1 00:00:08,216 --> 00:00:11,256 - What a display of dominance and power. 2 00:00:11,302 --> 00:00:14,312 Roman continues to reign. 3 00:00:15,015 --> 00:00:18,765 - At this point there's no smoke and mirrors with me. 4 00:00:18,810 --> 00:00:20,150 I don't costume myself. 5 00:00:20,186 --> 00:00:21,936 I'm not running around with a snake. 6 00:00:21,980 --> 00:00:23,480 - Look at this. 7 00:00:23,523 --> 00:00:24,903 - The Mouth is fighting for his life in there. 8 00:00:24,941 --> 00:00:26,401 - Great respect to him, 9 00:00:26,443 --> 00:00:29,203 but Hulk Hogan doesn't work in 2022. 10 00:00:30,405 --> 00:00:32,065 Even The Undertaker, 11 00:00:32,115 --> 00:00:35,785 it's not the same as it was back in the early '90s. 12 00:00:35,827 --> 00:00:37,997 - Roman Reigns is so good at being a bad guy 13 00:00:38,038 --> 00:00:40,618 'cause he seems to enjoy it. He seems to revel in it. 14 00:00:40,665 --> 00:00:42,785 He seems to get energy from it. 15 00:00:43,752 --> 00:00:45,382 - I'll whoop all y'all's asses. 16 00:00:45,420 --> 00:00:47,210 Come on, suckers. Come on. 17 00:00:47,255 --> 00:00:49,545 - He indulges in it. 18 00:00:49,591 --> 00:00:51,721 You can just see it in his posture 19 00:00:51,760 --> 00:00:53,640 and the tone of voice that he uses... 20 00:00:53,678 --> 00:00:56,848 - In all that I do for our family. 21 00:00:56,890 --> 00:00:58,310 - It's so authentic. 22 00:00:58,350 --> 00:01:01,730 He's not purely evil, 23 00:01:01,770 --> 00:01:02,980 he's purely who he is. 24 00:01:03,021 --> 00:01:05,321 - Oh, God, are you kidding me? - [groans] 25 00:01:05,357 --> 00:01:06,227 - Roman, no. - No. 26 00:01:06,274 --> 00:01:07,904 [groans] 27 00:01:07,942 --> 00:01:10,782 - His performance as a villain is above all others. 28 00:01:10,820 --> 00:01:13,200 * * 29 00:01:13,239 --> 00:01:15,489 - He's being the worst he's ever been. 30 00:01:15,533 --> 00:01:18,243 The most disrespectful. 31 00:01:18,286 --> 00:01:20,746 The most absurd. The most cocky. 32 00:01:20,789 --> 00:01:22,459 - I told you. 33 00:01:22,499 --> 00:01:24,959 Everything that I've ever done, up until this point 34 00:01:25,001 --> 00:01:29,261 has been a part of making this performance 100% authentic. 35 00:01:29,297 --> 00:01:30,967 - [screams] 36 00:01:31,007 --> 00:01:34,637 - He's the most ruthless, the most violent, 37 00:01:34,678 --> 00:01:38,178 a desire to be the best that has ever done this. 38 00:01:38,223 --> 00:01:42,813 - Who, if anyone, can stop the Head of the Table? 39 00:01:42,852 --> 00:01:45,812 - I'm not playing a character. I am the character. 40 00:01:45,855 --> 00:01:48,815 [eerie music] 41 00:01:48,858 --> 00:01:54,698 * * 42 00:02:07,043 --> 00:02:10,963 [crowd cheering] 43 00:02:11,006 --> 00:02:13,046 - Roman Reigns is one of the most accomplished 44 00:02:13,091 --> 00:02:16,971 WWE Superstars of all time. 45 00:02:17,012 --> 00:02:19,722 But unlike most great champions, 46 00:02:19,764 --> 00:02:24,354 the WWE Universe has not always embraced the Big Dog. 47 00:02:24,394 --> 00:02:28,984 [crowd chanting "Roman sucks!"] 48 00:02:29,024 --> 00:02:32,074 [crowd chanting "Go away!"] 49 00:02:32,110 --> 00:02:35,360 [crowd chanting "You suck!"] 50 00:02:35,405 --> 00:02:37,985 After nearly a decade, 51 00:02:38,033 --> 00:02:41,243 has his love/hate relationship with the WWE Universe... 52 00:02:41,286 --> 00:02:44,576 [crowd chanting "Roman Reigns!"] 53 00:02:44,622 --> 00:02:47,672 Finally released the demon within? 54 00:02:47,709 --> 00:02:49,419 - Bryan is through the table. 55 00:02:49,461 --> 00:02:51,251 * * 56 00:02:51,296 --> 00:02:52,876 And just like that, 57 00:02:52,922 --> 00:02:56,762 Roman Reigns will retain the championship. 58 00:02:57,844 --> 00:03:00,894 - I've always known I'm supposed to be somebody. 59 00:03:01,931 --> 00:03:04,731 I knew that, like, I had something 60 00:03:04,768 --> 00:03:07,728 big that was destined for me. 61 00:03:07,771 --> 00:03:09,941 It's not one of those just shot out of the cannon, 62 00:03:09,981 --> 00:03:11,521 right to the moon stories. 63 00:03:11,566 --> 00:03:15,486 This has been a very in the trenches, 64 00:03:15,528 --> 00:03:18,618 day in, day out, year after year 65 00:03:18,656 --> 00:03:20,616 critical journey that I had to take 66 00:03:20,658 --> 00:03:23,038 in order to take on this responsibility 67 00:03:23,078 --> 00:03:24,448 of the family business. 68 00:03:24,496 --> 00:03:25,576 - They've got to be the toughest tag team. 69 00:03:25,622 --> 00:03:27,622 - The Bloodline refers to the fact 70 00:03:27,665 --> 00:03:29,535 that Roman Reigns is a part of this 71 00:03:29,584 --> 00:03:33,304 incredibly successful wrestling family 72 00:03:33,338 --> 00:03:34,878 with tons of big names 73 00:03:34,923 --> 00:03:37,433 who have been massive stars over the years. 74 00:03:37,467 --> 00:03:39,387 - The branches on the family tree are crazy. 75 00:03:39,427 --> 00:03:41,007 So you got Sika, his father. 76 00:03:41,054 --> 00:03:43,144 - Sika is bigger than Hogan is now. 77 00:03:43,181 --> 00:03:46,811 - You got Afa who is Sika's brother. 78 00:03:46,851 --> 00:03:48,811 Probably one of the greatest tag teams of all time. 79 00:03:48,853 --> 00:03:52,443 And then you got Rikishi who is Roman's cousin. 80 00:03:52,482 --> 00:03:55,782 And Rikishi is the dad of Jimmy and Jey. 81 00:03:55,819 --> 00:03:57,399 And they're a part of the Bloodline. 82 00:03:57,445 --> 00:04:00,695 You got Yokozuna who's the cousin through marriage. 83 00:04:00,740 --> 00:04:02,620 You got Tamina who's a cousin. 84 00:04:02,659 --> 00:04:04,489 You got Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson 85 00:04:04,536 --> 00:04:05,826 who's a cousin through marriage. 86 00:04:05,870 --> 00:04:08,870 How deep does the bloodline go? 87 00:04:08,915 --> 00:04:11,455 - Our legacy is such a thick web. 88 00:04:11,501 --> 00:04:13,881 It wasn't just my dad. It wasn't just my uncle. 89 00:04:13,920 --> 00:04:16,670 I mean, I had a dozen cousins do it. 90 00:04:16,715 --> 00:04:20,545 Some of my very first memories is watching my dad... 91 00:04:20,593 --> 00:04:22,973 - Here comes Sika again with another headbutt. 92 00:04:23,013 --> 00:04:24,683 - Smash his opponents. 93 00:04:25,515 --> 00:04:29,345 I mean, you know, I was born and raised in this business. 94 00:04:29,394 --> 00:04:30,944 It's a very physical lifestyle. 95 00:04:30,979 --> 00:04:34,519 What I grew up around, watching my dad set that tone 96 00:04:34,566 --> 00:04:35,936 for being a savage out there. 97 00:04:35,984 --> 00:04:39,204 It's hard not to picture yourself 98 00:04:39,237 --> 00:04:40,857 in this form of entertainment. 99 00:04:40,905 --> 00:04:43,945 Like, I can do that too. This is how we've always 100 00:04:43,992 --> 00:04:46,332 provided for our family is in that ring. 101 00:04:46,369 --> 00:04:48,249 It's just all we've ever known. 102 00:04:48,288 --> 00:04:50,208 It's who we are. 103 00:04:50,248 --> 00:04:51,958 * * 104 00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:54,840 - As a kid, Joe was very confident 105 00:04:54,878 --> 00:04:57,258 and it's exactly what Roman is today. 106 00:04:57,297 --> 00:04:59,337 Growing up, man, he always tried 107 00:04:59,382 --> 00:05:01,842 to one up me and my brother. 108 00:05:01,885 --> 00:05:05,255 - We was competing in drawing, board games, 109 00:05:05,305 --> 00:05:07,215 football games, in the classroom, 110 00:05:07,265 --> 00:05:08,475 even with girls, man. 111 00:05:08,516 --> 00:05:10,306 I think that's where the Big Dog was created. 112 00:05:10,352 --> 00:05:11,732 * * 113 00:05:11,770 --> 00:05:12,980 - He's always been playing 114 00:05:13,021 --> 00:05:15,361 the mind games when we was kids. 115 00:05:15,398 --> 00:05:16,858 "Yo, man, you want that last slice? 116 00:05:16,900 --> 00:05:18,280 "You don't want that last slice of pizza, man. 117 00:05:18,318 --> 00:05:20,528 "'Cause you ate--you already ate all the pizza, right? 118 00:05:20,570 --> 00:05:21,950 "'Cause let me get--I'm sure. Yeah, all right. 119 00:05:21,988 --> 00:05:23,158 Go ahead, dog. You can have it." 120 00:05:23,198 --> 00:05:24,448 You know, he do them things. 121 00:05:24,491 --> 00:05:26,081 Say we running a basketball game or something. 122 00:05:26,117 --> 00:05:29,447 If he got there too late and we already started the game, 123 00:05:29,496 --> 00:05:30,866 he'd be like, "Yo, let me jump in." 124 00:05:30,914 --> 00:05:32,004 "Sorry, bro, we already started." 125 00:05:32,040 --> 00:05:33,420 He'd grab the ball. 126 00:05:33,458 --> 00:05:34,668 He'd chuck it over in the next door neighbor's yard. 127 00:05:34,709 --> 00:05:36,959 Ain't nobody playing. 128 00:05:37,003 --> 00:05:40,513 - While many in the family were wrestling superstars, 129 00:05:40,548 --> 00:05:43,678 Roman's first passion was football. 130 00:05:43,718 --> 00:05:46,348 - Joe was like 6'1", 225 in high school. 131 00:05:46,388 --> 00:05:47,848 You know, he was a beast. 132 00:05:47,889 --> 00:05:50,559 Definitely thought football would be his calling. 133 00:05:50,600 --> 00:05:53,810 - I signed with Georgia Tech. 134 00:05:53,853 --> 00:05:56,233 Playing Division I college football, 135 00:05:56,272 --> 00:06:00,652 it really pushed me to want to be able carve out my own path 136 00:06:00,694 --> 00:06:03,574 and really define myself in my own light. 137 00:06:03,613 --> 00:06:05,073 I was really good. 138 00:06:05,115 --> 00:06:08,785 [birds chirruping] 139 00:06:08,827 --> 00:06:10,157 Well, I signed with the Vikings, 140 00:06:10,203 --> 00:06:13,423 and I went up there for rookie camp. 141 00:06:13,456 --> 00:06:15,956 Went through all my physicals. 