Roman Reigns’ record-breaking 1,316-day reign as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion finally came to an end when Cody Rhodes defeated him at WrestleMania 40. More than two years later, the Tribal Chief admits there were times when he couldn’t believe that chapter of his career was actually ending.
Speaking during his appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay, Reigns was asked about his favorite memories from the historic title run and whether he ever wished WWE could have stretched it out a little longer.
Reigns admitted that after spending nearly four years on top, being champion had simply become part of his everyday life. Losing the title almost didn’t feel real because everything had settled into such a comfortable routine.
“Yeah. I mean, there were times where it was like, man, I can’t believe this was—like, I can’t believe it’s coming. Because it got so routine. We got so comfortable. It was a comfortable feeling being in that stride. You know, it was a perfect pace for me.”
While fans might expect him to remember the WrestleMania main events or championship defenses the most, Reigns said the moments that stand out have nothing to do with titles. Instead, they’re the quieter moments he shared with The Bloodline behind the scenes.
He recalled one particular memory of sitting in Gorilla Position with Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa before an entrance rehearsal. It wasn’t a match or a promo—just the four of them together before walking through the curtain.
“But I would just say the times, you know, there’s a picture of me and my cousins all sitting in the Gorilla position, and we’re just waiting to go through an entrance rehearsal. We’re like, you know, just a quick little rehearsal for the cameras to look at something. And we’re just holding, just sitting there. We’re all in workout clothes, just not paying attention, just sitting there.”
For Reigns, seeing himself alongside his cousins in that moment perfectly summed up what made the championship run so special.
“But just that killer’s row of us, who it was me, the twins, and then Solo. And it’s just, those are—I mean, those are who I grew up with. I spent a lot of my life with them.”
He said those memories extended far beyond what fans saw on television. Traveling the world together and representing their family’s wrestling legacy became the part of the run he’ll cherish most.
“And to be able to travel the world and do what we do and contribute to our family business, having those moments and being, you know, the plane rides going to Saudi, coming back from Saudi, things like that, you know what I mean, that we just had together.”
The WWE World Heavyweight Champion said he knows not everyone gets the chance to spend their career working alongside the people they love, which is why he doesn’t take those experiences for granted.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to do what I love with the people that I love, and I know not everybody can say that. So I’m extremely grateful for that.”
Looking back, Reigns doesn’t sound like someone dwelling on the night Cody Rhodes ended his title reign at WrestleMania 40. Instead, he seems far more appreciative of everything that came with those 1,316 days on top—from dominating WWE with The Bloodline to creating memories with his family that will last long after the championship reign itself is remembered.
What was your favorite moment from Roman Reigns’ historic championship reign? Let us know in the comments below.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
