1
00:00:08,259 --> 00:00:11,304
- What a display
of dominance and power.
2
00:00:11,345 --> 00:00:14,348
Roman continues to reign.
3
00:00:15,058 --> 00:00:18,811
- At this point there's
no smoke and mirrors with me.
4
00:00:18,853 --> 00:00:20,188
I don't costume myself.
5
00:00:20,229 --> 00:00:21,981
I'm not running around
with a snake.
6
00:00:22,023 --> 00:00:23,524
- Look at this.
7
00:00:23,566 --> 00:00:24,942
- The Mouth is fighting
for his life in there.
8
00:00:24,984 --> 00:00:26,444
- Great respect to him,
9
00:00:26,486 --> 00:00:29,238
but Hulk Hogan
doesn't work in 2022.
10
00:00:30,448 --> 00:00:32,116
Even The Undertaker,
11
00:00:32,158 --> 00:00:35,828
it's not the same as it was
back in the early '90s.
12
00:00:35,870 --> 00:00:38,039
- Roman Reigns is so good
at being a bad guy
13
00:00:38,081 --> 00:00:40,666
'cause he seems to enjoy it.
He seems to revel in it.
14
00:00:40,708 --> 00:00:42,835
He seems to get energy from it.
15
00:00:43,795 --> 00:00:45,421
- I'll whoop
all y'all's asses.
16
00:00:45,463 --> 00:00:47,256
Come on, suckers.
Come on.
17
00:00:47,298 --> 00:00:49,592
- He indulges in it.
18
00:00:49,634 --> 00:00:51,761
You can just see it
in his posture
19
00:00:51,803 --> 00:00:53,679
and the tone of voice
that he uses...
20
00:00:53,721 --> 00:00:56,891
- In all that I do
for our family.
21
00:00:56,933 --> 00:00:58,351
- It's so authentic.
22
00:00:58,393 --> 00:01:01,771
He's not purely evil,
23
00:01:01,813 --> 00:01:03,022
he's purely who he is.
24
00:01:03,064 --> 00:01:05,358
- Oh, God, are you kidding me?
- [groans]
25
00:01:05,400 --> 00:01:06,275
- Roman, no.
- No.
26
00:01:06,317 --> 00:01:07,944
[groans]
27
00:01:07,985 --> 00:01:10,822
- His performance as a villain
is above all others.
28
00:01:10,863 --> 00:01:13,241
* *
29
00:01:13,282 --> 00:01:15,535
- He's being the worst
he's ever been.
30
00:01:15,576 --> 00:01:18,287
The most disrespectful.
31
00:01:18,329 --> 00:01:20,790
The most absurd.
The most cocky.
32
00:01:20,832 --> 00:01:22,500
- I told you.
33
00:01:22,542 --> 00:01:25,002
Everything that I've ever done,
up until this point
34
00:01:25,044 --> 00:01:29,298
has been a part of making this
performance 100% authentic.
35
00:01:29,340 --> 00:01:31,008
- [screams]
36
00:01:31,050 --> 00:01:34,679
- He's the most ruthless,
the most violent,
37
00:01:34,721 --> 00:01:38,224
a desire to be the best
that has ever done this.
38
00:01:38,266 --> 00:01:42,854
- Who, if anyone, can stop
the Head of the Table?
39
00:01:42,895 --> 00:01:45,857
- I'm not playing a character.
I am the character.
40
00:01:45,898 --> 00:01:48,860
[eerie music]
41
00:01:48,901 --> 00:01:54,741
* *
42
00:02:07,086 --> 00:02:11,007
[crowd cheering]
43
00:02:11,049 --> 00:02:13,092
- Roman Reigns is one
of the most accomplished
44
00:02:13,134 --> 00:02:17,013
WWE Superstars of all time.
45
00:02:17,055 --> 00:02:19,766
But unlike
most great champions,
46
00:02:19,807 --> 00:02:24,395
the WWE Universe has not
always embraced the Big Dog.
47
00:02:24,437 --> 00:02:29,025
[crowd chanting "Roman sucks!"]
48
00:02:29,067 --> 00:02:32,111
[crowd chanting "Go away!"]
49
00:02:32,153 --> 00:02:35,406
[crowd chanting "You suck!"]
50
00:02:35,448 --> 00:02:38,034
After nearly a decade,
51
00:02:38,076 --> 00:02:41,287
has his love/hate relationship
with the WWE Universe...
52
00:02:41,329 --> 00:02:44,624
[crowd chanting
"Roman Reigns!"]
53
00:02:44,665 --> 00:02:47,710
Finally released
the demon within?
54
00:02:47,752 --> 00:02:49,462
- Bryan is through the table.
55
00:02:49,504 --> 00:02:51,297
* *
56
00:02:51,339 --> 00:02:52,924
And just like that,
57
00:02:52,965 --> 00:02:56,803
Roman Reigns
will retain the championship.
58
00:02:57,887 --> 00:03:00,932
- I've always known
I'm supposed to be somebody.
59
00:03:01,974 --> 00:03:04,769
I knew that,
like, I had something
60
00:03:04,811 --> 00:03:07,772
big that was destined for me.
61
00:03:07,814 --> 00:03:09,982
It's not one of those
just shot out of the cannon,
62
00:03:10,024 --> 00:03:11,567
right to the moon stories.
63
00:03:11,609 --> 00:03:15,530
This has been a very
in the trenches,
64
00:03:15,571 --> 00:03:18,658
day in, day out,
year after year
65
00:03:18,699 --> 00:03:20,660
critical journey
that I had to take
66
00:03:20,701 --> 00:03:23,079
in order to take on
this responsibility
67
00:03:23,121 --> 00:03:24,497
of the family business.
68
00:03:24,539 --> 00:03:25,623
- They've got to be
the toughest tag team.
69
00:03:25,665 --> 00:03:27,667
- The Bloodline
refers to the fact
70
00:03:27,708 --> 00:03:29,585
that Roman Reigns
is a part of this
71
00:03:29,627 --> 00:03:33,339
incredibly successful
wrestling family
72
00:03:33,381 --> 00:03:34,924
with tons of big names
73
00:03:34,966 --> 00:03:37,468
who have been massive stars
over the years.