142 00:06:16,001 --> 00:06:17,711 And by the time I was done with my practice 143 00:06:17,752 --> 00:06:20,922 that first practice... 144 00:06:21,673 --> 00:06:23,933 All the test results for my bloodwork came back, 145 00:06:23,967 --> 00:06:27,097 and that's when I was introduced to leukemia. 146 00:06:27,137 --> 00:06:30,137 * * 147 00:06:30,181 --> 00:06:33,271 My mind was blown. 148 00:06:33,309 --> 00:06:35,899 My heart was broken. 149 00:06:35,937 --> 00:06:38,567 I was scared for my life. 150 00:06:39,983 --> 00:06:43,153 When you have something that you can't control, 151 00:06:43,194 --> 00:06:44,784 it affects you all the way around. 152 00:06:44,821 --> 00:06:49,201 Mentally, emotionally. It effects everything. 153 00:06:49,242 --> 00:06:50,542 It wasn't easy. 154 00:06:51,828 --> 00:06:54,078 - I remember feeling just as shocked as everyone. 155 00:06:54,122 --> 00:06:56,752 Like, not my family. Like, no, not Joe. 156 00:06:56,791 --> 00:06:58,341 He can't go out like that. 157 00:06:58,376 --> 00:07:01,336 - The last place I want to like, just let my dream 158 00:07:01,379 --> 00:07:03,549 fall through or everything that I've worked for 159 00:07:03,590 --> 00:07:05,590 is in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 160 00:07:05,633 --> 00:07:06,973 Like, so the first thing was to get home, 161 00:07:07,010 --> 00:07:08,640 get back down to Pensacola, Florida. 162 00:07:08,678 --> 00:07:10,638 Get around my loved ones, my mom. 163 00:07:10,680 --> 00:07:13,850 Once we got to about a year and a half or so, 164 00:07:13,892 --> 00:07:16,102 when we really started to see significant movement 165 00:07:16,144 --> 00:07:18,864 in my bloodwork, that's when, you know, 166 00:07:18,897 --> 00:07:20,397 I started to feel like, 167 00:07:20,440 --> 00:07:24,900 "Okay, I might be able to live a normal life." 168 00:07:24,944 --> 00:07:27,704 As far as chasing dreams and being an athlete, 169 00:07:27,739 --> 00:07:29,369 that was completely up in the air. 170 00:07:29,407 --> 00:07:31,117 * * 171 00:07:31,159 --> 00:07:35,659 - With his cancer in remission and his football dreams over, 172 00:07:35,705 --> 00:07:38,825 Roman contemplated his future. 173 00:07:38,875 --> 00:07:40,495 - I talked to my cousins. 174 00:07:40,543 --> 00:07:41,673 They had already started working 175 00:07:41,711 --> 00:07:43,001 on the independent scene. 176 00:07:43,046 --> 00:07:46,676 - Making their debut as a tandem here at FCW, 177 00:07:46,716 --> 00:07:49,386 Jimmy and Jules Uso. 178 00:07:49,427 --> 00:07:51,757 - When me and my brother, we was down in Tampa, Florida 179 00:07:51,805 --> 00:07:54,885 with the FCW doing our thing. 180 00:07:54,933 --> 00:07:57,353 - Jimmy and Jules Uso. 181 00:07:57,394 --> 00:07:58,774 - I remember we had the conversation. 182 00:07:58,812 --> 00:08:01,362 "How is it wrestling?" "Yo, you gotta come. 183 00:08:01,398 --> 00:08:03,858 "You gotta come down here, bro. You gotta be here. 184 00:08:03,900 --> 00:08:05,400 This is where we supposed to be at." 185 00:08:05,443 --> 00:08:07,403 * * 186 00:08:07,445 --> 00:08:10,655 - When I got to FCW, I was just so focused on 187 00:08:10,699 --> 00:08:12,029 trying to learn how to wrestle. 188 00:08:12,075 --> 00:08:13,485 I was addicted to going out there. 189 00:08:13,535 --> 00:08:15,115 I was addicted to going through the curtain 190 00:08:15,161 --> 00:08:17,331 and getting better, growing, and working on my craft. 191 00:08:17,372 --> 00:08:19,292 I like to figure things out for myself. 192 00:08:19,332 --> 00:08:21,922 I like to experience it. I like to be in the moment. 193 00:08:21,960 --> 00:08:24,590 I like to take it on, digest it. 194 00:08:24,629 --> 00:08:26,209 It was always just about reps. 195 00:08:26,256 --> 00:08:28,676 - Stumbling to his feet. A big flying forearm. 196 00:08:28,717 --> 00:08:30,677 Ricardo turned inside out. 197 00:08:30,719 --> 00:08:33,049 - This is what it's all about here in developmental. 198 00:08:33,096 --> 00:08:35,096 This is what it's all about... - [screams] 199 00:08:35,140 --> 00:08:36,890 - To make sure you stand out. 200 00:08:36,933 --> 00:08:38,813 To be the next person to leave here 201 00:08:38,852 --> 00:08:40,692 and to go to the WWE. 202 00:08:40,729 --> 00:08:42,979 - I'm just a hardheaded alpha male. 203 00:08:43,023 --> 00:08:45,823 I don't try to be influenced too heavily by anyone 204 00:08:45,859 --> 00:08:46,779 because I need to be me. 205 00:08:46,818 --> 00:08:49,988 * * 206 00:08:50,030 --> 00:08:52,620 - In the beginning, the pressure on him is immense 207 00:08:52,657 --> 00:08:53,907 because he's a part of one of 208 00:08:53,950 --> 00:08:56,450 the greatest lineages of all time. 209 00:08:57,078 --> 00:08:59,498 He's from a family where they won't give you that. 210 00:08:59,539 --> 00:09:00,869 They'll give you an opportunity, 211 00:09:00,915 --> 00:09:02,785 but you have to earn everything. 212 00:09:02,834 --> 00:09:05,424 - Roman Reigns! 213 00:09:05,462 --> 00:09:07,382 * * 214 00:09:07,422 --> 00:09:10,092 - Roman Reigns with tremendous power. 215 00:09:10,133 --> 00:09:12,053 There's the first strike. - [screams] 216 00:09:12,093 --> 00:09:14,223 - What an arm to the neck area. 217 00:09:14,262 --> 00:09:16,602 - When Roman was coming up in NXT, 218 00:09:16,639 --> 00:09:19,559 we often joked that if Vince could go into a laboratory 219 00:09:19,601 --> 00:09:22,191 and just dial up exactly what a WWE Superstar looks like, 220 00:09:22,228 --> 00:09:24,398 that's Roman Reigns. - WWE officials 221 00:09:24,439 --> 00:09:26,859 know what they have when they see Roman Reigns. 222 00:09:26,900 --> 00:09:28,230 They know they have a potential 223 00:09:28,276 --> 00:09:30,276 mega-superstar in their midst. 224 00:09:30,320 --> 00:09:32,490 - Big, kind of looked like he was like 225 00:09:32,530 --> 00:09:34,700 a "Game of Thrones" character. You know what I mean? 226 00:09:34,741 --> 00:09:36,951 Like, the tattoos and the muscles. 227 00:09:36,993 --> 00:09:38,873 - One thing that I notice more than anything-- 228 00:09:38,912 --> 00:09:41,162 his incredible footwork and agility. 229 00:09:41,206 --> 00:09:43,076 - He looked the part, he acted the part. 230 00:09:43,124 --> 00:09:44,834 You can see the power. 231 00:09:44,876 --> 00:09:46,286 You see magic there. 232 00:09:46,336 --> 00:09:49,296 - Winds him up for a powerful throwdown. 233 00:09:49,339 --> 00:09:51,629 * * 234 00:09:51,675 --> 00:09:53,045 For the win. [match bell dings] 235 00:09:53,093 --> 00:09:56,643 Roman Reigns! - Here is your winner, 236 00:09:56,680 --> 00:09:59,890 Roman Reigns! 237 00:09:59,933 --> 00:10:01,483 [crowd booing] 238 00:10:01,518 --> 00:10:04,398 - A natural in the ring from day one, 239 00:10:04,437 --> 00:10:07,317 the cocky, self-absorbed Roman Reigns 240 00:10:07,357 --> 00:10:10,437 knew he was always destined for greatness. 241 00:10:10,485 --> 00:10:12,645 - Up and coming, high rising superstar, 242 00:10:12,696 --> 00:10:13,856 Roman Reigns. 243 00:10:13,905 --> 00:10:15,365 Finally we have a chance to talk with-- 244 00:10:15,407 --> 00:10:16,367 - Finally? 245 00:10:16,408 --> 00:10:17,948 What you talking about "finally"? 246 00:10:17,992 --> 00:10:19,952 You got a problem? 247 00:10:21,788 --> 00:10:23,618 You're jealous of me, ain't you? 248 00:10:23,665 --> 00:10:25,745 What time is it? Tell me what time it is. 249 00:10:25,792 --> 00:10:28,632 [stutters] What, you can't read clocks? 250 00:10:28,670 --> 00:10:32,010 - Coming across as a bad guy, 251 00:10:32,048 --> 00:10:34,968 it's always something that came natural for Joe. 252 00:10:35,010 --> 00:10:36,590 He knows what to say out there. 253 00:10:36,636 --> 00:10:38,296 - It's Roman Reigns' time, 254 00:10:38,346 --> 00:10:39,886 and you should feel very fortunate right now. 255 00:10:39,931 --> 00:10:41,561 Get out of here. 256 00:10:41,599 --> 00:10:43,809 - You're very important and we have questions... 257 00:10:43,852 --> 00:10:46,062 [phone rings] that we want to ask you... 258 00:10:46,104 --> 00:10:48,114 - That's what makes a good heel 259 00:10:48,148 --> 00:10:50,028 is to be able to get out there... 260 00:10:50,066 --> 00:10:51,776 - His animosity still not spent. 261 00:10:51,818 --> 00:10:53,238 - Get out. 262 00:10:53,278 --> 00:10:56,608 - And have all those fans want to jump through the TV 263 00:10:56,656 --> 00:10:58,986 to pretty much strangle your ass 264 00:10:59,034 --> 00:11:02,334 from being so pissed off. [chuckles] 265 00:11:02,370 --> 00:11:03,870 - While at NXT, 266 00:11:03,913 --> 00:11:06,043 Roman combined his natural athleticism 267 00:11:06,082 --> 00:11:08,252 with his real life swagger. 268 00:11:08,293 --> 00:11:12,093 The seeds were planted for what was to come. 269 00:11:12,130 --> 00:11:15,550 When Roman finally made his way to the main roster, 270 00:11:15,592 --> 00:11:21,142 it was a debut that changed the course of WWE history. 271 00:11:21,181 --> 00:11:23,481 - Ryback is unstoppable. - Oh, my God. 272 00:11:23,516 --> 00:11:25,056 - Ryback's unbelievable. - Oh, my God. 273 00:11:25,101 --> 00:11:26,561 - What in the world? What is this? 274 00:11:26,603 --> 00:11:28,563 These three guys just came rushing through the crowd. 275 00:11:28,605 --> 00:11:30,855 This is an absolute mauling of Ryback. 276 00:11:30,899 --> 00:11:32,569 What is this? 277 00:11:32,609 --> 00:11:34,279 That--that's Roman Reigns. 