WWE's former Universal champion Roman Reigns turned 35 on May 25, 2020. 'The Big Dog' has really managed to hold his Roman Empire all these years and has shown the WWE that he is a fighter not only in the ring but also outside of it. We take a look at his inspirational story and feats in WWE so far. Pictures/ Roman Reigns' Instagram
Updated On: 2020-05-26 08:05 AM IST
Roman Reigns was born Leati Joseph "Joe" Anoa'i in Florida, U.S. He is part of the Anoa'i family and is of Samoan descent.
Roman Reigns hails from a family of wrestlers. His cousins are Dwayne 'The Rock Johnson', Yokozuna, Umaga and The Usos, Naomi and Tamina Snuka.
In picture: Roman Reigns with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
Roman Reigns is a four-time WWE World Champion. Reigns won the WWE title three times and the Universal title once.
In picture: Roman Reigns with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
Roman Reigns was previously a professional footballer. Reigns played for Georgia Tech in college.
In 2007, Roman Reigns was signed on by the Minnesota Vikings. It was then that he was first diagnosed with leukaemia and had to be released. Reigns was then signed by Jacksonville Jaguars only to be released later.
In picture: Roman Reigns with his cousins The Usos and Tamina Snuka
Roman Reigns made his WWE debut in 2012 as part of The Shield - one of the most famous factions in WWE history. The Shield consisted of the trio of Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins.
In picture: Roman Reigns with Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins as 'The Shield'
The Shield members have together and individually main evented many WWE pay-per-views including WrestleMania, Summerslam, Survivor Series and Royal Rumble.
Along with his 4 WWE world titles, Roman Reigns has also won the Intercontinental title, United States title and WWE tag team titles once each.
Roman Reigns is also a Royal Rumble winner. He won the tournament in 2015. In 2014, Roman Reigns broke Kane's record for most eliminations in the Rumble. It was later broken by Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar (13 each).
Roman Reigns has main-evented a total of 4 WrestleManias (31-34).
Roman Reigns beat the Undertaker in the main event at WrestleMania 33, becoming only the second WWE superstar besides Brock Lesnar to do so on the 'Grandest Stage of Them All'.
In picture: Roman Reigns with The Undertaker at Extreme Rules
On October 22, 2018, as WWE Universal champion, Roman Reigns announced that he was relinquishing his title as his leukaemia had returned after 11 years and took an indefinite break from wrestling.
Four months later in February 2019, Roman Reigns made a return to WWE and announced that he was in remission. He fought at WWE Fastlane along with Rollins and Ambrose as The Shield as well as in a singles match against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 35.
In December 2014, Roman Reigns got married to Galina Joelle Becker. He has a daughter and twin sons.
In picture: Roman Reigns with his sons
Roman Reigns has mentioned Bret 'Hitman' Hart as his idol in WWE wrestling.
In picture: Roman Reigns with Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch and Bayley