74
00:03:37,510 --> 00:03:39,429
- The branches on
the family tree are crazy.
75
00:03:39,470 --> 00:03:41,055
So you got Sika, his father.
76
00:03:41,097 --> 00:03:43,182
- Sika is bigger
than Hogan is now.
77
00:03:43,224 --> 00:03:46,853
- You got Afa
who is Sika's brother.
78
00:03:46,894 --> 00:03:48,855
Probably one of the greatest
tag teams of all time.
79
00:03:48,896 --> 00:03:52,483
And then you got Rikishi
who is Roman's cousin.
80
00:03:52,525 --> 00:03:55,820
And Rikishi is the dad
of Jimmy and Jey.
81
00:03:55,862 --> 00:03:57,447
And they're a part
of the Bloodline.
82
00:03:57,488 --> 00:04:00,742
You got Yokozuna who's
the cousin through marriage.
83
00:04:00,783 --> 00:04:02,660
You got Tamina who's a cousin.
84
00:04:02,702 --> 00:04:04,537
You got
Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson
85
00:04:04,579 --> 00:04:05,872
who's a cousin
through marriage.
86
00:04:05,913 --> 00:04:08,916
How deep does the bloodline go?
87
00:04:08,958 --> 00:04:11,502
- Our legacy
is such a thick web.
88
00:04:11,544 --> 00:04:13,921
It wasn't just my dad.
It wasn't just my uncle.
89
00:04:13,963 --> 00:04:16,716
I mean,
I had a dozen cousins do it.
90
00:04:16,758 --> 00:04:20,595
Some of my very first memories
is watching my dad...
91
00:04:20,636 --> 00:04:23,014
- Here comes Sika again
with another headbutt.
92
00:04:23,056 --> 00:04:24,724
- Smash his opponents.
93
00:04:25,558 --> 00:04:29,395
I mean, you know, I was born
and raised in this business.
94
00:04:29,437 --> 00:04:30,980
It's a very physical
lifestyle.
95
00:04:31,022 --> 00:04:34,567
What I grew up around,
watching my dad set that tone
96
00:04:34,609 --> 00:04:35,985
for being a savage out there.
97
00:04:36,027 --> 00:04:39,238
It's hard not
to picture yourself
98
00:04:39,280 --> 00:04:40,907
in this form of entertainment.
99
00:04:40,948 --> 00:04:43,993
Like, I can do that too.
This is how we've always
100
00:04:44,035 --> 00:04:46,370
provided for our family
is in that ring.
101
00:04:46,412 --> 00:04:48,289
It's just all we've ever known.
102
00:04:48,331 --> 00:04:50,249
It's who we are.
103
00:04:50,291 --> 00:04:52,001
* *
104
00:04:52,043 --> 00:04:54,879
- As a kid,
Joe was very confident
105
00:04:54,921 --> 00:04:57,298
and it's exactly what
Roman is today.
106
00:04:57,340 --> 00:04:59,384
Growing up, man,
he always tried
107
00:04:59,425 --> 00:05:01,886
to one up me and my brother.
108
00:05:01,928 --> 00:05:05,306
- We was competing in drawing,
board games,
109
00:05:05,348 --> 00:05:07,266
football games,
in the classroom,
110
00:05:07,308 --> 00:05:08,518
even with girls, man.
111
00:05:08,559 --> 00:05:10,353
I think that's where
the Big Dog was created.
112
00:05:10,395 --> 00:05:11,771
* *
113
00:05:11,813 --> 00:05:13,022
- He's always been playing
114
00:05:13,064 --> 00:05:15,400
the mind games
when we was kids.
115
00:05:15,441 --> 00:05:16,901
"Yo, man, you want
that last slice?
116
00:05:16,943 --> 00:05:18,319
"You don't want that
last slice of pizza, man.
117
00:05:18,361 --> 00:05:20,571
"'Cause you ate--you already
ate all the pizza, right?
118
00:05:20,613 --> 00:05:21,989
"'Cause let me get--I'm sure.
Yeah, all right.
119
00:05:22,031 --> 00:05:23,199
Go ahead, dog.
You can have it."
120
00:05:23,241 --> 00:05:24,492
You know, he do them things.
121
00:05:24,534 --> 00:05:26,119
Say we running
a basketball game or something.
122
00:05:26,160 --> 00:05:29,497
If he got there too late and
we already started the game,
123
00:05:29,539 --> 00:05:30,915
he'd be like,
"Yo, let me jump in."
124
00:05:30,957 --> 00:05:32,041
"Sorry, bro,
we already started."
125
00:05:32,083 --> 00:05:33,459
He'd grab the ball.
126
00:05:33,501 --> 00:05:34,711
He'd chuck it over in
the next door neighbor's yard.
127
00:05:34,752 --> 00:05:37,004
Ain't nobody playing.
128
00:05:37,046 --> 00:05:40,550
- While many in the family
were wrestling superstars,
129
00:05:40,591 --> 00:05:43,720
Roman's first passion
was football.
130
00:05:43,761 --> 00:05:46,389
- Joe was like 6'1",
225 in high school.
131
00:05:46,431 --> 00:05:47,890
You know, he was a beast.
132
00:05:47,932 --> 00:05:50,601
Definitely thought football
would be his calling.
133
00:05:50,643 --> 00:05:53,855
- I signed with
Georgia Tech.
134
00:05:53,896 --> 00:05:56,274
Playing Division I
college football,
135
00:05:56,315 --> 00:06:00,695
it really pushed me to want to
be able carve out my own path
136
00:06:00,737 --> 00:06:03,614
and really define myself
in my own light.
137
00:06:03,656 --> 00:06:05,116
I was really good.
138
00:06:05,158 --> 00:06:08,828
[birds chirruping]
139
00:06:08,870 --> 00:06:10,204
Well, I signed
with the Vikings,
140
00:06:10,246 --> 00:06:13,458
and I went up there
for rookie camp.