278 00:11:34,319 --> 00:11:37,069 Roman Reigns from NXT. What is he doing here? 279 00:11:37,113 --> 00:11:38,243 - Look out! Wait! 280 00:11:38,281 --> 00:11:40,951 Ryback's down. - Oh, my God. 281 00:11:44,662 --> 00:11:46,042 - What in the world? What is this? 282 00:11:46,081 --> 00:11:47,581 - Ryback's down. - Oh, my God. 283 00:11:47,624 --> 00:11:49,214 - That's Roman Reigns from NXT. 284 00:11:49,250 --> 00:11:51,670 What is he doing here? 285 00:11:51,711 --> 00:11:53,881 - In 2012, 286 00:11:53,922 --> 00:11:57,052 Roman was the muscle behind a new renegade faction 287 00:11:57,092 --> 00:11:59,262 known as The Shield. 288 00:12:01,221 --> 00:12:03,351 Roman made an immediate impact. 289 00:12:03,390 --> 00:12:04,680 - [groans] 290 00:12:04,724 --> 00:12:06,524 - When The Shield first debuted, 291 00:12:06,559 --> 00:12:09,559 it was one of the coolest mysteries 292 00:12:09,604 --> 00:12:11,114 you could ask for in pro wrestling. 293 00:12:11,147 --> 00:12:14,277 Who are these guys? What's their goal? 294 00:12:14,317 --> 00:12:17,197 - They were the people that you could hire for a price 295 00:12:17,237 --> 00:12:19,737 to do your dirty work. They were enforcers. 296 00:12:19,781 --> 00:12:21,701 - [groans] 297 00:12:21,741 --> 00:12:22,831 - They was looking hungry. 298 00:12:22,867 --> 00:12:24,987 - [roars] 299 00:12:25,036 --> 00:12:27,656 - I knew they was gonna make noise, man. 300 00:12:27,706 --> 00:12:30,456 - The show was just a vehicle to the main roster. 301 00:12:30,500 --> 00:12:33,170 That was the vehicle out of the warehouse. 302 00:12:33,962 --> 00:12:36,012 It was simple. 303 00:12:36,047 --> 00:12:38,167 Come in and smash people. 304 00:12:38,216 --> 00:12:40,676 - Shield bomb at the table! 305 00:12:40,719 --> 00:12:43,299 - [screams] 306 00:12:43,346 --> 00:12:45,136 - Unbelievable that they continue 307 00:12:45,181 --> 00:12:46,601 to just decimate people. 308 00:12:46,641 --> 00:12:48,441 - Those guys are incredible. 309 00:12:48,476 --> 00:12:50,186 * * 310 00:12:50,228 --> 00:12:52,478 - They were just mopping the floor with people 311 00:12:52,522 --> 00:12:53,772 every single week. 312 00:12:53,815 --> 00:12:55,895 Every trio, every star, 313 00:12:55,942 --> 00:12:58,032 every champion, every legend. 314 00:12:58,069 --> 00:12:59,779 - They attacked the Rock. 315 00:12:59,821 --> 00:13:01,991 - [groans] 316 00:13:02,032 --> 00:13:04,832 - Not just anyone gets to take out the Rock. 317 00:13:04,868 --> 00:13:06,408 - [roars] 318 00:13:06,453 --> 00:13:09,083 - If you're someone who's able to powerbomb the Rock-- 319 00:13:09,122 --> 00:13:10,962 we know, as fans, he's evil. 320 00:13:10,999 --> 00:13:13,079 We know, as fans, he's a bad guy. 321 00:13:13,126 --> 00:13:16,246 * * 322 00:13:16,296 --> 00:13:17,876 - They're getting cheered by the crowd, 323 00:13:17,922 --> 00:13:20,592 but they're still doing villainous acts. 324 00:13:20,633 --> 00:13:22,013 They're putting people through tables 325 00:13:22,052 --> 00:13:23,472 that might not really deserve it. 326 00:13:23,511 --> 00:13:26,391 These are the things you do to build a heel persona, 327 00:13:26,431 --> 00:13:28,391 and the fans loved watching every second of it. 328 00:13:28,433 --> 00:13:30,603 [crowd cheering] 329 00:13:30,643 --> 00:13:32,103 All three look different 330 00:13:32,145 --> 00:13:33,685 and they all represented different things. 331 00:13:33,730 --> 00:13:36,270 Dean Ambrose, the ruthless guy. 332 00:13:36,316 --> 00:13:38,856 Seth Rollins, the brains behind the whole equation. 333 00:13:38,902 --> 00:13:40,702 Roman Reigns, the power guy. 334 00:13:40,737 --> 00:13:43,447 - [screams] 335 00:13:43,490 --> 00:13:46,370 - All three of those were good workers. 336 00:13:46,409 --> 00:13:49,039 But there was one out of that three 337 00:13:49,079 --> 00:13:51,119 was gonna be the guy, 338 00:13:51,164 --> 00:13:52,674 and that was Joe. 339 00:13:52,707 --> 00:13:54,497 [crowd cheering] 340 00:13:54,542 --> 00:13:57,632 He has, what we call, the "it" factor. 341 00:13:57,671 --> 00:13:59,051 He's handsome, 342 00:13:59,089 --> 00:14:02,089 he looks like a superhero. 343 00:14:02,133 --> 00:14:05,973 And when you see this kid here's face on the marquee, 344 00:14:06,012 --> 00:14:08,772 that's what we call asses in seats. 345 00:14:08,807 --> 00:14:10,927 - With Roman Reigns, 346 00:14:10,975 --> 00:14:14,305 I think we all kind of saw from a looks standpoint, 347 00:14:14,354 --> 00:14:16,274 a body standpoint, a pedigree standpoint, 348 00:14:16,314 --> 00:14:18,824 he had all the makings of a guy who could be 349 00:14:18,858 --> 00:14:20,818 the next top WWE Superstar. 350 00:14:21,569 --> 00:14:26,699 - In WWE, the top superstar is the face of the company. 351 00:14:26,741 --> 00:14:29,411 It's not just about championships, 352 00:14:29,452 --> 00:14:32,792 it means you represent the company wherever you are, 353 00:14:32,831 --> 00:14:34,461 whenever you are needed. 354 00:14:34,499 --> 00:14:37,749 To love America is to love all Americans. 355 00:14:37,794 --> 00:14:40,514 - We all felt Roman could be believable 356 00:14:40,547 --> 00:14:42,717 as kind of "face of the company." 357 00:14:42,757 --> 00:14:46,467 - We're not asking for your approval. 358 00:14:47,262 --> 00:14:50,852 - He very quickly got pegged as the next John Cena, 359 00:14:50,890 --> 00:14:53,310 the next Hulk Hogan, the next top guy. 360 00:14:53,351 --> 00:14:56,481 - The Big Dog here is gonna headline "WrestleMania." 361 00:14:56,521 --> 00:14:58,401 Believe that. 362 00:14:58,440 --> 00:15:00,150 - We all felt that we know where we want to go 363 00:15:00,191 --> 00:15:02,491 with this person and so, the time came 364 00:15:02,527 --> 00:15:03,697 that we were gonna break The Shield up 365 00:15:03,737 --> 00:15:06,527 to push Roman in that direction. 366 00:15:06,573 --> 00:15:09,583 - Sierra, Hotel, India, Echo, Lima, Delta. 367 00:15:09,617 --> 00:15:11,327 - Randy Orton, bring your ass out here 368 00:15:11,369 --> 00:15:14,499 and let me break your jaw with the symbol of excellence. 369 00:15:14,539 --> 00:15:17,209 [crowd cheering] 370 00:15:17,250 --> 00:15:21,590 [crowd booing] 371 00:15:21,629 --> 00:15:25,049 - Triple H comes out with that sledgehammer of his 372 00:15:25,091 --> 00:15:27,471 and Seth Rollins picks up a chair. 373 00:15:27,510 --> 00:15:29,390 And if you watch the clip, you can hear 374 00:15:29,429 --> 00:15:33,519 there's one person in the crowd who screams "No!" 375 00:15:33,558 --> 00:15:35,228 - No! 376 00:15:35,268 --> 00:15:42,398 * * 377 00:15:44,402 --> 00:15:46,202 - When Seth Rollins did what he did, 378 00:15:46,237 --> 00:15:48,317 Roman Reigns, kind of by default, 379 00:15:48,365 --> 00:15:51,025 became a sympathetic figure. 380 00:15:51,076 --> 00:15:53,036 - The Shield was no more. 381 00:15:53,078 --> 00:15:54,288 Roman was on his own, 382 00:15:54,329 --> 00:15:57,369 and his star was clearly on the rise. 383 00:15:57,415 --> 00:16:00,035 But to some in the WWE Universe, 384 00:16:00,085 --> 00:16:01,415 the Roman Reigns who was becoming 385 00:16:01,461 --> 00:16:03,461 the face of the company 386 00:16:03,505 --> 00:16:06,795 wasn't the same Roman Reigns from The Shield. 387 00:16:06,841 --> 00:16:10,511 Something was different and they didn't like it. 388 00:16:10,553 --> 00:16:15,063 [upbeat pop music and laughter] 389 00:16:15,100 --> 00:16:17,520 - I'm here about the pig. 390 00:16:17,560 --> 00:16:20,940 - He was just being presented as this white meat baby face 391 00:16:20,980 --> 00:16:22,650 when you just literally came from 392 00:16:22,691 --> 00:16:25,071 the Big Dog from The Shield, right? 393 00:16:25,110 --> 00:16:27,450 - Take time to be a dad. Cheers. 394 00:16:27,487 --> 00:16:29,407 - Now we're over here kissing babies and stuff, 395 00:16:29,447 --> 00:16:32,407 which is cool but when you're transitioning 396 00:16:32,450 --> 00:16:36,250 from a villain to, like, the good guy, 397 00:16:36,287 --> 00:16:38,287 that stuff has to come naturally, right? 398 00:16:38,331 --> 00:16:41,921 You just can't--here. Here is a good guy. 399 00:16:41,960 --> 00:16:44,340 - I think you're gonna win the "Royal Rumble" match. 400 00:16:44,379 --> 00:16:47,339 - [gasps] Thank you. 401 00:16:47,382 --> 00:16:49,682 - Joe's a heel too in real life. 402 00:16:49,718 --> 00:16:53,258 Can't let those pearly whites fool you, right? 403 00:16:53,304 --> 00:16:55,814 - That persona of good guy Roman, 404 00:16:55,849 --> 00:16:57,269 nice guy Roman, 405 00:16:57,308 --> 00:16:59,598 very sweet and jovial Joe 406 00:16:59,644 --> 00:17:02,274 didn't really feel like Roman Reigns. 407 00:17:03,398 --> 00:17:04,568 - This guy's such a natural heel. 408 00:17:04,607 --> 00:17:08,947 Why are they shoving this handsome, athletic, 409 00:17:08,987 --> 00:17:11,907 well-groomed, pedigreed wrestler at my face 410 00:17:11,948 --> 00:17:14,778 as somebody who's a good guy? He's never gonna lose. 411 00:17:14,826 --> 00:17:16,536 What's the point of cheering for this guy? 412 00:17:16,578 --> 00:17:18,618 - That's what it's all about, 413 00:17:18,663 --> 00:17:22,503 becoming the next world heavyweight champion. 414 00:17:22,542 --> 00:17:25,132 - He was suddenly finding himself in main event 415 00:17:25,170 --> 00:17:27,630 pay-per-view matches against some of the biggest stars. 416 00:17:27,672 --> 00:17:29,632 - Roman Reigns is taking out everybody. 417 00:17:29,674 --> 00:17:31,384 Look out, guys. Look out. 418 00:17:31,426 --> 00:17:33,676 - It was very clear he was going to have 419 00:17:33,720 --> 00:17:37,890 a significant run as a singles competitor in the WWE. 420 00:17:37,932 --> 00:17:40,312 [crowd cheering] 421 00:17:40,352 --> 00:17:42,522 - [groans] 422 00:17:44,481 --> 00:17:45,901 - Roman Reigns counters. 