It’s been nine years since Roman Reigns’ controversial 2015 Royal Rumble win, but the Tribal Chief hasn’t forgotten the response from fans at the time.
Reigns’ win in the 30-man match was met with disdain by the Philadelphia crowd, echoing the sentiment among fans at the time that Reigns was being pushed too much.
WWE even brought out The Rock in the closing moments of the show to endorse his cousin, though this did little to change the response of the fans.
In an interview for his upcoming A&E Biography, Reigns reflected on the night and the response from fans at the time. He said,
“I was booed, historically. You think about these moments. You dream about them, and the moment that it actually happens, it’s like they’re playing the worst soundtrack of all time over your moment, ruining your party. That’s how the Rumble in Philly felt. I try to forget Philly. I try to forget the Royal Rumble. There’s only one positive, and that’s the fact that it’s going to be able to tie all the way back around at WrestleMania 40.”
Next week, Reigns will return to Philadelphia as part of WrestleMania 40. The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion will headline both nights of the show.
Roman Reigns Reflects on Controversial Royal Rumble Win and Fan Response
It has been nine years since Roman Reigns’ controversial victory in the 2015 Royal Rumble, but the memory of the negative fan response still lingers for the WWE superstar. Reigns, who is now known as the Tribal Chief, recently opened up about that pivotal moment in his career and how it affected him.
At the time, Reigns’ win in the 30-man match was met with disdain by the Philadelphia crowd. Fans believed that he was being pushed too heavily by the company, and their dissatisfaction was palpable. WWE even brought out Reigns’ cousin, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, in an attempt to sway the audience’s opinion, but it had little effect.
In a recent interview for his upcoming A&E Biography, Reigns reflected on that night and the response from fans. He described the experience as being historically booed and compared it to having the worst soundtrack playing over his moment, ruining his party. Reigns admitted that he tries to forget that particular Royal Rumble and the negative reception he received.
However, Reigns also acknowledged that there was one positive aspect to that night. He mentioned that the upcoming WrestleMania 40 will provide an opportunity for redemption and closure. Reigns is set to headline both nights of the event as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
The fact that Reigns will be returning to Philadelphia, the same city where he faced such backlash, adds an interesting layer of significance to his WrestleMania appearance. It will be a chance for him to showcase his growth as a performer and prove to the fans that he deserves to be in the main event.
Reigns’ journey since that controversial Royal Rumble win has been nothing short of remarkable. He has transformed his character into one of the most captivating and dominant figures in WWE history. The Tribal Chief persona has resonated with fans, and Reigns has become a polarizing figure in the wrestling world.
His current reign as the Universal Champion has been met with critical acclaim, and his matches have consistently delivered high-quality performances. Reigns’ character development and in-ring skills have elevated him to the top of the industry, making him a force to be reckoned with.
As WrestleMania 40 approaches, all eyes will be on Reigns as he returns to Philadelphia. This time, he will have the opportunity to rewrite history and create a new narrative for himself. Whether the fans embrace him or continue to show their disdain, Reigns’ resilience and determination have proven that he can overcome any obstacle.
The controversy surrounding Reigns’ 2015 Royal Rumble win may still be fresh in the minds of some fans, but it is clear that he has grown and evolved since then. WrestleMania 40 will serve as a milestone in his career, allowing him to showcase his talent and prove that he is deserving of the spotlight.
Regardless of the outcome, Reigns’ journey from being booed out of the arena to headlining WrestleMania is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. It serves as a reminder that success in the wrestling industry is not always immediate, but with hard work and determination, dreams can become a reality.