141
00:06:13,499 --> 00:06:16,002
Went through all my physicals.
142
00:06:16,044 --> 00:06:17,754
And by the time I was done
with my practice
143
00:06:17,795 --> 00:06:20,965
that first practice...
144
00:06:21,716 --> 00:06:23,968
All the test results
for my bloodwork came back,
145
00:06:24,010 --> 00:06:27,138
and that's when I was
introduced to leukemia.
146
00:06:27,180 --> 00:06:30,183
* *
147
00:06:30,224 --> 00:06:33,311
My mind was blown.
148
00:06:33,352 --> 00:06:35,938
My heart was broken.
149
00:06:35,980 --> 00:06:38,608
I was scared for my life.
150
00:06:40,026 --> 00:06:43,196
When you have something
that you can't control,
151
00:06:43,237 --> 00:06:44,822
it affects you
all the way around.
152
00:06:44,864 --> 00:06:49,243
Mentally, emotionally.
It effects everything.
153
00:06:49,285 --> 00:06:50,578
It wasn't easy.
154
00:06:51,871 --> 00:06:54,123
- I remember feeling
just as shocked as everyone.
155
00:06:54,165 --> 00:06:56,793
Like, not my family.
Like, no, not Joe.
156
00:06:56,834 --> 00:06:58,378
He can't go out like that.
157
00:06:58,419 --> 00:07:01,381
- The last place I want to
like, just let my dream
158
00:07:01,422 --> 00:07:03,591
fall through or everything
that I've worked for
159
00:07:03,633 --> 00:07:05,635
is in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
160
00:07:05,676 --> 00:07:07,011
Like, so the first thing
was to get home,
161
00:07:07,053 --> 00:07:08,679
get back down
to Pensacola, Florida.
162
00:07:08,721 --> 00:07:10,681
Get around my loved ones,
my mom.
163
00:07:10,723 --> 00:07:13,893
Once we got to about a year
and a half or so,
164
00:07:13,935 --> 00:07:16,145
when we really started
to see significant movement
165
00:07:16,187 --> 00:07:18,898
in my bloodwork,
that's when, you know,
166
00:07:18,940 --> 00:07:20,441
I started to feel like,
167
00:07:20,483 --> 00:07:24,946
"Okay, I might be able
to live a normal life."
168
00:07:24,987 --> 00:07:27,740
As far as chasing dreams
and being an athlete,
169
00:07:27,782 --> 00:07:29,409
that was completely
up in the air.
170
00:07:29,450 --> 00:07:31,160
* *
171
00:07:31,202 --> 00:07:35,706
- With his cancer in remission
and his football dreams over,
172
00:07:35,748 --> 00:07:38,876
Roman contemplated his future.
173
00:07:38,918 --> 00:07:40,545
- I talked to my cousins.
174
00:07:40,586 --> 00:07:41,713
They had already
started working
175
00:07:41,754 --> 00:07:43,047
on the independent scene.
176
00:07:43,089 --> 00:07:46,718
- Making their debut
as a tandem here at FCW,
177
00:07:46,759 --> 00:07:49,429
Jimmy and Jules Uso.
178
00:07:49,470 --> 00:07:51,806
- When me and my brother,
we was down in Tampa, Florida
179
00:07:51,848 --> 00:07:54,934
with the FCW doing our thing.
180
00:07:54,976 --> 00:07:57,395
- Jimmy and Jules Uso.
181
00:07:57,437 --> 00:07:58,813
- I remember we had
the conversation.
182
00:07:58,855 --> 00:08:01,399
"How is it wrestling?"
"Yo, you gotta come.
183
00:08:01,441 --> 00:08:03,901
"You gotta come down here, bro.
You gotta be here.
184
00:08:03,943 --> 00:08:05,445
This is where
we supposed to be at."
185
00:08:05,486 --> 00:08:07,447
* *
186
00:08:07,488 --> 00:08:10,700
- When I got to FCW,
I was just so focused on
187
00:08:10,742 --> 00:08:12,076
trying to learn
how to wrestle.
188
00:08:12,118 --> 00:08:13,536
I was addicted
to going out there.
189
00:08:13,578 --> 00:08:15,163
I was addicted to going
through the curtain
190
00:08:15,204 --> 00:08:17,373
and getting better, growing,
and working on my craft.
191
00:08:17,415 --> 00:08:19,333
I like to figure things out
for myself.
192
00:08:19,375 --> 00:08:21,961
I like to experience it.
I like to be in the moment.
193
00:08:22,003 --> 00:08:24,630
I like to take it on,
digest it.
194
00:08:24,672 --> 00:08:26,257
It was always just about reps.
195
00:08:26,299 --> 00:08:28,718
- Stumbling to his feet.
A big flying forearm.
196
00:08:28,760 --> 00:08:30,720
Ricardo turned inside out.
197
00:08:30,762 --> 00:08:33,097
- This is what it's all about
here in developmental.
198
00:08:33,139 --> 00:08:35,141
This is what it's all about...
- [screams]
199
00:08:35,183 --> 00:08:36,934
- To make sure you stand out.
200
00:08:36,976 --> 00:08:38,853
To be the next person
to leave here
201
00:08:38,895 --> 00:08:40,730
and to go to the WWE.
202
00:08:40,772 --> 00:08:43,024
- I'm just a hardheaded
alpha male.
203
00:08:43,066 --> 00:08:45,860
I don't try to be influenced
too heavily by anyone
204
00:08:45,902 --> 00:08:46,819
because I need to be me.
205
00:08:46,861 --> 00:08:50,031
* *
206
00:08:50,073 --> 00:08:52,658
- In the beginning,
the pressure on him is immense
207
00:08:52,700 --> 00:08:53,951
because he's a part of one of
208
00:08:53,993 --> 00:08:56,496
the greatest lineages
of all time.
209
00:08:57,121 --> 00:08:59,540
He's from a family where
they won't give you that.