423 00:17:45,940 --> 00:17:49,150 Reigns with a spear to Cena. Oh, spear to Cena! 424 00:17:49,194 --> 00:17:52,074 * * 425 00:17:52,113 --> 00:17:54,663 - He got a push early because Vince McMahon 426 00:17:54,699 --> 00:17:57,289 saw the physical potential and the talent 427 00:17:57,327 --> 00:18:00,537 that would make Roman Reigns the face role of the WWE. 428 00:18:00,580 --> 00:18:02,460 - And now I'm about to ride their jet. 429 00:18:02,499 --> 00:18:03,789 We're gonna go to the Big Apple. 430 00:18:03,833 --> 00:18:06,423 We're doing "The Today Show." Have a little fun. 431 00:18:06,461 --> 00:18:08,711 Show off our hardware. - Cheers, brother. 432 00:18:08,755 --> 00:18:10,505 - Let's go. - Bye, guys! 433 00:18:10,548 --> 00:18:12,968 - It became clear that this is who 434 00:18:13,009 --> 00:18:16,349 Vince McMahon wants to be the champion. 435 00:18:16,388 --> 00:18:17,758 - At "WrestleMania," 436 00:18:17,806 --> 00:18:19,516 there's gonna be a new champion crowned. 437 00:18:19,557 --> 00:18:22,187 - I feel like you have some psychic ability. 438 00:18:22,227 --> 00:18:23,687 - As fans, we see this, 439 00:18:23,728 --> 00:18:27,018 and he feels more and more like a corporate champion. 440 00:18:27,065 --> 00:18:28,525 Like Vince's champion. 441 00:18:28,566 --> 00:18:30,106 - So when Roman Reigns would win, 442 00:18:30,151 --> 00:18:31,281 when Roman Reigns would be put 443 00:18:31,319 --> 00:18:32,449 in the main event at "WrestleMania," 444 00:18:32,487 --> 00:18:34,357 it felt like entitlement. 445 00:18:34,406 --> 00:18:36,986 [crowd cheering] 446 00:18:37,033 --> 00:18:39,543 - Real fans, our age, 447 00:18:39,577 --> 00:18:41,537 just don't like that dude. I'm sorry. 448 00:18:41,579 --> 00:18:43,829 They keep pushing him to the damn roof. 449 00:18:43,873 --> 00:18:46,423 - If nobody wants him there, why keep him there? 450 00:18:46,459 --> 00:18:48,549 * * 451 00:18:48,586 --> 00:18:51,456 - A lot of people had like a preconceived notion of 452 00:18:51,506 --> 00:18:53,506 I'm like a favored performer or something 453 00:18:53,550 --> 00:18:55,390 because of Vince McMahon. 454 00:18:55,427 --> 00:18:57,257 But I've simply made different choices 455 00:18:57,303 --> 00:18:59,473 that not everybody can understand 456 00:18:59,514 --> 00:19:01,184 because they're not in this position. 457 00:19:01,224 --> 00:19:05,404 - Joining us now, the man. Give it up for Roman Reigns. 458 00:19:05,437 --> 00:19:08,397 - Every generation has an American hero 459 00:19:08,440 --> 00:19:10,610 to kind of carry the show, 460 00:19:10,650 --> 00:19:14,070 but that ascent to the top is not easy. 461 00:19:14,112 --> 00:19:17,162 - Within the WWE Universe, 462 00:19:17,198 --> 00:19:19,528 there was an undercurrent of resentment building 463 00:19:19,576 --> 00:19:22,326 towards Roman Reigns 464 00:19:22,370 --> 00:19:24,660 - You can make all the plans in the world, 465 00:19:24,706 --> 00:19:26,536 but the WWE Universe is gonna 466 00:19:26,583 --> 00:19:28,213 voice their feelings one way or the other. 467 00:19:28,251 --> 00:19:29,711 [crowd booing] 468 00:19:29,753 --> 00:19:32,593 The point of critical mass with Roman 469 00:19:32,630 --> 00:19:34,670 came at the 2015 "Royal Rumble." 470 00:19:34,716 --> 00:19:37,296 [match bell dings] - The last man in the ring 471 00:19:37,344 --> 00:19:43,104 will advance to the main event at "WrestleMania." 472 00:19:43,141 --> 00:19:45,481 * * 473 00:19:45,518 --> 00:19:47,148 - Say what you want about Roman Reigns, 474 00:19:47,187 --> 00:19:48,397 he's a warrior. 475 00:19:48,438 --> 00:19:50,438 Roman Reigns with a spear. 476 00:19:50,482 --> 00:19:53,992 [crowd booing] - [roars] 477 00:19:58,406 --> 00:19:59,816 - [screams] 478 00:19:59,866 --> 00:20:01,576 [crowd booing] 479 00:20:01,618 --> 00:20:03,498 [match bell dings] 480 00:20:03,536 --> 00:20:08,956 [crowd booing] 481 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:11,960 - This guy who was always getting cheered 482 00:20:12,003 --> 00:20:14,133 started to get booed. 483 00:20:14,172 --> 00:20:18,472 [crowd booing] 484 00:20:18,510 --> 00:20:20,970 - Roman Reigns got booed so bad 485 00:20:21,012 --> 00:20:24,812 that when the Rock came down to lift up his arm in victory 486 00:20:24,849 --> 00:20:27,269 to say "respect this man," 487 00:20:27,310 --> 00:20:29,650 everyone cheered for the Rock, 488 00:20:29,688 --> 00:20:31,518 and when he touched Roman, they booed. 489 00:20:31,564 --> 00:20:33,654 [crowd booing] 490 00:20:33,692 --> 00:20:36,112 That's how much the WWE Universe 491 00:20:36,152 --> 00:20:38,152 turned on Roman Reigns. 492 00:20:38,196 --> 00:20:41,446 - He was in a position that was impossible. 493 00:20:47,497 --> 00:20:50,417 [crowd booing] 494 00:20:50,458 --> 00:20:52,708 - The 2015 "Royal Rumble," 495 00:20:52,752 --> 00:20:56,342 I think the audience felt "the push" was happening 496 00:20:56,381 --> 00:20:58,631 and rejected Roman in that moment. 497 00:20:58,675 --> 00:21:03,885 [crowd booing] 498 00:21:03,930 --> 00:21:07,980 - Every bit of who I am has gone into this character. 499 00:21:08,018 --> 00:21:11,268 [crowd booing] 500 00:21:11,312 --> 00:21:15,032 They booed me louder than I've ever heard before. 501 00:21:15,066 --> 00:21:16,606 I've never been booed like that. 502 00:21:16,651 --> 00:21:20,321 [crowd booing] 503 00:21:20,363 --> 00:21:21,493 It hurt my feelings. It did. 504 00:21:21,531 --> 00:21:26,581 [crowd booing] 505 00:21:26,619 --> 00:21:28,409 Because at the end of the day we're all humans. 506 00:21:28,455 --> 00:21:32,205 [crowd booing] 507 00:21:32,250 --> 00:21:36,000 - In a business where fan perception is reality, 508 00:21:36,046 --> 00:21:39,546 how fans perceive you within the WWE 509 00:21:39,591 --> 00:21:42,051 has a lot of power. 510 00:21:42,093 --> 00:21:43,763 - Nothing in the world 511 00:21:43,803 --> 00:21:46,773 is more dictated by the fans than WWE. 512 00:21:46,806 --> 00:21:52,846 [crowd chanting "You suck!"] 513 00:21:52,896 --> 00:21:54,856 - When it comes to Roman Reigns, 514 00:21:54,898 --> 00:21:57,778 wrestling fans totally bought into our own narrative 515 00:21:57,817 --> 00:21:59,437 that he was being shoved down our throat. 516 00:21:59,486 --> 00:22:01,146 It doesn't matter if that was true or not, 517 00:22:01,196 --> 00:22:02,446 but we all believe that. 518 00:22:02,489 --> 00:22:03,989 [crowd booing] 519 00:22:04,032 --> 00:22:06,622 - For years, Roman would win match after match. 520 00:22:06,659 --> 00:22:10,749 [crowd booing] 521 00:22:10,789 --> 00:22:12,709 And championship after championship 522 00:22:12,749 --> 00:22:14,959 after championship after championship. 523 00:22:15,001 --> 00:22:16,921 Once fans get a sense of, 524 00:22:16,961 --> 00:22:19,381 oh, you're a propped up champion, 525 00:22:19,422 --> 00:22:20,472 it's hard to recover. 526 00:22:20,507 --> 00:22:23,427 - Roman Reigns. 527 00:22:23,468 --> 00:22:25,848 - For decades, "WrestleMania" was considered 528 00:22:25,887 --> 00:22:27,967 The Undertaker's yard. 529 00:22:28,014 --> 00:22:32,484 In 2017, Roman Reigns was still the face of WWE, 530 00:22:32,519 --> 00:22:35,519 but taking on one of the most highly revered superstars 531 00:22:35,563 --> 00:22:37,733 of all time at "WrestleMania" 532 00:22:37,774 --> 00:22:40,284 was a no-win scenario for Roman Reigns. 533 00:22:40,318 --> 00:22:42,648 - One of the controversial figures perhaps 534 00:22:42,696 --> 00:22:45,066 in WWE history, Roman Reigns. 535 00:22:45,115 --> 00:22:46,405 - Look out here. 536 00:22:46,449 --> 00:22:47,489 The momentum, the momentum! 537 00:22:47,534 --> 00:22:48,994 Oh, man. - Wow. 538 00:22:49,035 --> 00:22:52,825 - Got a huge spear into the heart of The Undertaker. 539 00:22:52,872 --> 00:22:56,002 And Roman Reigns has defeated The Undertaker 540 00:22:56,042 --> 00:22:59,092 at "WrestleMania" with a thunderous spear. 541 00:22:59,129 --> 00:23:01,209 - Here's your winner, Roman Reigns! 542 00:23:01,256 --> 00:23:02,916 - My God, what a physical match up. 543 00:23:02,966 --> 00:23:06,586 - With great respect to who The Undertaker is, 544 00:23:06,636 --> 00:23:09,636 [bleep] is changing. Like, it's happening. 545 00:23:09,681 --> 00:23:12,681 [crowd booing] 546 00:23:12,726 --> 00:23:16,016 This guy in front of us, Roman Reigns, is doing it. 547 00:23:16,062 --> 00:23:18,062 [crowd booing] 548 00:23:18,106 --> 00:23:21,646 But people don't like change. 549 00:23:21,693 --> 00:23:24,243 They were angry. 550 00:23:24,279 --> 00:23:27,989 It's so transcending that people are still chewing on it. 551 00:23:28,033 --> 00:23:30,373 They haven't even swallowed it and digested it at this point. 552 00:23:30,410 --> 00:23:37,330 * * 553 00:23:43,715 --> 00:23:45,755 - We knew there were gonna be boos. 554 00:23:45,800 --> 00:23:48,430 We knew there were gonna be very loud boos, 555 00:23:48,470 --> 00:23:52,520 but we had seen this before with John Cena. 556 00:23:53,266 --> 00:23:56,436 There was a time when he was getting booed by the audience. 557 00:23:56,478 --> 00:23:59,518 - John Cena! 558 00:23:59,564 --> 00:24:01,074 [crowd booing] 559 00:24:01,107 --> 00:24:03,437 - The feeling was was that John had played out. 560 00:24:03,485 --> 00:24:05,525 Vince was particularly steadfast in that 561 00:24:05,570 --> 00:24:07,490 as far as keeping John in that position. 562 00:24:07,530 --> 00:24:09,410 And it paid off ultimately. 563 00:24:09,449 --> 00:24:13,079 Vince was looking at that same long-term process with Roman 564 00:24:13,119 --> 00:24:16,079 in that we could ride this out and Roman's talent 565 00:24:16,122 --> 00:24:18,002 would ultimately win out as we move forward. 