What plans does Roman Reigns have for his career after WWE? How does his family background influence his journey in professional wrestling? What unique approach does Reigns intend to take in his acting career compared to other wrestlers like Dwayne Johnson? Why is Paul Heyman considered a significant figure in Reigns’ career?
It was always in the cards for Roman Reigns to enter professional wrestling and the WWE. Soon, he’ll realize his other family’s (manifest) destiny. Reigns told Vanity Fair that his current WWE contract expires after WrestleMania 2026, and not long after that, he’s going to Hollywood.
“After I finish the contract that I’m in, we probably got another year or two max,” Reigns said. “Then it’s time to take on a less physical form of entertainment.”
Reigns (real name Joseph Anoa’i) entered the family business — his Uncle Rocky Johnson and cousins Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jimmy and Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa, Yokozuna and Rikishi were or are all breakout stars in the WWF/E — in 2010. The next 15 years made him an all-time great, but the career brought with it a ton of bumps. The human body, even one billed at 6’3″ and 265 pounds of muscle, can only tolerate so much.
Soon, Anoa’i will follow Uncle Dwayne into the film and TV industry; they already did one film together.
“He’s a physical specimen,” David Leitch, the director of Hobbs & Shaw (2019), said of Anoa’i. “The camera loves him, the audience loves him, and the only thing standing in his way is his own ambition.”
Anoa’i played “Matteo” in Fast & Furious spinoff Hobbs & Shaw; Uncle The Rock is the titular “Hobbs.”
When Anoa’i becomes free of the WWE ropes to actively pursue acting (beyond playing the Roman Reigns character, of course), he doesn’t want to do a dozen films — the current Fast count — in the same franchise. Anoa’i said he already receives a lot of scripts, but the WWE famously keeps its wrestlers (called “Superstars”) busy, 52 weeks a year. Though there are some breaks for talent here and there, the top guy rarely gets time off, and Reigns recently spent a company-record 1,316 straight days at WWE Universal Champion. And oh yeah, he’s a cancer survivor. The man could use a breather.
Even when he’s retired from the ring, Anoa’i aims to be deliberate with how he allocates his time acting.
“I almost want to model it after Tarantino, where we’re not just doing anything and everything,” Anoa’i said. “I want to really plot out: I want this one, I want that one.”
OK, so maybe his acting career won’t be exactly like Uncle Dwayne’s.
It certainly doesn’t have to be. Though Johnson is the WWE’s most-successful crossover mega-star, John Cena is also currently enjoying a lucrative film and television career. There are similarities as well as differences.
WWE President Nick Khan told Vanity Fair that Reigns is both “a massive star and completely unique.”
“We often say at WWE that the next star never looks like the last star,” Khan said. “As John Cena winds down his career, it has been great to see our current perennial WrestleMania main eventer, Roman Reigns, look, sound, and act in a completely different way than anyone you have seen previously at WWE.”
There is a ton of natural crossover between being a WWE Superstar and a Hollywood actor. So much of the pro-wrestling job is not the wrestling part but cutting promos, the phrase used for presenting the audience with one’s storyline using words, not chops. Without a strong promo game, careers are cut very short — unless Paul Heyman is in your corner.
Anoa’i’s on- and off-screen adviser is Paul “The Wiseman” Heyman, the founder and owner of the now-defunct Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and a future WWE Hall of Famer in his own right. He’s arguably the best mouthpiece to ever stand on the ring’s apron. Heyman is a natural talker, a solid actor and a bit of a cinephile.
When Heyman and Reigns were teamed up, he told Anoa’i he’ll be the “[Martin] Scorsese to your Robert De Niro” or his “David Chase to your [James] Gandolfini.”
Ambitious as that may be, in the pro-wrestling world, these are not outrageous comparisons for the Wiseman and the Tribal Chief.
Roman Reigns to Retire From WWE for Hollywood: A New Chapter for the Tribal Chief
Roman Reigns, one of the most dominant figures in modern professional wrestling, has been captivating audiences for over a decade. With his charismatic presence, athletic prowess, and remarkable storytelling abilities, Reigns has not only become a household name in WWE but also a symbol of resilience and determination. Recently, whispers of his potential retirement from the squared circle to pursue a career in Hollywood have begun to circulate, sending shockwaves through the wrestling community and leaving fans wondering about the future of the "Tribal Chief."