210
00:08:59,582 --> 00:09:00,917
They'll give you
an opportunity,
211
00:09:00,958 --> 00:09:02,835
but you have
to earn everything.
212
00:09:02,877 --> 00:09:05,463
- Roman Reigns!
213
00:09:05,505 --> 00:09:07,423
* *
214
00:09:07,465 --> 00:09:10,134
- Roman Reigns
with tremendous power.
215
00:09:10,176 --> 00:09:12,095
There's the first strike.
- [screams]
216
00:09:12,136 --> 00:09:14,263
- What an arm
to the neck area.
217
00:09:14,305 --> 00:09:16,641
- When Roman was coming up
in NXT,
218
00:09:16,682 --> 00:09:19,602
we often joked that if Vince
could go into a laboratory
219
00:09:19,644 --> 00:09:22,230
and just dial up exactly what
a WWE Superstar looks like,
220
00:09:22,271 --> 00:09:24,440
that's Roman Reigns.
- WWE officials
221
00:09:24,482 --> 00:09:26,901
know what they have
when they see Roman Reigns.
222
00:09:26,943 --> 00:09:28,277
They know they have
a potential
223
00:09:28,319 --> 00:09:30,321
mega-superstar
in their midst.
224
00:09:30,363 --> 00:09:32,532
- Big, kind of looked like
he was like
225
00:09:32,573 --> 00:09:34,742
a "Game of Thrones" character.
You know what I mean?
226
00:09:34,784 --> 00:09:36,994
Like, the tattoos
and the muscles.
227
00:09:37,036 --> 00:09:38,913
- One thing that I notice
more than anything--
228
00:09:38,955 --> 00:09:41,207
his incredible footwork
and agility.
229
00:09:41,249 --> 00:09:43,126
- He looked the part,
he acted the part.
230
00:09:43,167 --> 00:09:44,877
You can see the power.
231
00:09:44,919 --> 00:09:46,337
You see magic there.
232
00:09:46,379 --> 00:09:49,340
- Winds him up
for a powerful throwdown.
233
00:09:49,382 --> 00:09:51,676
* *
234
00:09:51,718 --> 00:09:53,094
For the win.
[match bell dings]
235
00:09:53,136 --> 00:09:56,681
Roman Reigns!
- Here is your winner,
236
00:09:56,723 --> 00:09:59,934
Roman Reigns!
237
00:09:59,976 --> 00:10:01,519
[crowd booing]
238
00:10:01,561 --> 00:10:04,439
- A natural in the ring
from day one,
239
00:10:04,480 --> 00:10:07,358
the cocky, self-absorbed
Roman Reigns
240
00:10:07,400 --> 00:10:10,486
knew he was always destined
for greatness.
241
00:10:10,528 --> 00:10:12,697
- Up and coming,
high rising superstar,
242
00:10:12,739 --> 00:10:13,906
Roman Reigns.
243
00:10:13,948 --> 00:10:15,408
Finally we have a chance
to talk with--
244
00:10:15,450 --> 00:10:16,409
- Finally?
245
00:10:16,451 --> 00:10:17,994
What you talking about
"finally"?
246
00:10:18,035 --> 00:10:19,996
You got a problem?
247
00:10:21,831 --> 00:10:23,666
You're jealous of me,
ain't you?
248
00:10:23,708 --> 00:10:25,793
What time is it?
Tell me what time it is.
249
00:10:25,835 --> 00:10:28,671
[stutters]
What, you can't read clocks?
250
00:10:28,713 --> 00:10:32,050
- Coming across as a bad guy,
251
00:10:32,091 --> 00:10:35,011
it's always something
that came natural for Joe.
252
00:10:35,053 --> 00:10:36,637
He knows what to say out there.
253
00:10:36,679 --> 00:10:38,347
- It's Roman Reigns' time,
254
00:10:38,389 --> 00:10:39,932
and you should feel
very fortunate right now.
255
00:10:39,974 --> 00:10:41,601
Get out of here.
256
00:10:41,642 --> 00:10:43,853
- You're very important
and we have questions...
257
00:10:43,895 --> 00:10:46,105
[phone rings]
that we want to ask you...
258
00:10:46,147 --> 00:10:48,149
- That's what makes
a good heel
259
00:10:48,191 --> 00:10:50,068
is to be able
to get out there...
260
00:10:50,109 --> 00:10:51,819
- His animosity
still not spent.
261
00:10:51,861 --> 00:10:53,279
- Get out.
262
00:10:53,321 --> 00:10:56,657
- And have all those fans
want to jump through the TV
263
00:10:56,699 --> 00:10:59,035
to pretty much
strangle your ass
264
00:10:59,077 --> 00:11:02,371
from being so pissed off.
[chuckles]
265
00:11:02,413 --> 00:11:03,915
- While at NXT,
266
00:11:03,956 --> 00:11:06,084
Roman combined
his natural athleticism
267
00:11:06,125 --> 00:11:08,294
with his real life swagger.
268
00:11:08,336 --> 00:11:12,131
The seeds were planted
for what was to come.
269
00:11:12,173 --> 00:11:15,593
When Roman finally made
his way to the main roster,
270
00:11:15,635 --> 00:11:21,182
it was a debut that changed
the course of WWE history.
271
00:11:21,224 --> 00:11:23,518
- Ryback is unstoppable.
- Oh, my God.
272
00:11:23,559 --> 00:11:25,103
- Ryback's unbelievable.
- Oh, my God.
273
00:11:25,144 --> 00:11:26,604
- What in the world?
What is this?
274
00:11:26,646 --> 00:11:28,606
These three guys just came
rushing through the crowd.
275
00:11:28,648 --> 00:11:30,900
This is an absolute mauling
of Ryback.
276
00:11:30,942 --> 00:11:32,610
What is this?
277
00:11:32,652 --> 00:11:34,320
That--that's Roman Reigns.
278
00:11:34,362 --> 00:11:37,115
Roman Reigns from NXT.
What is he doing here?
279
00:11:37,156 --> 00:11:38,282
- Look out!
Wait!