566 00:24:18,041 --> 00:24:20,711 - Monday night "RAW." 567 00:24:20,752 --> 00:24:22,632 - The following night on "RAW," 568 00:24:22,671 --> 00:24:25,841 Reigns was greeted with a universal chorus of hate. 569 00:24:25,882 --> 00:24:28,302 Roman stood tall 570 00:24:28,343 --> 00:24:30,263 and delivered a message of his own. 571 00:24:30,303 --> 00:24:33,433 - One of the reasons that WWE Universe 572 00:24:33,473 --> 00:24:36,523 is booing Roman Reigns is because last night's match 573 00:24:36,559 --> 00:24:41,649 was indeed the last ride for The Undertaker. 574 00:24:41,690 --> 00:24:48,780 [crowd chanting "Undertaker!"] 575 00:24:49,864 --> 00:24:56,834 [crowd booing] 576 00:24:56,871 --> 00:25:01,541 * * 577 00:25:01,584 --> 00:25:08,514 [crowd chanting "Delete!"] 578 00:25:08,550 --> 00:25:14,310 * * 579 00:25:14,347 --> 00:25:17,267 [crowd booing] 580 00:25:17,308 --> 00:25:18,808 - People booed him 581 00:25:18,852 --> 00:25:22,362 for almost ten minutes straight. 582 00:25:22,397 --> 00:25:27,817 [crowd chanting "You suck!"] 583 00:25:27,861 --> 00:25:30,411 - To be able to get out there and boo, 584 00:25:30,447 --> 00:25:32,317 for us in our family, 585 00:25:32,365 --> 00:25:33,735 that pisses us off. 586 00:25:33,783 --> 00:25:38,003 [crowd booing] 587 00:25:38,038 --> 00:25:40,708 When we all come out there to perform, 588 00:25:40,749 --> 00:25:42,669 and you're trying to do the best you can, 589 00:25:42,709 --> 00:25:45,629 because that's all we got when we come through those curtains. 590 00:25:45,670 --> 00:25:48,050 I come out here and you boo me, 591 00:25:48,089 --> 00:25:50,049 that tells me that I gotta come back-- 592 00:25:50,091 --> 00:25:51,971 I'm gonna come back with some [bleep], 593 00:25:52,010 --> 00:25:53,890 some stuff that's gonna make you respect me. 594 00:25:53,928 --> 00:25:57,138 [crowd booing] 595 00:25:57,182 --> 00:25:59,732 - You can see that evil side. 596 00:25:59,768 --> 00:26:01,518 You can see the wheels turning. 597 00:26:01,561 --> 00:26:04,441 You can see his mannerisms and he's doing it with a smirk. 598 00:26:04,481 --> 00:26:09,991 [crowd chanting "You suck!"] 599 00:26:10,028 --> 00:26:12,238 - This is my yard now. 600 00:26:12,280 --> 00:26:19,120 [crowd booing] 601 00:26:19,162 --> 00:26:21,042 - The hostility toward Reigns 602 00:26:21,081 --> 00:26:24,541 from the WWE Universe continued... 603 00:26:24,584 --> 00:26:27,844 - Here comes the Big Dog! 604 00:26:27,879 --> 00:26:31,839 - Especially after winning his first Universal Championship. 605 00:26:31,883 --> 00:26:34,553 - Here's the cover-- hook of the leg. 606 00:26:34,594 --> 00:26:37,104 Reigns did it! Roman Reigns did it! 607 00:26:37,138 --> 00:26:38,808 Reigns is the champion. 608 00:26:38,848 --> 00:26:45,148 [crowd booing] 609 00:26:45,188 --> 00:26:49,398 - The new Universal Champion, 610 00:26:49,442 --> 00:26:51,742 Roman Reigns! 611 00:26:51,778 --> 00:26:56,068 - Bad blood between Roman and the WWE Universe ran deep. 612 00:26:56,116 --> 00:26:57,486 There was seemingly nothing 613 00:26:57,534 --> 00:26:59,794 that could be done to ever bridge the divide. 614 00:26:59,828 --> 00:27:02,708 - Now for the wrestling superstar who stunned his fans 615 00:27:02,747 --> 00:27:05,787 with an emotional announcement on live television. 616 00:27:05,834 --> 00:27:09,424 Roman Reigns, one of the biggest stars in the WWE, 617 00:27:09,462 --> 00:27:11,462 going public with a private battle 618 00:27:11,506 --> 00:27:14,216 and stepping away from the ring. 619 00:27:14,259 --> 00:27:16,339 - My real name is Joe. 620 00:27:18,430 --> 00:27:22,350 And I've been living with leukemia for 11 years. 621 00:27:22,392 --> 00:27:27,612 * * 622 00:27:27,647 --> 00:27:30,317 And unfortunately it's back. 623 00:27:38,825 --> 00:27:40,615 - At the peak of his career, 624 00:27:40,660 --> 00:27:43,580 the reigning WWE Universal Champion 625 00:27:43,621 --> 00:27:46,961 was once again in a fight for his very life. 626 00:27:48,168 --> 00:27:50,298 - My real name is Joe. 627 00:27:50,337 --> 00:27:54,087 * * 628 00:27:54,132 --> 00:27:57,932 And I've been living with leukemia for 11 years. 629 00:27:57,969 --> 00:28:03,179 * * 630 00:28:03,224 --> 00:28:05,894 And unfortunately it's back. 631 00:28:05,935 --> 00:28:07,765 * * 632 00:28:07,812 --> 00:28:09,522 And because the leukemia is back, 633 00:28:09,564 --> 00:28:11,444 I cannot fulfill my role, 634 00:28:11,483 --> 00:28:13,153 and I'm gonna have to relinquish 635 00:28:13,193 --> 00:28:14,903 the Universal Championship. 636 00:28:14,944 --> 00:28:18,164 * * 637 00:28:18,198 --> 00:28:20,078 - Everybody was shocked. 638 00:28:21,284 --> 00:28:24,414 - By no means is this a retirement speech. 639 00:28:24,454 --> 00:28:27,334 [crowd cheering] 640 00:28:27,374 --> 00:28:31,044 Because after I'm done whooping leukemia's ass once again, 641 00:28:31,086 --> 00:28:32,996 I'm coming back home. 642 00:28:33,046 --> 00:28:37,216 [crowd cheering] 643 00:28:37,258 --> 00:28:40,178 - It was a sad moment, but he was confident about it. 644 00:28:40,220 --> 00:28:42,510 He was honest about it. He was upfront about it. 645 00:28:42,555 --> 00:28:44,515 He did it on his terms. 646 00:28:44,557 --> 00:28:47,187 At that moment in time, we all were with Roman Reigns. 647 00:28:47,227 --> 00:28:49,687 We were all with Joe. We all sat back and said 648 00:28:49,729 --> 00:28:50,939 this is bigger than wrestling. 649 00:28:50,980 --> 00:28:52,480 And the only thing we wanted for him to do 650 00:28:52,524 --> 00:28:54,364 was get healthy and get better and come back. 651 00:28:54,401 --> 00:28:57,651 [crowd chanting "Thank you, Roman!"] 652 00:28:57,696 --> 00:28:59,446 - Reality intervenes, right? 653 00:28:59,489 --> 00:29:00,819 At that point, you have to kind of like 654 00:29:00,865 --> 00:29:03,195 set aside your petty grievances. 655 00:29:03,243 --> 00:29:05,663 - We come out here every Monday night to entertain. 656 00:29:05,704 --> 00:29:08,374 We live in this alternate reality sometimes. 657 00:29:08,415 --> 00:29:10,075 And I think we all forget 658 00:29:10,125 --> 00:29:12,205 the superstars in the locker room are real people. 659 00:29:12,252 --> 00:29:15,962 And reality came up and bit us here tonight. 660 00:29:16,006 --> 00:29:18,046 - My whole life, all the way back 661 00:29:18,091 --> 00:29:20,011 to when I was just a little boy, 662 00:29:20,051 --> 00:29:21,221 everything that I've worked for, 663 00:29:21,261 --> 00:29:24,601 as long as I hyperfocus on it, 664 00:29:24,639 --> 00:29:26,889 I should be able to do it. 665 00:29:26,933 --> 00:29:28,733 That's why I am where I am. 666 00:29:28,768 --> 00:29:32,728 But when you have something that you can't control 667 00:29:32,772 --> 00:29:37,402 completely disrupt that whole narrative... 668 00:29:37,444 --> 00:29:38,494 [sighs] 669 00:29:38,528 --> 00:29:41,908 That's the toughest part to deal with. 670 00:29:41,948 --> 00:29:45,698 - With the love and support of his friends and family, 671 00:29:45,744 --> 00:29:48,964 Joe was battling for his very life. 672 00:29:48,997 --> 00:29:50,417 Six months later, 673 00:29:50,457 --> 00:29:52,957 he stood before the WWE Universe 674 00:29:53,001 --> 00:29:54,961 to share some incredible news. 675 00:29:55,003 --> 00:30:01,593 [crowd chanting "Roman!"] 676 00:30:01,634 --> 00:30:04,224 - The good news is 677 00:30:04,262 --> 00:30:05,762 I'm in remission, y'all. 678 00:30:05,805 --> 00:30:11,635 [crowd cheering] 679 00:30:11,686 --> 00:30:13,056 - That night, 680 00:30:13,104 --> 00:30:15,274 everyone joyously celebrated with Joe 681 00:30:15,315 --> 00:30:19,775 in his victory over cancer. 682 00:30:19,819 --> 00:30:22,909 But were they finally ready to embrace Roman? 683 00:30:22,947 --> 00:30:28,237 * * 684 00:30:28,286 --> 00:30:30,616 - 80,000 plus here tonight, 685 00:30:30,663 --> 00:30:33,833 and it marks the return of the Big Dog 686 00:30:33,875 --> 00:30:35,665 after the battle of his life. 687 00:30:35,710 --> 00:30:36,960 - It's gonna be big. 688 00:30:37,003 --> 00:30:39,963 * * 689 00:30:40,006 --> 00:30:42,336 - I haven't been in there for a singles match 690 00:30:42,384 --> 00:30:43,514 and I haven't been in there, you know, 691 00:30:43,551 --> 00:30:44,841 for the full duration of a match. 692 00:30:44,886 --> 00:30:47,306 So it's-- 693 00:30:47,347 --> 00:30:48,807 we won't know until we go do it. 694 00:30:48,848 --> 00:30:50,678 So let's go do it. 695 00:30:50,725 --> 00:30:52,305 * * 696 00:30:52,352 --> 00:30:56,522 - And here comes the Big Dog. 697 00:30:56,564 --> 00:31:03,534 * * 698 00:31:05,573 --> 00:31:08,283 - I remember thinking that this is that big moment 699 00:31:08,326 --> 00:31:11,656 that everybody will accept him. 700 00:31:11,705 --> 00:31:15,325 But once he came back from his leukemia battle, 701 00:31:15,375 --> 00:31:17,415 I thought it'd be impossible to boo him. 702 00:31:17,460 --> 00:31:20,550 It's gonna be impossible to boo a guy who beat cancer. 703 00:31:20,588 --> 00:31:23,798 [match bell dings] - [groans] 704 00:31:23,842 --> 00:31:25,722 - I can tell you one thing. Tonight, it's not just about 705 00:31:25,760 --> 00:31:28,890 Roman fighting for himself or even just his family. 706 00:31:28,930 --> 00:31:30,970 It's about anybody who's ever been ill, 707 00:31:31,016 --> 00:31:33,346 who's ever struggled, who's ever suffered 708 00:31:33,393 --> 00:31:36,193 and had to overcome. Roman Reigns... 709 00:31:36,229 --> 00:31:38,609 is fighting for the world tonight. 710 00:31:38,648 --> 00:31:45,568 [crowd booing] 711 00:31:49,743 --> 00:31:53,083 - Roman came back, and he was getting boos. 712 00:31:53,121 --> 00:31:54,711 I looked at my man. I said, bro-- 713 00:31:54,748 --> 00:31:58,078 I said, "Roman Reigns beat leukemia 714 00:31:58,126 --> 00:31:59,126 and he still getting booed?" 