Roman Reigns’ Reign: Is the Tribal Chief’s Title Run Nearing Its End?
Roman Reigns’ Reign: Is the Tribal Chief’s Title Run Nearing Its End?
By Ali Hammad June 10, 2025 09:12
Roman Reigns’ tenure as WWE’s “Tribal Chief” has been one of the most dominant and defining championship runs in recent history. His second Universal Championship reign, which began in August 2020, lasted an unprecedented 1,316 days, making it the longest Universal title reign and one of the longest world title reigns in WWE history. However, as of mid-2025, speculation is mounting about whether Reigns’ era at the top is approaching its conclusion.
A Record-Breaking Reign
Reigns’ reign as Universal Champion shattered records, surpassing Gunther’s 870-day NXT UK Championship reign and eclipsing Pedro Morales’ 1,027-day WWE Championship reign from the 1970s. During this time, Reigns headlined numerous marquee events, including a record 10 WrestleManias, and held the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship after unifying the WWE and Universal titles at WrestleMania 38 in 2022. His character evolution from a heroic figure to a ruthless, calculating heel earned widespread acclaim, elevating his status as the company’s top star.
The End of an Era at WrestleMania XL
Reigns’ reign officially ended at WrestleMania XL in April 2024, when he lost the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship to Cody Rhodes. This loss marked a significant turning point, as WWE retired the Universal Championship lineage with Reigns recognized as its final champion. While this ended his historic run, Reigns remains a central figure on WWE programming, continuing to wield influence as the Tribal Chief.
Signs of Transition and Internal Conflict
In 2025, storylines have increasingly focused on fractures within The Bloodline faction, with Reigns’ cousins The Usos turning against him in a dramatic “Bloodline Civil War” tag match at Money in the Bank 2023, where Reigns suffered his first pinfall loss since 2019. This internal turmoil culminated in high-stakes matches such as Tribal Combat at SummerSlam 2023, where Reigns retained his titles but faced growing dissent within his family.
These narrative developments suggest WWE is setting the stage for a transition in Reigns’ character arc and possibly his championship status. The departure of The Usos from The Bloodline and the rise of challengers like Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins indicate that Reigns’ dominance may be challenged more seriously in the near future.
Is the Tribal Chief Preparing to Pass the Torch?
Industry insiders and fans alike speculate that Reigns’ current role may be evolving from the unstoppable champion to a veteran leader preparing to hand over the mantle. A Reddit discussion from late 2024 reflects this sentiment, with many agreeing that Reigns will likely regain the title one last time but that his next run should be his final one.
Reigns himself has acknowledged the importance of legacy in interviews, emphasizing his desire to elevate the next generation of talent while maintaining his status as a top-tier performer. WWE’s booking patterns, including high-profile matches against legends like The Rock and Cody Rhodes, support the idea that Reigns is transitioning into a role that balances in-ring competition with mentorship.
Looking Ahead
While Roman Reigns remains a dominant presence on WWE’s SmackDown brand and continues to deliver compelling performances, the signs point toward the twilight of his historic title reigns. WWE’s creative direction appears focused on building new stars while honoring Reigns’ legacy as the Tribal Chief.
Whether Reigns will reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship in 2025 or step aside to allow fresh faces to rise, his impact on WWE is undeniable. As one of the most decorated and influential champions in company history, Roman Reigns’ reign may be nearing its end, but his legacy as the Tribal Chief will endure.
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