280
00:11:38,324 --> 00:11:40,993
Ryback's down.
- Oh, my God.
281
00:11:44,705 --> 00:11:46,082
- What in the world?
What is this?
282
00:11:46,124 --> 00:11:47,625
- Ryback's down.
- Oh, my God.
283
00:11:47,667 --> 00:11:49,252
- That's Roman Reigns
from NXT.
284
00:11:49,293 --> 00:11:51,713
What is he doing here?
285
00:11:51,754 --> 00:11:53,923
- In 2012,
286
00:11:53,965 --> 00:11:57,093
Roman was the muscle
behind a new renegade faction
287
00:11:57,135 --> 00:11:59,303
known as The Shield.
288
00:12:01,264 --> 00:12:03,391
Roman made
an immediate impact.
289
00:12:03,433 --> 00:12:04,726
- [groans]
290
00:12:04,767 --> 00:12:06,561
- When The Shield
first debuted,
291
00:12:06,602 --> 00:12:09,605
it was one of
the coolest mysteries
292
00:12:09,647 --> 00:12:11,149
you could ask for
in pro wrestling.
293
00:12:11,190 --> 00:12:14,318
Who are these guys?
What's their goal?
294
00:12:14,360 --> 00:12:17,238
- They were the people that
you could hire for a price
295
00:12:17,280 --> 00:12:19,782
to do your dirty work.
They were enforcers.
296
00:12:19,824 --> 00:12:21,743
- [groans]
297
00:12:21,784 --> 00:12:22,869
- They was looking hungry.
298
00:12:22,910 --> 00:12:25,037
- [roars]
299
00:12:25,079 --> 00:12:27,707
- I knew they was
gonna make noise, man.
300
00:12:27,749 --> 00:12:30,501
- The show was just a vehicle
to the main roster.
301
00:12:30,543 --> 00:12:33,212
That was the vehicle
out of the warehouse.
302
00:12:34,005 --> 00:12:36,049
It was simple.
303
00:12:36,090 --> 00:12:38,217
Come in and smash people.
304
00:12:38,259 --> 00:12:40,720
- Shield bomb at the table!
305
00:12:40,762 --> 00:12:43,347
- [screams]
306
00:12:43,389 --> 00:12:45,183
- Unbelievable
that they continue
307
00:12:45,224 --> 00:12:46,642
to just decimate people.
308
00:12:46,684 --> 00:12:48,478
- Those guys are incredible.
309
00:12:48,519 --> 00:12:50,229
* *
310
00:12:50,271 --> 00:12:52,523
- They were just mopping
the floor with people
311
00:12:52,565 --> 00:12:53,816
every single week.
312
00:12:53,858 --> 00:12:55,943
Every trio, every star,
313
00:12:55,985 --> 00:12:58,071
every champion, every legend.
314
00:12:58,112 --> 00:12:59,822
- They attacked the Rock.
315
00:12:59,864 --> 00:13:02,033
- [groans]
316
00:13:02,075 --> 00:13:04,869
- Not just anyone
gets to take out the Rock.
317
00:13:04,911 --> 00:13:06,454
- [roars]
318
00:13:06,496 --> 00:13:09,123
- If you're someone who's able
to powerbomb the Rock--
319
00:13:09,165 --> 00:13:11,000
we know, as fans, he's evil.
320
00:13:11,042 --> 00:13:13,127
We know, as fans,
he's a bad guy.
321
00:13:13,169 --> 00:13:16,297
* *
322
00:13:16,339 --> 00:13:17,924
- They're getting cheered
by the crowd,
323
00:13:17,965 --> 00:13:20,635
but they're still doing
villainous acts.
324
00:13:20,676 --> 00:13:22,053
They're putting people
through tables
325
00:13:22,095 --> 00:13:23,513
that might not
really deserve it.
326
00:13:23,554 --> 00:13:26,432
These are the things you do
to build a heel persona,
327
00:13:26,474 --> 00:13:28,434
and the fans loved watching
every second of it.
328
00:13:28,476 --> 00:13:30,645
[crowd cheering]
329
00:13:30,686 --> 00:13:32,146
All three look different
330
00:13:32,188 --> 00:13:33,731
and they all represented
different things.
331
00:13:33,773 --> 00:13:36,317
Dean Ambrose,
the ruthless guy.
332
00:13:36,359 --> 00:13:38,903
Seth Rollins, the brains
behind the whole equation.
333
00:13:38,945 --> 00:13:40,738
Roman Reigns, the power guy.
334
00:13:40,780 --> 00:13:43,491
- [screams]
335
00:13:43,533 --> 00:13:46,411
- All three of those
were good workers.
336
00:13:46,452 --> 00:13:49,080
But there was one
out of that three
337
00:13:49,122 --> 00:13:51,165
was gonna be the guy,
338
00:13:51,207 --> 00:13:52,708
and that was Joe.
339
00:13:52,750 --> 00:13:54,544
[crowd cheering]
340
00:13:54,585 --> 00:13:57,672
He has, what we call,
the "it" factor.
341
00:13:57,714 --> 00:13:59,090
He's handsome,
342
00:13:59,132 --> 00:14:02,135
he looks like a superhero.
343
00:14:02,176 --> 00:14:06,013
And when you see this kid
here's face on the marquee,
344
00:14:06,055 --> 00:14:08,808
that's what we call
asses in seats.
345
00:14:08,850 --> 00:14:10,977
- With Roman Reigns,
346
00:14:11,018 --> 00:14:14,355
I think we all kind of saw
from a looks standpoint,
347
00:14:14,397 --> 00:14:16,315
a body standpoint,
a pedigree standpoint,
348
00:14:16,357 --> 00:14:18,860
he had all the makings
of a guy who could be
349
00:14:18,901 --> 00:14:20,862
the next top WWE Superstar.
350
00:14:21,612 --> 00:14:26,743
- In WWE, the top superstar
is the face of the company.
351
00:14:26,784 --> 00:14:29,454
It's not just
about championships,
352
00:14:29,495 --> 00:14:32,832
it means you represent
the company wherever you are,
353
00:14:32,874 --> 00:14:34,500
whenever you are needed.
