he joins forces with The Rock to take on Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, followed by a title defense against Cody Rhodes the following night.
The saga of Roman Reigns’ return serves as a testament to resilience and determination, showcasing that even in the face of adversity, true champions rise to the occasion.
