In the world of professional wrestling, few names resonate as powerfully as Roman Reigns. The WWE superstar, known as the Tribal Chief, has been a dominant force in the industry, particularly in 2023.
Reigns’ participation in WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) this year has been a highlight for fans worldwide, offering a blend of athleticism, drama, and storytelling.
This article ranks his 2023 PLE matches, each a testament to his prowess in the ring:
7. Roman Reigns vs. LA Knight – Crown Jewel
- Match Duration: 20:03
- Outcome: Reigns retained the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
- Notable Moment: Jimmy Uso’s interference
This match against LA Knight at Crown Jewel was more about charisma than technical wrestling. While it was a competitive encounter, the predictability of Reigns retaining his title due to outside interference was a letdown for many.
6. Reigns vs. Jey Uso – SummerSlam
- Match Duration: 36:04
- Outcome: Reigns emerged victorious
- Key Aspect: Emotional family dynamic
The match with Jey Uso at SummerSlam was emotionally charged, given the family ties. However, the encounter was marred by a one-sided dominance from Reigns and a lacklustre performance from Uso, and it unfortunately failed to live up to the high expectations.
5. Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens – Royal Rumble
- Match Duration: 19:15
- Outcome: Reigns retained his title
- Highlight: Post-match drama with Sami Zayn’s turn
Reigns’ bout with Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble showcased their excellent chemistry. Despite Owens’ strong performance, the match was somewhat predictable, though the post-match events added a dramatic twist.
4. Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes – WrestleMania 39
- Match Duration: 34:29
- Outcome: Reigns successfully defended his title
- Match Quality: High technical proficiency
Facing Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39, Reigns delivered a technically sound match. The clash was significant, with Rhodes being a strong contender, but the non-clean finish left some fans wanting more.
3. Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn – Elimination Chamber
- Match Duration: 32:19
- Outcome: Reigns held onto his championship
- Emotional Quotient: High, with Zayn’s popularity peaking
The match against Sami Zayn at the Elimination Chamber was an emotional rollercoaster. Zayn’s underdog story and the crowd’s support made this a memorable encounter, despite Reigns’ victory.
2. Reigns and Solo Sikoa vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn – Night Of Champions
- Match Duration: 26:25
- Outcome: Reigns and Sikoa were defeated
- Dynamics: Tag team action and internal Bloodline conflict
This tag team match at Night Of Champions was a showcase of excellent tag team wrestling. The internal strife within The Bloodline added an intriguing layer to the match, culminating in a loss for Reigns and Sikoa.
1. Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa vs. The Usos – Money In The Bank
- Match Duration: 32:05
- Outcome: The Usos triumphed
- Atmosphere: Electrifying UK crowd
The top-ranked match of 2023 for Reigns was against The Usos at Money In The Bank. The family dynamics, coupled with a passionate UK crowd, made this a standout encounter. The match’s pacing and the dramatic near falls kept the audience captivated.
FAQs
Q: How often does Roman Reigns compete in PLEs? A: Roman Reigns doesn’t compete as regularly as some other wrestlers, but his appearances at PLEs are always major events due to his star power.
Q: What makes Roman Reigns’ matches special? A: Reigns’ matches are known for their storytelling, emotional depth, and his ability to push his limits, offering a unique experience to WWE fans.
Q: Has Roman Reigns ever lost a PLE match in 2023? A: Yes, Reigns experienced a defeat in the tag team match at Night Of Champions, where he teamed up with Solo Sikoa against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
Q: What is the most common criticism of Reigns’ matches? A: A common criticism is the predictability in some of his matches, particularly regarding the involvement of outside interference leading to his victories.
Q: Which Roman Reigns match in 2023 was the most emotionally charged? A: The match against Sami Zayn at the Elimination Chamber was particularly emotionally charged, given Zayn’s popularity and the storyline leading up to the match.