The Rise of Roman Reigns
Reigns, born Leati Joseph Anoa’i, debuted in WWE in 2010 as part of the faction The Shield alongside Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. The trio became known for their rebellious attitude and relentless pursuit of victory, quickly charting a course to the main event scene. However, it wasn’t until he broke away from The Shield that Reigns began to truly shine as a singles competitor.
Despite initial resistance from fans, who were critical of his push to the top, Reigns gradually evolved his character. His persona shifted from the “smiling Samoan” to the “Tribal Chief,” a character that resonated with audiences and allowed him to showcase his inner strength and charisma. Reigns’ storyline with his family, particularly his cousin Jey Uso, has received widespread acclaim, portraying the cultural significance of the Anoa’i lineage and emphasizing complex family dynamics.
Achievements and Accolades
Roman Reigns’ achievements in WWE are staggering. He is a multi-time World Champion, having held the WWE Championship and Universal Championship on several occasions. His championship reigns have solidified his status as a marquee attraction, drawing significant buy rates for pay-per-view events and high ratings for weekly television programming. Moreover, he is one of the longest-reigning Universal Champions in history, illustrating his popularity and the trust placed in him by the company.
Reigns has been involved in some of the most memorable matches of recent WWE history, showcasing his remarkable in-ring abilities against top-tier talents. From epic rivalries with Brock Lesnar to emotionally charged bouts against Bray Wyatt and Daniel Bryan, Reigns has proven time and again that he is ready to deliver compelling narratives and unforgettable moments that will remain etched in the minds of fans long after he steps away from the ring.
The Hollywood Move
The temptation for wrestlers to transition into Hollywood is not new. Over the years, numerous WWE superstars have made successful forays into film and television, with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson being the most prominent example. As the landscape of entertainment continues to evolve, WWE talents are increasingly eyeing opportunities in film, television, and beyond.
Recent reports suggest that Reigns has been exploring acting opportunities, potentially signaling his interest in pursuing a full-time career in Hollywood. With his impressive physique, undeniable charisma, and growing fanbase, it comes as no surprise that casting directors are beginning to take notice. His appearances in various WWE-themed films and documentaries have showcased his on-screen potential, and fans are eager to see how he would adapt to more diverse roles in mainstream cinema.
Impact on WWE and the Fanbase
Reigns’ departure from the wrestling ring would create a significant void in WWE, both creatively and financially. As one of the organization’s biggest draws, his exit could impact live event attendance and merchandise sales. However, Reigns has never shied away from making difficult decisions, and if he feels that transitioning to Hollywood is the best path for him, fans will likely respect his choice.
While there will undoubtedly be moments of disappointment from fans who have followed his journey, there’s also a sense of excitement surrounding what the future holds for Reigns outside the ring. Just like other wrestling legends before him, he has the potential to become a major player in the film industry, potentially opening doors for more WWE talents looking to follow in his footsteps.
Conclusion
Roman Reigns’ potential retirement from WWE to pursue a Hollywood career will mark the end of an era for one of professional wrestling’s most prominent figures. As he considers this monumental step, fans can only speculate about the stories he will continue to tell, whether in the ring or on the big screen. No matter where his journey takes him, Reigns’ legacy in WWE will remain firmly intact, thus inspiring future generations of wrestlers to follow their dreams, both in sports entertainment and beyond.
For now, fans can relish the moments he has given them in the ring, celebrating his extraordinary career while eagerly anticipating what his next chapter holds in Hollywood. The Tribal Chief may be preparing to take his final bow in WWE, but his story is far from over—it’s just beginning anew.
As Roman Reigns continues to make waves in both WWE and Hollywood, speculation about his future within the wrestling promotion has intensified. Known for his dynamic presence and championship reigns, Reigns has expanded his career into acting, taking on roles that showcase his versatility beyond the ring.
Fans and analysts alike are weighing in on what a potential retirement from WWE would mean for the powerhouse. The move to Hollywood could signal a new chapter in Reigns’ career, allowing him to explore opportunities in film and television. However, wrestling fans are eager to see if he can balance both worlds, given his immense popularity and the ongoing storylines in WWE.
Should he choose to retire, it will not only shift the landscape of WWE but also highlight the trend of wrestlers pursuing successful careers in entertainment. As Reigns navigates this transition, the community will be watching closely to see how it unfolds and what legacy he ultimately leaves behind in professional wrestling.