WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns just dropped a truth bomb, admitting he’s at the back end of his career. But hold up, because The Tribal Chief also left the door wide open for “another stretch as the face of the company.” Seriously, he told Mark Elibert of Complex that if he stays in shape and does his job, he could “possibly still have a whole ‘nother run that we didn’t even think about.” What!
The Tribal Chief’s Unfinished Business
Even after doing literally everything in WWE, Reigns still feels like there are storylines with “a couple to a few years” of loose ends and “logic gaps” that need revisiting. This guy has “a little bit of OCD when it comes to storytelling and stuff,” he said. He’s all about “symmetrical situations, continuity and stuff.” It’s “all about the nuances” for him, which honestly, makes sense for how long he’s been at the top. He sees the next generation coming up, for sure, recognizing they’ll “create matchups and situations” for him as he phases out. He’s convinced their “superstardom” will spark those “fantasy warfares” we all dream of.
Who Can Carry the Banner? Cody Rhodes’ Time Is Now?
Reigns knows what it takes to be the face of WWE, and it’s not easy. He pointed out that guys like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena are anomalies, with The Rock being the ultimate outlier, doing things “nobody’s ever gonna do.” But for most, it takes “a decade or so” of grinding: performing “every single time,” delivering “when you’re asked,” “when you’re tired,” “when you’re sick,” even “hungover after WrestleMania.” This isn’t just a wrestling company, it’s a “billion-dollar machine,” and carrying that banner is no joke. So, who’s got it? Reigns named his longtime rival Cody Rhodes, saying Cody’s the “one Superstar who has answered all of those questions.” “There’s only been one who’s been able to carry that banner. And that’s been Cody,” Reigns stated. Plus, Reigns is already prepping for life after the ring, starring as Akuma in the upcoming *Street Fighter* film, with Rhodes as Guile. Reigns used elements of his “Tribal Chief” persona for Akuma, noting the parallels. He’s “not a good guy. I’m not a bad guy. I’m the guy.” Akuma, he says, “is not a villain. He just is only looking for the most honorable fight, the greatest competition. That’s all he cares about.”
For now, Reigns is making it clear his legacy in WWE is far from over. He’s looking forward to helping find the next Superstar who can carry the company banner. He says it’s one thing to just have a match with him, but it’s another entirely “to be the guy that we’re working towards to transition from me, or to use my equity to then put a rocket on that guy’s back.” His exact words? “If you’re in the ring with me, your value’s going up.” He clarified it’s not arrogance, just a fact: “if you get in the ring with me, you’re gonna get the very best Roman Reigns.” The question isn’t just who’s next, but who’s brave enough to step into that ring for a final push from the champ.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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