WWE
Roman Reigns has arrived in Saudi Arabia, and “The Tribal Chief” is making it clear that he did not make the long journey for a participation trophy. Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show ahead of this Saturday’s premium live event, Reigns opened up about his complex history with the 30-man match. While he won the event in 2015, Reigns spent years as the final obstacle for other wrestlers, a role he described with a hint of frustration regarding how WWE utilized him.
“I didn’t come all the way out here for nothing. From Miami, this is a long travel day,” Reigns said. “I haven’t been able to pull this off in over 10 years now. For the longest, I felt like I was the gatekeeper. The runner-up guy. They would spam me and try to get the big pop for the babyface or whatever, but I don’t know. This feels like me. And I think there’s so many different fingers and signs pointing to this.”
Reigns Claims He Put WWE In Position To Make “Ungodly Amount Of Money”
Reigns’ comments about being a “gatekeeper” reference a specific booking pattern from the last decade. He was the runner-up in 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2020, often used as the final elimination to ensure the winner received a positive reaction from the crowd. However, Reigns believes the landscape has shifted. He argued that the fanbase is no longer rejecting him but rather demanding his presence at the top of the card.
“I think we’re at a place where our fans are demanding more,” Reigns explained. “I set us up. I put us in position to be fulfilled in the promise land. To be in a position to break records and make ungodly amount of money. And we’re at that point where our fans are craving that. It’s a proof of concept with me. They know what they’re getting with me.”
With the Royal Rumble taking place in Riyadh this Saturday, Reigns is looking to break his streak of runner-up finishes and secure his spot in the main event of WrestleMania 42. If his confidence on the microphone is any indicator, the rest of the field should be worried that the “Head of the Table” is looking to reclaim his throne.
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