Roman Reigns aims to become WWE’s next popular crossover star
Joe Anoa’i, also known as Roman Reigns, the enigmatic wrestling figure, is on a whirlwind journey towards potential stardom that extends beyond the squared circle. He shares his insights with VF during a flight to the Royal Rumble, shedding light on his personal life, political musings, Hollywood aspirations, and wrestling future.
Unveiling a surprise twist about not emerging victoriously at the Royal Rumble, Anoa’i offers a glimpse into the intricate world of wrestling storytelling. Since his debut as Roman Reigns in 2012, he has meticulously crafted the character’s evolution from a fan-favorite to a formidable antagonist. An experienced storyteller at heart, Anoa’i delves into the art of embodying a character, slipping into the guise of Roman Reigns every week to deliver captivating narratives.
Anoa’i’s dual existence as himself and Reigns showcases the stark contrast between the two personas. While the former exudes a laid-back demeanor, the latter embodies dominance and authoritarianism encapsulated in his commanding catchphrase, “Acknowledge me.” Drawing inspiration from his own traits, Anoa’i amplifies them tenfold when the spotlight is on, epitomizing the essence of larger-than-life wrestling characters.
Embarking on a journey with an entourage that includes his confidant Paul Heyman, Anoa’i heads to the Royal Rumble for a shot at a WrestleMania title opportunity. Reflecting on his history with Cody Rhodes, Anoa’i acknowledges the necessity of diverging storylines to keep the audience engaged. Despite Reigns’ astounding reign as the universal champion, he understands the importance of sharing the limelight with the ensemble cast to foster diverse character arcs.
Reigns’ legacy as a headliner in WWE’s most prosperous era solidifies his status as the face of the company. Amidst WWE’s merger with UFC and the streaming of Raw on Netflix, Reigns stands tall as a towering figure in the realm of wrestling entertainment. With accolades rivalling legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, Reigns epitomizes resilience and charisma, drawing parallels between wrestling and the intricacies of modern-day politics.
Reigns’ transcendent appeal extends beyond the wrestling ring, hinting at potential endeavors in Hollywood. With notable appearances in Hobbs & Shaw alongside Dwayne Johnson and an upcoming role in The Pickup featuring Eddie Murphy and Keke Palmer, Anoa’i’s charisma shines through. Directors like Tim Story laud his on-screen magnetism, foreseeing a bright future for him in the entertainment industry.
Approaching his 40th birthday, Anoa’i remains cognizant of the physical toll wrestling takes on his body, a somber reminder of the finite nature of a wrestler’s career. As he looks towards the future, Anoa’i’s narrative intertwines with the realms of Washington and Hollywood, paving the way for a transformative journey mirroring the trajectory of wrestling icons turned cinematic luminaries.