354
00:14:34,542 --> 00:14:37,795
To love America
is to love all Americans.
355
00:14:37,837 --> 00:14:40,548
- We all felt Roman
could be believable
356
00:14:40,590 --> 00:14:42,759
as kind of
"face of the company."
357
00:14:42,800 --> 00:14:46,512
- We're not asking
for your approval.
358
00:14:47,305 --> 00:14:50,892
- He very quickly got pegged
as the next John Cena,
359
00:14:50,933 --> 00:14:53,352
the next Hulk Hogan,
the next top guy.
360
00:14:53,394 --> 00:14:56,522
- The Big Dog here is gonna
headline "WrestleMania."
361
00:14:56,564 --> 00:14:58,441
Believe that.
362
00:14:58,483 --> 00:15:00,193
- We all felt that
we know where we want to go
363
00:15:00,234 --> 00:15:02,528
with this person
and so, the time came
364
00:15:02,570 --> 00:15:03,738
that we were gonna
break The Shield up
365
00:15:03,780 --> 00:15:06,574
to push Roman
in that direction.
366
00:15:06,616 --> 00:15:09,619
- Sierra, Hotel, India,
Echo, Lima, Delta.
367
00:15:09,660 --> 00:15:11,370
- Randy Orton,
bring your ass out here
368
00:15:11,412 --> 00:15:14,540
and let me break your jaw
with the symbol of excellence.
369
00:15:14,582 --> 00:15:17,251
[crowd cheering]
370
00:15:17,293 --> 00:15:21,631
[crowd booing]
371
00:15:21,672 --> 00:15:25,093
- Triple H comes out
with that sledgehammer of his
372
00:15:25,134 --> 00:15:27,512
and Seth Rollins
picks up a chair.
373
00:15:27,553 --> 00:15:29,430
And if you watch the clip,
you can hear
374
00:15:29,472 --> 00:15:33,559
there's one person in the crowd
who screams "No!"
375
00:15:33,601 --> 00:15:35,269
- No!
376
00:15:35,311 --> 00:15:42,443
* *
377
00:15:44,445 --> 00:15:46,239
- When Seth Rollins
did what he did,
378
00:15:46,280 --> 00:15:48,366
Roman Reigns,
kind of by default,
379
00:15:48,408 --> 00:15:51,077
became a sympathetic figure.
380
00:15:51,119 --> 00:15:53,079
- The Shield was no more.
381
00:15:53,121 --> 00:15:54,330
Roman was on his own,
382
00:15:54,372 --> 00:15:57,417
and his star
was clearly on the rise.
383
00:15:57,458 --> 00:16:00,086
But to some
in the WWE Universe,
384
00:16:00,128 --> 00:16:01,462
the Roman Reigns
who was becoming
385
00:16:01,504 --> 00:16:03,506
the face of the company
386
00:16:03,548 --> 00:16:06,843
wasn't the same Roman Reigns
from The Shield.
387
00:16:06,884 --> 00:16:10,555
Something was different
and they didn't like it.
388
00:16:10,596 --> 00:16:15,101
[upbeat pop music
and laughter]
389
00:16:15,143 --> 00:16:17,562
- I'm here about the pig.
390
00:16:17,603 --> 00:16:20,982
- He was just being presented
as this white meat baby face
391
00:16:21,023 --> 00:16:22,692
when you just literally
came from
392
00:16:22,734 --> 00:16:25,111
the Big Dog
from The Shield, right?
393
00:16:25,153 --> 00:16:27,488
- Take time to be a dad.
Cheers.
394
00:16:27,530 --> 00:16:29,449
- Now we're over here
kissing babies and stuff,
395
00:16:29,490 --> 00:16:32,452
which is cool but
when you're transitioning
396
00:16:32,493 --> 00:16:36,289
from a villain to, like,
the good guy,
397
00:16:36,330 --> 00:16:38,332
that stuff has
to come naturally, right?
398
00:16:38,374 --> 00:16:41,961
You just can't--here.
Here is a good guy.
399
00:16:42,003 --> 00:16:44,380
- I think you're gonna
win the "Royal Rumble" match.
400
00:16:44,422 --> 00:16:47,383
- [gasps]
Thank you.
401
00:16:47,425 --> 00:16:49,719
- Joe's a heel too
in real life.
402
00:16:49,761 --> 00:16:53,306
Can't let those pearly whites
fool you, right?
403
00:16:53,347 --> 00:16:55,850
- That persona
of good guy Roman,
404
00:16:55,892 --> 00:16:57,310
nice guy Roman,
405
00:16:57,351 --> 00:16:59,645
very sweet and jovial Joe
406
00:16:59,687 --> 00:17:02,315
didn't really feel like
Roman Reigns.
407
00:17:03,441 --> 00:17:04,609
- This guy's
such a natural heel.
408
00:17:04,650 --> 00:17:08,988
Why are they shoving
this handsome, athletic,
409
00:17:09,030 --> 00:17:11,949
well-groomed,
pedigreed wrestler at my face
410
00:17:11,991 --> 00:17:14,827
as somebody who's a good guy?
He's never gonna lose.
411
00:17:14,869 --> 00:17:16,579
What's the point of cheering
for this guy?
412
00:17:16,621 --> 00:17:18,664
- That's what it's all about,
413
00:17:18,706 --> 00:17:22,543
becoming the next
world heavyweight champion.
414
00:17:22,585 --> 00:17:25,171
- He was suddenly finding
himself in main event
415
00:17:25,213 --> 00:17:27,673
pay-per-view matches against
some of the biggest stars.
416
00:17:27,715 --> 00:17:29,675
- Roman Reigns
is taking out everybody.
417
00:17:29,717 --> 00:17:31,427
Look out, guys.
Look out.
418
00:17:31,469 --> 00:17:33,721
- It was very clear
he was going to have
419
00:17:33,763 --> 00:17:37,934
a significant run as a singles
competitor in the WWE.
