3 Rumors about Roman Reigns that were false & 2 that were true

Roman Reigns has been one of WWE’s most featured superstars ever since he debuted on the main roster in November 2012. Given his level of stardom, it is only natural that rumors often spread about the five-time WrestleMania main-eventer.

In 2018, for example, Reigns received widespread criticism after allegedly having a negative interaction with a fan. The man himself quickly reacted to the backlash by addressing the situation on social media.

While that particular claim was seemingly inaccurate, some reports about the former Shield member have turned out to be correct.

In this listicle, let’s take a look at three rumors about Reigns that were false, as well as two that were true.

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#5 False Roman Reigns rumor: When a fan claimed he was rude

Roman Reigns was wildly unpopular with many WWE fans during his babyface singles push between 2014 and 2020. In 2018, he also faced backlash outside the ring after allegedly refusing to take a picture with a 10-year-old girl.

WWE Superstars often pose for photos and sign autographs for fans before and after events. However, some prefer not to interact with fans while they are spending time with their families.

On this occasion, rumors about Reigns shunning the young fan were false. The former WWE Champion took to Twitter to clarify that a man interrupted him while he was with his family. The man called Reigns a “sell-out” and walked away before hearing what the WWE Superstar had to say.

“First of all, it was a grown man that approached me while I was feeding my sons breakfast and talking to my daughter. B4 I could finish saying "I’m sorry but I don’t get much time with my family", he stormed off calling me a "sell out". That’s the truth. Get your gossip right,” Reigns wrote.

According to Pop Culture, one Twitter user claimed Reigns told the young girl to “get lost” after she tried to introduce herself to him. The original tweets directed at the SmackDown star have since been deleted.

#4 True Roman Reigns rumor: Nixed storyline with The Fiend

Roman Reigns returned to WWE at SummerSlam 2020 following a five-month absence. A week later, he pinned Braun Strowman in a Triple Threat match at Payback 2020 to win the Universal Championship.

It initially looked as though the other superstar involved in the match, The Fiend, was going to feud with Reigns following the pay-per-view. After all, Bray Wyatt’s alter-ego lost his title without getting pinned, so it would have made perfect sense for The Fiend to face Reigns one-on-one.

WWE appeared to kick-start the rivalry when Wyatt mocked Reigns’ special counsel, Paul Heyman, by adding a Wobbly Walrus puppet to his Firefly Fun House. For reasons that were never explained on television, Wobbly Walrus disappeared from television and the storyline abruptly ended.

The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported that WWE did not want to risk booking Reigns in a bad storyline. As a result, his short-lived angle with The Fiend was quickly dropped:

“There are forces who are working at protecting Reigns from bad booking and the idea that a feud with Wyatt will do him no favors,” stated Meltzer.

Reigns went on to feud with Jey Uso, who later became part of his Bloodline faction alongside Jimmy Uso. Meanwhile, The Fiend moved to RAW and never interacted with The Tribal Chief again before Wyatt's departure from WWE in July 2021.

#3 False Roman Reigns rumor: Steroid allegations in 2018

In January 2018, Roman Reigns denied allegations that he was associated with someone who had been arrested due to illegal steroid distribution.

Richard Rodriguez, a Miami gym owner, accused Reigns of having links to his $10 million steroid operation, Wellness Fitness Nutrition. He even claimed to have proof of his interactions with the WWE Superstar via text messages.

In a statement given to ESPN, Reigns clarified that he had no knowledge of the person or company involved in the allegations. He also referenced the 30-day suspension that WWE imposed on him in 2016 after he violated the company’s Wellness Policy:

“I have never heard of Richard Rodriguez or Wellness Fitness Nutrition. I learned from the mistake I made nearly two years ago and paid the penalty for it. Since then, I’ve passed 11 tests as part of WWE’s independent drug testing program,” said Reigns.

WWE introduced the Talent Wellness Program in February 2006. The company’s website states that the program is administered independently by world-renowned medical professionals. Superstars are also tested for drug and substance abuse.

#2 True Roman Reigns rumor: 2015 Royal Rumble win

Roman Reigns won the 2015 Royal Rumble match to earn a WWE World Heavyweight Championship opportunity against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 31.

While some Royal Rumble outcomes are genuinely surprising, Reigns’ triumph definitely wasn’t. Eight months before the event, Dave Meltzer reported (H/T Wrestle Zone) that higher-ups wanted The Big Dog to win the Rumble.

According to Meltzer, WWE’s creative team also discussed Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins having starring roles in the Rumble match. The idea would have led to an all-Shield final three, with Reigns overcoming his former stablemates to emerge victoriously.

The Shield idea might have sounded exciting on paper, but it never came to fruition. Ambrose was the 26th person to be eliminated, while Rollins competed against Brock Lesnar and John Cena earlier in the show.

Roman Reigns eliminated Rusev at the end of the dramatic 30-man match after receiving help from his cousin, The Rock. Fans in Philadelphia reacted furiously to the outcome, with Reigns receiving loud boos as he celebrated his first milestone win as a singles competitor.

#1 False Roman Reigns rumor: Mason Ryan joins The Shield

One of the most unexpected WWE moments of the last decade occurred in June 2014 when Seth Rollins attacked Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns. While Rollins’ betrayal has forever been etched in fans’ memories, long-term viewers might remember that WWE allegedly planned a different ending for The Shield’s demise.

According to the Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez, WWE originally wanted The Shield to separate in February 2014. At the time, the villainous trio’s relationship was one of the biggest storylines on RAW and SmackDown, and it ultimately led to them becoming babyfaces.

Alvarez also reported that former New Nexus member Mason Ryan had been considered as Reigns’ replacement in The Shield:

“The feeling this week is that when Roman Reigns does his babyface turn and split from the Shield, likely in February, that he’ll be replaced with a new guy in the group. The name Mason Ryan has been thrown around as a possibility.”

Mason Ryan performed on WWE’s main roster throughout 2011 before returning to the company’s developmental system. The Welshman received his release in April 2014, five weeks before The Shield separated. He has since gone on to work in real estate investment and as a Cirque du Soleil entertainer.