715 00:31:59,169 --> 00:32:03,259 [crowd booing] 716 00:32:03,298 --> 00:32:06,298 - That was complete disrespect. 717 00:32:06,343 --> 00:32:08,553 A slap across the face of Reigns. 718 00:32:08,595 --> 00:32:10,095 - Might've been what Reigns needed. 719 00:32:10,138 --> 00:32:12,678 - [screams] - Oh, and a clothesline. 720 00:32:12,724 --> 00:32:14,604 - [groans] 721 00:32:14,642 --> 00:32:17,652 - And Roman Reigns starting to fire back now. 722 00:32:17,687 --> 00:32:21,857 [crowd booing] 723 00:32:21,900 --> 00:32:26,530 - We were so used to Roman eliciting this feeling from us 724 00:32:26,571 --> 00:32:28,821 that it's so easy to slide right back into it. 725 00:32:28,865 --> 00:32:30,775 And you would imagine the human side, 726 00:32:30,825 --> 00:32:32,075 we would have more empathy, 727 00:32:32,118 --> 00:32:34,448 but it's almost our ability to go, okay, cool. 728 00:32:34,496 --> 00:32:38,916 We're back into what I'm used to and what I know. 729 00:32:38,958 --> 00:32:43,168 Those old emotions came right back up again for the fans. 730 00:32:43,213 --> 00:32:44,763 - They were like, "Man, please." 731 00:32:44,798 --> 00:32:47,378 "Oh, he's healthy? He's good? He's in remission? 732 00:32:47,425 --> 00:32:48,505 We booing this dude again." 733 00:32:48,551 --> 00:32:49,801 I was like, "Are you serious?" 734 00:32:49,844 --> 00:32:51,304 [crowd booing] 735 00:32:51,346 --> 00:32:54,636 - It's been a while since we heard the Big Dog roar. 736 00:32:54,683 --> 00:32:57,813 Spear by Reigns. 737 00:32:57,852 --> 00:32:59,942 Reigns with the win. 738 00:32:59,979 --> 00:33:06,949 [crowd booing] 739 00:33:06,986 --> 00:33:11,366 And tonight at "WrestleMania" the Big Dog is back. 740 00:33:11,408 --> 00:33:14,698 [crowd booing] 741 00:33:14,744 --> 00:33:17,164 - That was, uh... 742 00:33:19,165 --> 00:33:20,495 That was a tough pill to swallow. 743 00:33:22,419 --> 00:33:26,299 With the toxicity and all the negativity 744 00:33:26,339 --> 00:33:28,759 that can come with this type of lifestyle, 745 00:33:28,800 --> 00:33:33,760 all of that has been just balled up and used. 746 00:33:33,805 --> 00:33:36,885 [crowd booing] 747 00:33:36,933 --> 00:33:39,103 - It's heartbreaking. 748 00:33:39,144 --> 00:33:42,154 The competitive mind and competitive spirit of Joe, 749 00:33:42,188 --> 00:33:43,818 he never forgot that. 750 00:33:43,857 --> 00:33:48,357 - I would sit in the back and I would think, too, like, 751 00:33:48,403 --> 00:33:50,113 damn, that was a reaction out there. 752 00:33:50,155 --> 00:33:54,325 Like they legit don't like Joe. Like they legit don't like him. 753 00:33:55,118 --> 00:33:58,828 - I remember him saying that he wanted to do something. 754 00:33:58,872 --> 00:34:01,502 I was like, man, if you feel it in your gut 755 00:34:01,541 --> 00:34:04,091 it's time for you to change, go. 756 00:34:04,878 --> 00:34:07,668 But be careful, 'cause the timing is everything, right? 757 00:34:07,714 --> 00:34:08,924 * * 758 00:34:08,965 --> 00:34:11,045 - Just as Roman was beginning to question 759 00:34:11,092 --> 00:34:13,472 his role in the WWE, 760 00:34:13,511 --> 00:34:16,601 the Covid-19 pandemic hit. 761 00:34:16,639 --> 00:34:20,559 As a cancer survivor, he was forced to take a leave. 762 00:34:20,602 --> 00:34:25,362 He began to reflect on his life and his career. 763 00:34:25,398 --> 00:34:26,858 - He was kind of quiet for a little minute. 764 00:34:26,900 --> 00:34:29,070 I think he was back in the lab doing work, 765 00:34:29,110 --> 00:34:31,610 you know, trying to find himself. 766 00:34:34,657 --> 00:34:37,537 - When you're working out by yourself in your own gym 767 00:34:37,577 --> 00:34:39,787 through a quarantine, and you spend about 768 00:34:39,829 --> 00:34:41,749 two to three hours in the gym every day, 769 00:34:41,790 --> 00:34:43,710 you start to think of these things. 770 00:34:43,750 --> 00:34:46,250 What I want to do, who I want to be, 771 00:34:46,294 --> 00:34:48,384 how I want to present it. 772 00:34:50,757 --> 00:34:53,337 Then I started to realize if they want me 773 00:34:53,385 --> 00:34:57,135 to do my job to the best of its ability 774 00:34:57,180 --> 00:35:00,390 with the weight and burden of being the face of WWE, 775 00:35:00,433 --> 00:35:03,193 I have to do it my way. 776 00:35:03,937 --> 00:35:07,017 - Ladies and gentlemen, "SummerSlam." 777 00:35:07,065 --> 00:35:10,485 The Fiend is champion. - You know the hell that is? 778 00:35:10,527 --> 00:35:11,897 - Oh, my God, it's Roman Reigns! 779 00:35:11,945 --> 00:35:15,405 Roman Reigns, the Big Dog is here. 780 00:35:15,448 --> 00:35:17,078 Roman Reigns is back. 781 00:35:17,117 --> 00:35:20,247 - When Roman showed up at "SummerSlam," 782 00:35:20,286 --> 00:35:21,746 it was a shock. 783 00:35:21,788 --> 00:35:24,368 It was a great jolt to the audience. 784 00:35:24,416 --> 00:35:29,456 - The Big Dog, Roman Reigns, with an emphatic statement. 785 00:35:29,504 --> 00:35:32,134 - I automatically knew when I saw him on screen, 786 00:35:32,173 --> 00:35:34,933 this is a different Roman. 787 00:35:34,968 --> 00:35:37,758 This Roman Reigns right here is the one we know, 788 00:35:37,804 --> 00:35:40,064 but they about to know who he is. 789 00:35:40,098 --> 00:35:43,308 - We never saw this coming. 790 00:35:47,564 --> 00:35:48,864 - Oh, my God, it's Roman Reigns! 791 00:35:48,898 --> 00:35:52,278 - The Big Dog with an emphatic statement. 792 00:35:52,318 --> 00:35:54,148 - A sneak attack on the champion 793 00:35:54,195 --> 00:35:58,655 sent a clear message to the WWE Universe. 794 00:35:58,700 --> 00:36:02,910 Roman Reigns was back and doing things his way. 795 00:36:02,954 --> 00:36:04,914 * * 796 00:36:10,211 --> 00:36:12,011 * * 797 00:36:12,047 --> 00:36:15,337 - I automatically knew when I saw him on screen, 798 00:36:15,383 --> 00:36:18,093 this is a different Roman. 799 00:36:18,136 --> 00:36:20,716 The way he was acting, the way he looked. 800 00:36:20,764 --> 00:36:22,394 You know, the vibes he was giving off 801 00:36:22,432 --> 00:36:24,022 was radiating through the TV screen. 802 00:36:28,605 --> 00:36:30,315 - Okay, hold on. This is different. 803 00:36:30,357 --> 00:36:33,487 He's being a jerk. He's being rude. 804 00:36:42,619 --> 00:36:45,959 And I will win back my Universal Championship 805 00:36:45,997 --> 00:36:48,577 that I never lost in the first place. 806 00:36:50,627 --> 00:36:52,587 That's a spoiler. 807 00:36:52,629 --> 00:36:57,339 * * 808 00:36:57,384 --> 00:37:02,894 - Believe...that. 809 00:37:02,931 --> 00:37:06,021 - You see him sitting next to Paul Heyman on the couch. 810 00:37:06,059 --> 00:37:08,729 You're like, Roman Reigns is a bad guy. 811 00:37:08,770 --> 00:37:10,360 This is--this-- there's no turning back 812 00:37:10,397 --> 00:37:12,437 'cause they know no matter what, 813 00:37:12,482 --> 00:37:13,652 Paul Heyman ain't no good guy. 814 00:37:13,692 --> 00:37:17,032 - I exploit historical facts 815 00:37:17,070 --> 00:37:20,410 to shove my points down your throats. 816 00:37:20,448 --> 00:37:22,118 * * 817 00:37:22,158 --> 00:37:27,038 - Paul Heyman is a slimy, backstabbing, 818 00:37:27,080 --> 00:37:29,370 weaselly, annoying... 819 00:37:29,416 --> 00:37:33,376 - He's a combination of every scummy lawyer, businessman, 820 00:37:33,420 --> 00:37:35,920 shady car salesman you've ever known in your life. 821 00:37:35,964 --> 00:37:42,104 - He always has his clients in the focal point of the WWE. 822 00:37:42,137 --> 00:37:45,517 He's someone that will use every single 823 00:37:45,557 --> 00:37:49,097 trick in the book to get his way. 824 00:37:49,144 --> 00:37:51,524 - When you saw Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman together, 825 00:37:51,563 --> 00:37:55,033 it solidified that he's really gone to the dark side. 826 00:37:55,066 --> 00:37:59,316 - Here comes the Big Dog. He just signed the contract. 827 00:38:00,030 --> 00:38:03,700 - I think everyone always knew that Roman Reigns 828 00:38:03,742 --> 00:38:05,452 and Paul Heyman would end up 829 00:38:05,493 --> 00:38:08,623 being side by side at some point. 830 00:38:08,663 --> 00:38:11,463 I think it was inevitable. 831 00:38:11,499 --> 00:38:15,549 I broke in to this industry when I was a teenager. 832 00:38:15,587 --> 00:38:18,797 I bull[bleep] my way into Madison Square Garden 833 00:38:18,840 --> 00:38:21,090 when the Garden was still being run 834 00:38:21,134 --> 00:38:22,804 by Vincent Kennedy, McMahon's father, 835 00:38:22,844 --> 00:38:25,604 Vincent James McMahon. 836 00:38:25,638 --> 00:38:31,058 Two of the people that looked after me from the beginning 837 00:38:31,102 --> 00:38:34,312 were Roman's uncle, Afa, and Roman's father, Sika. 838 00:38:34,356 --> 00:38:36,356 - The Samoan SWAT team. 839 00:38:36,399 --> 00:38:39,649 - I've been with Roman's family... 840 00:38:39,694 --> 00:38:42,164 before Roman was with Roman's family. 841 00:38:43,698 --> 00:38:44,818 - When Roman revealed that 842 00:38:44,866 --> 00:38:46,866 he was associated now with Paul Heyman, 843 00:38:46,910 --> 00:38:49,620 it just kind of put out this whole new dynamic. 844 00:38:49,662 --> 00:38:51,332 - There will be consequences. 845 00:38:51,373 --> 00:38:53,333 * * 846 00:38:53,375 --> 00:38:56,535 - The fans ate up-- 847 00:38:56,586 --> 00:38:58,376 ate up Roman Reigns as a heel. 848 00:38:58,421 --> 00:39:00,301 - Get your ass down here. Let's go. 849 00:39:00,340 --> 00:39:02,010 - And a new official heading down to the ring. 850 00:39:02,050 --> 00:39:05,800 - They felt like they won when he went heel. 851 00:39:05,845 --> 00:39:08,885 - Oh, low blow. Legal though. No holds barred. 852 00:39:08,932 --> 00:39:11,352 - And Reigns with a spear to Strowman. 