420
00:17:37,975 --> 00:17:40,353
[crowd cheering]
421
00:17:40,395 --> 00:17:42,563
- [groans]
422
00:17:44,524 --> 00:17:45,942
- Roman Reigns counters.
423
00:17:45,983 --> 00:17:49,195
Reigns with a spear to Cena.
Oh, spear to Cena!
424
00:17:49,237 --> 00:17:52,115
* *
425
00:17:52,156 --> 00:17:54,700
- He got a push early
because Vince McMahon
426
00:17:54,742 --> 00:17:57,328
saw the physical potential
and the talent
427
00:17:57,370 --> 00:18:00,581
that would make Roman Reigns
the face role of the WWE.
428
00:18:00,623 --> 00:18:02,500
- And now I'm about
to ride their jet.
429
00:18:02,542 --> 00:18:03,835
We're gonna go
to the Big Apple.
430
00:18:03,876 --> 00:18:06,462
We're doing "The Today Show."
Have a little fun.
431
00:18:06,504 --> 00:18:08,756
Show off our hardware.
- Cheers, brother.
432
00:18:08,798 --> 00:18:10,550
- Let's go.
- Bye, guys!
433
00:18:10,591 --> 00:18:13,010
- It became clear
that this is who
434
00:18:13,052 --> 00:18:16,389
Vince McMahon wants
to be the champion.
435
00:18:16,431 --> 00:18:17,807
- At "WrestleMania,"
436
00:18:17,849 --> 00:18:19,559
there's gonna be
a new champion crowned.
437
00:18:19,600 --> 00:18:22,228
- I feel like you have
some psychic ability.
438
00:18:22,270 --> 00:18:23,730
- As fans, we see this,
439
00:18:23,771 --> 00:18:27,066
and he feels more and more
like a corporate champion.
440
00:18:27,108 --> 00:18:28,568
Like Vince's champion.
441
00:18:28,609 --> 00:18:30,153
- So when Roman Reigns
would win,
442
00:18:30,194 --> 00:18:31,320
when Roman Reigns would be put
443
00:18:31,362 --> 00:18:32,488
in the main event
at "WrestleMania,"
444
00:18:32,530 --> 00:18:34,407
it felt like entitlement.
445
00:18:34,449 --> 00:18:37,034
[crowd cheering]
446
00:18:37,076 --> 00:18:39,579
- Real fans, our age,
447
00:18:39,620 --> 00:18:41,581
just don't like that dude.
I'm sorry.
448
00:18:41,622 --> 00:18:43,875
They keep pushing him
to the damn roof.
449
00:18:43,916 --> 00:18:46,461
- If nobody wants him there,
why keep him there?
450
00:18:46,502 --> 00:18:48,588
* *
451
00:18:48,629 --> 00:18:51,507
- A lot of people had like
a preconceived notion of
452
00:18:51,549 --> 00:18:53,551
I'm like a favored performer
or something
453
00:18:53,593 --> 00:18:55,428
because of Vince McMahon.
454
00:18:55,470 --> 00:18:57,305
But I've simply made
different choices
455
00:18:57,346 --> 00:18:59,515
that not everybody
can understand
456
00:18:59,557 --> 00:19:01,225
because they're not
in this position.
457
00:19:01,267 --> 00:19:05,438
- Joining us now, the man.
Give it up for Roman Reigns.
458
00:19:05,480 --> 00:19:08,441
- Every generation
has an American hero
459
00:19:08,483 --> 00:19:10,651
to kind of carry the show,
460
00:19:10,693 --> 00:19:14,113
but that ascent to the top
is not easy.
461
00:19:14,155 --> 00:19:17,200
- Within the WWE Universe,
462
00:19:17,241 --> 00:19:19,577
there was an undercurrent
of resentment building
463
00:19:19,619 --> 00:19:22,371
towards Roman Reigns
464
00:19:22,413 --> 00:19:24,707
- You can make all the plans
in the world,
465
00:19:24,749 --> 00:19:26,584
but the WWE Universe is gonna
466
00:19:26,626 --> 00:19:28,252
voice their feelings
one way or the other.
467
00:19:28,294 --> 00:19:29,754
[crowd booing]
468
00:19:29,796 --> 00:19:32,632
The point of critical mass
with Roman
469
00:19:32,673 --> 00:19:34,717
came at the 2015
"Royal Rumble."
470
00:19:34,759 --> 00:19:37,345
[match bell dings]
- The last man in the ring
471
00:19:37,387 --> 00:19:43,142
will advance to the main event
at "WrestleMania."
472
00:19:43,184 --> 00:19:45,520
* *
473
00:19:45,561 --> 00:19:47,188
- Say what you want
about Roman Reigns,
474
00:19:47,230 --> 00:19:48,439
he's a warrior.
475
00:19:48,481 --> 00:19:50,483
Roman Reigns with a spear.
476
00:19:50,525 --> 00:19:54,028
[crowd booing]
- [roars]
477
00:19:58,449 --> 00:19:59,867
- [screams]
478
00:19:59,909 --> 00:20:01,619
[crowd booing]
479
00:20:01,661 --> 00:20:03,538
[match bell dings]
480
00:20:03,579 --> 00:20:09,001
[crowd booing]
481
00:20:09,043 --> 00:20:12,004
- This guy who was
always getting cheered
482
00:20:12,046 --> 00:20:14,173
started to get booed.
483
00:20:14,215 --> 00:20:18,511
[crowd booing]
484
00:20:18,553 --> 00:20:21,013
- Roman Reigns
got booed so bad
485
00:20:21,055 --> 00:20:24,851
that when the Rock came down
to lift up his arm in victory
486
00:20:24,892 --> 00:20:27,311
to say "respect this man,"
487
00:20:27,353 --> 00:20:29,689
everyone cheered for the Rock,
488
00:20:29,731 --> 00:20:31,566
and when he touched Roman,
they booed.
489
00:20:31,607 --> 00:20:33,693
[crowd booing]
490
00:20:33,735 --> 00:20:36,154
That's how much
the WWE Universe
491
00:20:36,195 --> 00:20:38,197
turned on Roman Reigns.
