Ranking Roman Reigns’ 4 Best WrestleMania Main Events

Roman Reigns has established a new milestone in professional wrestling history, securing a record-setting 11th WrestleMania main event appearance. His most recent outing at WrestleMania 42 featured a match against CM Punk, which has been described as an instant classic by sports writer Thomas Golianopoulos of Complex.

The achievement underscores Reigns’ central role in WWE since his debut in 2012, when he first entered the promotion as a member of the trio known as the Shield. Over the course of his career, Reigns has evolved through several personas, including the Big Dog, the Guy, the Head of the Table, the Tribal Chief, and the OTC.

Career Championship Success

Beyond his WrestleMania records, Reigns has held the world championship on six different occasions. One of his most significant achievements is a title reign that lasted 1,316 days, marking the fourth-longest reign in history. This tenure trails only the records set by Bruno Sammertino, Bob Backlund, and Hulk Hogan.

His trajectory at the Showcase of the Immortals has been characterized by both historic peaks and notable lows. While his recent performance against CM Punk added to his legacy, his history in the main event spot has seen varying levels of critical and audience reception.

Contrasting WrestleMania Performances

Not every main event in Reigns’ career has met the standard of his 11th appearance. His match against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34 is cited as one of the most disappointing main events in the history of the event. Golianopoulos described the contest as a poorly booked stinker that suffered from an excessive use of finishing moves.

The audience reaction during the WrestleMania 34 bout shifted from initial anticipation during introductions to widespread fatigue. The crowd eventually turned on the match, chanting Boring! and This is awful! as the contest progressed.

That specific match ended when Brock Lesnar pinned a bloodied Reigns following a sixth F5, leaving the event as a point of contention in Reigns’ otherwise dominant WrestleMania resume.

Legacy and Evolution

The contrast between the reception of his WrestleMania 34 performance and the acclaim surrounding his match at WrestleMania 42 highlights the evolution of Reigns as a performer. From his beginnings in 2012 to his current record-breaking status, he has transitioned from a polarizing figure to a cornerstone of the industry.

By reaching 11 main events, Reigns has surpassed previous benchmarks for consistency and prominence at WWE’s flagship annual event, cementing his place among the most featured athletes in the history of the spectacle.