853 00:39:11,393 --> 00:39:13,653 - And the cover by Reigns. 854 00:39:13,687 --> 00:39:17,017 Roman Reigns has won the Universal Championship. 855 00:39:17,065 --> 00:39:20,935 - Immediately, it clicked with the audience 856 00:39:20,985 --> 00:39:24,155 because this was the Roman that they had been waiting to see, 857 00:39:24,197 --> 00:39:26,067 just that confidence and arrogance, 858 00:39:26,116 --> 00:39:28,696 that feeling of "I am the top guy. 859 00:39:28,743 --> 00:39:30,873 "I've always been the top guy. 860 00:39:30,912 --> 00:39:33,082 "And for all of you who didn't recognize that 861 00:39:33,123 --> 00:39:36,213 and acknowledge me as that are now going to pay and suffer." 862 00:39:36,251 --> 00:39:39,341 - This is a different human being fundamentally. 863 00:39:39,379 --> 00:39:42,169 Everything about his aura is completely different. 864 00:39:42,215 --> 00:39:43,965 - Then I'm just doing the same thing. 865 00:39:44,009 --> 00:39:45,929 So now, when I came back, 866 00:39:45,969 --> 00:39:49,559 I set a whole new tone and put on a whole different 867 00:39:49,597 --> 00:39:52,927 paint job of the character, you know. 868 00:39:52,976 --> 00:39:54,726 From a creative standpoint, 869 00:39:54,769 --> 00:39:56,939 there was no conversation. 870 00:39:56,980 --> 00:39:59,690 I said what I wanted to do and I did it. 871 00:40:00,608 --> 00:40:01,898 That's the beauty of 872 00:40:01,943 --> 00:40:04,243 being the one with your finger on the trigger. 873 00:40:04,279 --> 00:40:05,989 I don't care who I face. 874 00:40:06,031 --> 00:40:08,741 Feed 'em in and watch 'em all get slaughtered 875 00:40:08,783 --> 00:40:11,373 because this is my island. 876 00:40:11,411 --> 00:40:14,211 I left and I literally gave the whole company 877 00:40:14,247 --> 00:40:16,457 an opportunity to step up and take it from me, 878 00:40:16,499 --> 00:40:17,919 and they couldn't. 879 00:40:17,959 --> 00:40:20,379 And it just showcased why I'm needed. 880 00:40:20,420 --> 00:40:22,130 And that's the power. 881 00:40:22,172 --> 00:40:25,762 And when you have this kind of power, 882 00:40:25,800 --> 00:40:28,970 all you gotta do is show up and win. 883 00:40:31,306 --> 00:40:32,636 Believe that. 884 00:40:35,060 --> 00:40:38,690 - Roman tapped into the power of his Samoan roots. 885 00:40:38,730 --> 00:40:40,940 The sacred role of high chief 886 00:40:40,982 --> 00:40:43,402 is reserved for the tribal leader. 887 00:40:43,443 --> 00:40:46,453 Roman declared himself as the tribal chief, 888 00:40:46,488 --> 00:40:48,158 and by default, 889 00:40:48,198 --> 00:40:50,488 the Head of the Family Table. 890 00:40:50,533 --> 00:40:53,373 Roman ordered his cousins to fall in line, 891 00:40:53,411 --> 00:40:55,961 starting with Jey Uso. 892 00:40:55,997 --> 00:40:58,747 - Big Usman, throwing his weight around 893 00:40:58,792 --> 00:41:00,502 since we was little. 894 00:41:00,543 --> 00:41:01,963 But we not little no more, okay? 895 00:41:02,003 --> 00:41:03,463 - Not only is it his first defense 896 00:41:03,505 --> 00:41:05,585 of the Universal Championship, it's against family. 897 00:41:05,632 --> 00:41:08,842 It's against Roman's very own blood, Jey Uso. 898 00:41:08,885 --> 00:41:10,385 - We're blood. 899 00:41:10,428 --> 00:41:12,258 Family, man. 900 00:41:12,305 --> 00:41:14,465 I'm proud of you. But the truth is, 901 00:41:14,516 --> 00:41:17,056 like when we were kids, I'm gonna whoop your ass. 902 00:41:17,102 --> 00:41:22,322 - They had this storyline, and it's so close to home. 903 00:41:22,357 --> 00:41:26,027 It's like brothers that are actually fighting. 904 00:41:26,069 --> 00:41:28,319 - Just like when they were kids, 905 00:41:28,363 --> 00:41:30,823 Roman assured his cousin that he was doing everything 906 00:41:30,865 --> 00:41:33,785 in the best interests of the family. 907 00:41:33,827 --> 00:41:37,787 - All I wanted to do was raise you up. 908 00:41:37,831 --> 00:41:40,001 - Every time I see Roman Reigns and the Usos 909 00:41:40,041 --> 00:41:43,171 I think, man, that's not far from real life. 910 00:41:43,211 --> 00:41:45,171 They're always kind of at each other's throats. 911 00:41:45,213 --> 00:41:46,593 You wonder how tight they are. 912 00:41:46,631 --> 00:41:48,591 If they really like one another, if they don't. 913 00:41:48,633 --> 00:41:50,893 - This has to stay on my shoulder 914 00:41:50,927 --> 00:41:53,257 for our family to stay where it is. 915 00:41:53,304 --> 00:41:54,434 You understand? 916 00:41:54,472 --> 00:41:56,892 - This new version of Roman Reigns 917 00:41:56,933 --> 00:41:59,233 is very much like a mob boss. 918 00:41:59,269 --> 00:42:03,899 - You will respect me for who I am in the WWE 919 00:42:03,940 --> 00:42:07,030 and all that I do for our family. 920 00:42:07,068 --> 00:42:10,948 - The idea that you would want to challenge me 921 00:42:10,989 --> 00:42:13,409 is offensive to who I am. 922 00:42:13,450 --> 00:42:16,700 And so he didn't want to just beat Jey Uso, 923 00:42:16,745 --> 00:42:20,365 he wanted to show that Jey Uso is below him. 924 00:42:20,415 --> 00:42:23,285 His own cousin, his own flesh and blood, 925 00:42:23,335 --> 00:42:24,585 below him. 926 00:42:24,627 --> 00:42:28,917 And he beat him down until he acknowledged 927 00:42:28,965 --> 00:42:31,965 Roman Reigns as the Head of the Table, 928 00:42:32,010 --> 00:42:33,890 the head of the family 929 00:42:33,928 --> 00:42:35,638 and now, Jey Uso, 930 00:42:35,680 --> 00:42:38,560 and his brother, Jimmy Uso, 931 00:42:38,600 --> 00:42:40,140 they are the guys 932 00:42:40,185 --> 00:42:44,265 that do the enforcing for him when he can't be there. 933 00:42:44,314 --> 00:42:46,234 - Oh, wait a minute-- from behind. 934 00:42:46,274 --> 00:42:48,994 Jimmy and Jey Uso, Reign's cousins, 935 00:42:49,027 --> 00:42:53,067 the tag team champions, ambushing Balor. 936 00:42:53,114 --> 00:42:56,454 - All of us working together, can't nobody touch us. 937 00:42:56,493 --> 00:42:58,243 Can't nobody touch us... 938 00:42:59,120 --> 00:43:02,120 If we do it my way. 939 00:43:02,165 --> 00:43:04,495 - At first I was against it. 940 00:43:04,542 --> 00:43:06,382 but Roman being Roman... 941 00:43:07,462 --> 00:43:10,092 Had a bigger plan. 942 00:43:10,131 --> 00:43:12,591 Told me we were stronger together. 943 00:43:12,634 --> 00:43:14,644 Bloodline. 944 00:43:14,678 --> 00:43:18,258 - He's the Head of the Table of his family. 945 00:43:18,306 --> 00:43:20,926 He feeds his father and his uncles 946 00:43:20,975 --> 00:43:22,685 and his cousins, 947 00:43:22,727 --> 00:43:27,647 and every member of his family survives and indeed thrives 948 00:43:27,691 --> 00:43:30,991 off of the living that is made by Roman Reigns. 949 00:43:31,027 --> 00:43:33,737 - You can call this place whatever you like, 950 00:43:33,780 --> 00:43:35,740 but this is my yard. 951 00:43:35,782 --> 00:43:39,622 This is my island. This is my ring. 952 00:43:39,661 --> 00:43:42,501 This is my WWE. 953 00:43:42,539 --> 00:43:45,289 - He is there not only to protect 954 00:43:45,333 --> 00:43:50,713 but to move into the future the legacy of a dynasty. 955 00:43:50,755 --> 00:43:51,915 - The tribal chief, 956 00:43:51,965 --> 00:43:53,215 he's the boss of everything 957 00:43:53,258 --> 00:43:55,178 that takes care of the family. 958 00:43:55,218 --> 00:43:57,178 They all respect him as our leader, 959 00:43:57,220 --> 00:43:59,350 as our high talking chief, 960 00:43:59,389 --> 00:44:01,979 that anything that this chief says 961 00:44:02,017 --> 00:44:03,177 that we are to follow. 962 00:44:03,226 --> 00:44:05,896 It's out of respect of the culture. 963 00:44:05,937 --> 00:44:07,897 - I love that every time he talks 964 00:44:07,939 --> 00:44:09,819 it feels like he's trying to help you. 965 00:44:09,858 --> 00:44:12,898 Come on, you can do better. 966 00:44:12,944 --> 00:44:16,034 - You're here for one hour. One hour. 967 00:44:16,072 --> 00:44:18,072 I do you a favor. 968 00:44:18,116 --> 00:44:20,116 I put the spotlight on you. 969 00:44:20,160 --> 00:44:23,460 I bring you back, I put you with us, 970 00:44:23,496 --> 00:44:25,666 and what happens? 971 00:44:25,707 --> 00:44:27,497 You screw it up. 972 00:44:27,542 --> 00:44:31,342 - He really has a way of talking to the audience 973 00:44:31,379 --> 00:44:33,839 and to his friends and family in a way-- 974 00:44:33,882 --> 00:44:35,432 he gaslights all of us. 975 00:44:35,467 --> 00:44:38,257 He makes you feel like you're--wait-- 976 00:44:38,303 --> 00:44:40,433 no, I hate you for a reason. Don't I? 977 00:44:40,472 --> 00:44:42,722 "No, no, no. Why would you hate me? 978 00:44:42,766 --> 00:44:44,516 I'm here for you." 979 00:44:44,559 --> 00:44:47,599 - When it comes to lifting our legacy up, 980 00:44:47,645 --> 00:44:49,765 our history, what we're known for, 981 00:44:49,814 --> 00:44:53,324 to continually be the very best in this business, 982 00:44:53,360 --> 00:44:56,320 I think that my family heavily depends on me. 983 00:44:56,363 --> 00:44:59,373 - The undisputed tribal chief 984 00:44:59,407 --> 00:45:02,947 was creating a version of WWE in his own image. 985 00:45:02,994 --> 00:45:06,624 There would be no ceremonial passing of the torch. 986 00:45:06,664 --> 00:45:09,464 Roman was at "SummerSlam" to seize it. 987 00:45:09,501 --> 00:45:14,671 - Tonight marks day number 356 988 00:45:14,714 --> 00:45:17,134 in the Universal Championship reign 989 00:45:17,175 --> 00:45:19,045 of the Head of the Table. 990 00:45:19,094 --> 00:45:20,934 * * 991 00:45:20,970 --> 00:45:24,560 - Roman Reigns had been building a resume 992 00:45:24,599 --> 00:45:29,649 that was undeniably making him the face of the company. 993 00:45:29,688 --> 00:45:33,358 But there was always that voice in the back 994 00:45:33,400 --> 00:45:37,030 of everyone's head that said John Cena's the guy. 995 00:45:37,070 --> 00:45:39,570 - You know, we talk about Cena being the greatest of all time 996 00:45:39,614 --> 00:45:42,284 but an argument can be made that the past year 997 00:45:42,325 --> 00:45:45,035 has been one of the most dominant years 998 00:45:45,078 --> 00:45:47,908 in history of WWE. 999 00:45:47,956 --> 00:45:52,246 - Every bit of who I am has gone into this character. 1000 00:45:52,293 --> 00:45:54,423 Every little speed bump, the adversities, 1001 00:45:54,462 --> 00:45:57,382 the growing pains, the transitions, 1002 00:45:57,424 --> 00:46:02,934 all of that has been just balled up and used 1003 00:46:02,971 --> 00:46:04,971 into what you see today. 1004 00:46:05,015 --> 00:46:09,225 - There are 51,326 1005 00:46:09,269 --> 00:46:11,859 WWE fans on hand 1006 00:46:11,896 --> 00:46:14,106 to witness one of the greatest main events 1007 00:46:14,149 --> 00:46:16,229 in "SummerSlam" history. 1008 00:46:21,072 --> 00:46:23,782 - "SummerSlam" 2021, 1009 00:46:23,825 --> 00:46:29,155 we saw Roman Reigns in the ring with John Cena... 1010 00:46:30,749 --> 00:46:34,749 This generation's champion taking on 1011 00:46:34,794 --> 00:46:37,424 the previous generation's champion. 1012 00:46:37,464 --> 00:46:41,184 - The opportunity for Reigns to cement his legacy. 1013 00:46:41,217 --> 00:46:42,887 - [groans] 1014 00:46:42,927 --> 00:46:45,467 * * 1015 00:46:45,513 --> 00:46:47,603 - When it comes to an arena full 1016 00:46:47,640 --> 00:46:50,390 of sold out to capacity crowd... 1017 00:46:52,187 --> 00:46:54,227 I don't think there's really gonna be anybody 1018 00:46:54,272 --> 00:46:57,532 that can get 100% of them at all times. 1019 00:46:57,567 --> 00:46:58,987 - [groans] 1020 00:46:59,027 --> 00:47:01,697 - Roman with a right hand dropping John. 1021 00:47:01,738 --> 00:47:03,238 [crowd booing] 1022 00:47:03,281 --> 00:47:06,661 Now Roman mocking the WWE Universe. 1023 00:47:06,701 --> 00:47:09,371 * * 1024 00:47:09,412 --> 00:47:13,042 - But to keep 100% of them invested 1025 00:47:13,083 --> 00:47:15,213 one way or the other... 1026 00:47:15,752 --> 00:47:17,802 To make them do what I want them to do... 1027 00:47:17,837 --> 00:47:19,877 * * 1028 00:47:19,923 --> 00:47:23,053 That's the key. 1029 00:47:23,093 --> 00:47:25,723 I'll whoop all y'all's asses too. 1030 00:47:25,762 --> 00:47:27,432 I'll whoop all y'all's asses too. 1031 00:47:27,472 --> 00:47:29,312 Come on, sucker. Come on. 1032 00:47:29,349 --> 00:47:31,269 - Roman Reigns is so good at being a bad guy 1033 00:47:31,309 --> 00:47:33,769 'cause from whatever negativity's coming at him 1034 00:47:33,812 --> 00:47:35,232 and the boos and-- 1035 00:47:35,271 --> 00:47:39,031 he seems to really enjoy what it gives to him. 1036 00:47:39,067 --> 00:47:40,937 * * 1037 00:47:40,985 --> 00:47:44,605 The combination that makes Roman Reigns work is 1038 00:47:44,656 --> 00:47:48,156 you don't like him but you kind of want to be him. 1039 00:47:48,201 --> 00:47:50,331 He's good-looking and there's envy. 1040 00:47:50,370 --> 00:47:52,460 You want to be in his shoes 1041 00:47:52,497 --> 00:47:54,747 and yet you can't stand that he's in that position. 1042 00:47:54,791 --> 00:47:58,421 - Roman Reigns is the character everyone loves to hate. 1043 00:47:58,461 --> 00:48:01,341 He's the quarterback that steals your girlfriend, 1044 00:48:01,381 --> 00:48:04,261 and there's not a damn thing you can do about it. 1045 00:48:04,300 --> 00:48:05,720 - [groans] 1046 00:48:05,760 --> 00:48:07,760 - And again, a right drops John. 1047 00:48:07,804 --> 00:48:10,314 - It feels like a lot of Allegiant Stadium 1048 00:48:10,348 --> 00:48:13,438 is on Team Cena. - Acknowledge me. 1049 00:48:13,476 --> 00:48:15,686 - "Acknowledge me" 1050 00:48:15,729 --> 00:48:18,609 is the perfect catchphrase for Roman Reigns. 1051 00:48:18,648 --> 00:48:22,238 When he says "acknowledge me," that's a contradiction 1052 00:48:22,277 --> 00:48:25,357 because a champ doesn't need to ask people to acknowledge him. 1053 00:48:25,405 --> 00:48:27,655 But he does because he doesn't get 1054 00:48:27,699 --> 00:48:32,329 the fan love that other champions get. 1055 00:48:32,370 --> 00:48:35,540 - I view Roman Reigns as a righteous man 1056 00:48:35,582 --> 00:48:38,792 driven to villainous circumstances to survive. 1057 00:48:38,835 --> 00:48:41,245 - Hollywood, I apologize, 1058 00:48:41,296 --> 00:48:43,166 but I'm gonna hurt this man. 1059 00:48:43,214 --> 00:48:45,134 I'm gonna hurt-- I'm gonna whoop his ass 1060 00:48:45,175 --> 00:48:48,135 and we're gonna send him to-- he ain't gonna be able to work. 1061 00:48:48,178 --> 00:48:50,808 He ain't gonna be able to-- don't bring him back here. 1062 00:48:50,847 --> 00:48:52,467 I'm WWE. 1063 00:48:52,515 --> 00:48:54,515 - When we think about Roman Reigns 1064 00:48:54,559 --> 00:48:57,899 becoming a villain, embodying that evil persona, 1065 00:48:57,937 --> 00:48:59,977 leaning in to that hate, 1066 00:49:00,023 --> 00:49:02,693 I think that gave him power and gave him strength. 1067 00:49:02,734 --> 00:49:05,364 [crowd booing] 1068 00:49:05,403 --> 00:49:09,323 - He is guy who was sick of everyone coming after him 1069 00:49:09,366 --> 00:49:11,696 for no good reason. 1070 00:49:11,743 --> 00:49:14,163 Showed no respect for his skill, his talent, 1071 00:49:14,204 --> 00:49:16,004 and frankly, his lineage. 1072 00:49:16,039 --> 00:49:17,829 And he stood up for it. 1073 00:49:17,874 --> 00:49:23,804 It totally changed the landscape of the business. 1074 00:49:23,838 --> 00:49:27,298 - All me! I am WWE! 1075 00:49:27,342 --> 00:49:29,592 - The Head of the Table. 1076 00:49:29,636 --> 00:49:32,176 Roman Reigns with a spear. 1077 00:49:32,222 --> 00:49:34,682 - One, two, three. 1078 00:49:34,724 --> 00:49:37,444 [match bell dings] - And just like that, 1079 00:49:37,477 --> 00:49:40,807 Roman Reigns will retain the championship. 1080 00:49:40,855 --> 00:49:42,855 * * 1081 00:49:42,899 --> 00:49:44,779 - When Roman Reigns beat John Cena, 1082 00:49:44,818 --> 00:49:47,108 he did not just retain his title, 1083 00:49:47,153 --> 00:49:51,203 he became officially the man of the company, 1084 00:49:51,241 --> 00:49:52,871 the face of the company, 1085 00:49:52,909 --> 00:49:56,039 and the champion of this generation. 1086 00:49:56,079 --> 00:49:59,709 - Nobody in this generation that came up like me. 1087 00:49:59,749 --> 00:50:02,129 I'm the only one that really came in 1088 00:50:02,168 --> 00:50:04,338 and removed these legends 1089 00:50:04,379 --> 00:50:07,719 that made way for the new generation. 1090 00:50:07,757 --> 00:50:10,297 In 20 years, there might be more people 1091 00:50:10,343 --> 00:50:12,893 molded after me opposed to, like, 1092 00:50:12,929 --> 00:50:15,349 the parallels of John Cena to Hulk Hogan. 1093 00:50:15,390 --> 00:50:18,770 Like, you target the kids. Hustle, loyalty, respect. 1094 00:50:18,810 --> 00:50:20,980 Doing the same old schtick. You know what I mean? 1095 00:50:21,021 --> 00:50:24,521 It's the same format just on a different dude. 1096 00:50:24,566 --> 00:50:26,186 And nobody's done it like me, 1097 00:50:26,234 --> 00:50:28,454 but maybe in like, 20 or 30 years, 1098 00:50:28,486 --> 00:50:30,606 if there's someone out there with the ability, 1099 00:50:30,655 --> 00:50:33,905 we might be able to see this mold again. 1100 00:50:34,659 --> 00:50:37,579 - Roman is entering the peak of his career 1101 00:50:37,620 --> 00:50:39,460 and is already one of the greatest superstars 1102 00:50:39,497 --> 00:50:41,037 of this era. 1103 00:50:41,082 --> 00:50:44,882 So is the undisputed tribal chief 1104 00:50:44,919 --> 00:50:47,839 and Head of the Samoan Family Table 1105 00:50:47,881 --> 00:50:50,261 destined to be one of the greatest superstars 1106 00:50:50,300 --> 00:50:52,640 of all time? 1107 00:50:52,677 --> 00:50:56,007 - Obviously, when you think about all-time great 1108 00:50:56,056 --> 00:50:58,676 Samoan superstars, 1109 00:50:58,725 --> 00:51:00,385 no one's bigger than the Rock. 1110 00:51:00,435 --> 00:51:03,475 * * 1111 00:51:03,521 --> 00:51:05,821 And Roman knows that shadow's there. 1112 00:51:05,857 --> 00:51:08,567 And I'm sure that's something that drives him. 1113 00:51:08,610 --> 00:51:11,490 - Would you ever fight the Rock? 1114 00:51:11,529 --> 00:51:13,199 - I would, yes. I don't know if-- 1115 00:51:13,239 --> 00:51:15,079 I don't know if he wants it. 1116 00:51:15,116 --> 00:51:17,366 - Roman Reigns beating your hero? 1117 00:51:17,410 --> 00:51:20,750 He beats Dwayne Johnson as a villain? 1118 00:51:20,789 --> 00:51:22,539 No one will be able to deny 1119 00:51:22,582 --> 00:51:24,712 Roman Reigns is the greatest villain of all time. 1120 00:51:24,751 --> 00:51:26,801 No one. 1121 00:51:28,213 --> 00:51:29,803 - We haven't even begun yet. 1122 00:51:29,839 --> 00:51:31,419 * * 1123 00:51:31,466 --> 00:51:33,296 There's so much greatness to chase. 1124 00:51:33,343 --> 00:51:37,393 The moments can get bigger. 1125 00:51:37,430 --> 00:51:39,970 We're not even scratching the surface. 1126 00:51:40,016 --> 00:51:42,636 I think the legacy that Roman Reigns will leave 1127 00:51:42,686 --> 00:51:46,306 is being the best of all time 1128 00:51:46,356 --> 00:51:49,436 and doing it my way. 1129 00:51:50,402 --> 00:51:53,572 So everything I've ever done is to get into the position 1130 00:51:53,613 --> 00:51:56,993 to where I have the power. 1131 00:51:57,033 --> 00:51:58,583 And now I have the power. 1132 00:51:58,618 --> 00:52:02,868 - Roman Reigns!