492
00:20:38,239 --> 00:20:41,492
- He was in a position
that was impossible.
493
00:20:47,540 --> 00:20:50,460
[crowd booing]
494
00:20:50,501 --> 00:20:52,754
- The 2015 "Royal Rumble,"
495
00:20:52,795 --> 00:20:56,382
I think the audience felt
"the push" was happening
496
00:20:56,424 --> 00:20:58,676
and rejected Roman
in that moment.
497
00:20:58,718 --> 00:21:03,931
[crowd booing]
498
00:21:03,973 --> 00:21:08,019
- Every bit of who I am
has gone into this character.
499
00:21:08,061 --> 00:21:11,314
[crowd booing]
500
00:21:11,355 --> 00:21:15,068
They booed me louder
than I've ever heard before.
501
00:21:15,109 --> 00:21:16,652
I've never
been booed like that.
502
00:21:16,694 --> 00:21:20,364
[crowd booing]
503
00:21:20,406 --> 00:21:21,532
It hurt my feelings.
It did.
504
00:21:21,574 --> 00:21:26,621
[crowd booing]
505
00:21:26,662 --> 00:21:28,456
Because at the end of the day
we're all humans.
506
00:21:28,498 --> 00:21:32,251
[crowd booing]
507
00:21:32,293 --> 00:21:36,047
- In a business where
fan perception is reality,
508
00:21:36,089 --> 00:21:39,592
how fans perceive you
within the WWE
509
00:21:39,634 --> 00:21:42,095
has a lot of power.
510
00:21:42,136 --> 00:21:43,805
- Nothing in the world
511
00:21:43,846 --> 00:21:46,808
is more dictated
by the fans than WWE.
512
00:21:46,849 --> 00:21:52,897
[crowd chanting "You suck!"]
513
00:21:52,939 --> 00:21:54,899
- When it comes
to Roman Reigns,
514
00:21:54,941 --> 00:21:57,819
wrestling fans totally
bought into our own narrative
515
00:21:57,860 --> 00:21:59,487
that he was being
shoved down our throat.
516
00:21:59,529 --> 00:22:01,197
It doesn't matter
if that was true or not,
517
00:22:01,239 --> 00:22:02,490
but we all believe that.
518
00:22:02,532 --> 00:22:04,033
[crowd booing]
519
00:22:04,075 --> 00:22:06,661
- For years, Roman would win
match after match.
520
00:22:06,702 --> 00:22:10,790
[crowd booing]
521
00:22:10,832 --> 00:22:12,750
And championship
after championship
522
00:22:12,792 --> 00:22:15,002
after championship
after championship.
523
00:22:15,044 --> 00:22:16,963
Once fans get a sense of,
524
00:22:17,004 --> 00:22:19,424
oh, you're
a propped up champion,
525
00:22:19,465 --> 00:22:20,508
it's hard to recover.
526
00:22:20,550 --> 00:22:23,469
- Roman Reigns.
527
00:22:23,511 --> 00:22:25,888
- For decades,
"WrestleMania" was considered
528
00:22:25,930 --> 00:22:28,015
The Undertaker's yard.
529
00:22:28,057 --> 00:22:32,520
In 2017, Roman Reigns
was still the face of WWE,
530
00:22:32,562 --> 00:22:35,565
but taking on one of the most
highly revered superstars
531
00:22:35,606 --> 00:22:37,775
of all time at "WrestleMania"
532
00:22:37,817 --> 00:22:40,319
was a no-win scenario
for Roman Reigns.
533
00:22:40,361 --> 00:22:42,697
- One of the controversial
figures perhaps
534
00:22:42,739 --> 00:22:45,116
in WWE history, Roman Reigns.
535
00:22:45,158 --> 00:22:46,451
- Look out here.
536
00:22:46,492 --> 00:22:47,535
The momentum, the momentum!
537
00:22:47,577 --> 00:22:49,036
Oh, man.
- Wow.
538
00:22:49,078 --> 00:22:52,874
- Got a huge spear into
the heart of The Undertaker.
539
00:22:52,915 --> 00:22:56,044
And Roman Reigns
has defeated The Undertaker
540
00:22:56,085 --> 00:22:59,130
at "WrestleMania"
with a thunderous spear.
541
00:22:59,172 --> 00:23:01,257
- Here's your winner,
Roman Reigns!
542
00:23:01,299 --> 00:23:02,967
- My God,
what a physical match up.
543
00:23:03,009 --> 00:23:06,637
- With great respect to
who The Undertaker is,
544
00:23:06,679 --> 00:23:09,682
[bleep] is changing.
Like, it's happening.
545
00:23:09,724 --> 00:23:12,727
[crowd booing]
546
00:23:12,769 --> 00:23:16,064
This guy in front of us,
Roman Reigns, is doing it.
547
00:23:16,105 --> 00:23:18,107
[crowd booing]
548
00:23:18,149 --> 00:23:21,694
But people don't like change.
549
00:23:21,736 --> 00:23:24,280
They were angry.
550
00:23:24,322 --> 00:23:28,034
It's so transcending that
people are still chewing on it.
551
00:23:28,076 --> 00:23:30,411
They haven't even swallowed it
and digested it at this point.
552
00:23:30,453 --> 00:23:37,377
* *
553
00:23:43,758 --> 00:23:45,802
- We knew there were
gonna be boos.
554
00:23:45,843 --> 00:23:48,471
We knew there were
gonna be very loud boos,
555
00:23:48,513 --> 00:23:52,558
but we had seen this before
with John Cena.
556
00:23:53,309 --> 00:23:56,479
There was a time when he was
getting booed by the audience.
557
00:23:56,521 --> 00:23:59,565
- John Cena!
558
00:23:59,607 --> 00:24:01,109
[crowd booing]
559
00:24:01,150 --> 00:24:03,486
- The feeling was
was that John had played out.
560
00:24:03,528 --> 00:24:05,571
Vince was particularly
steadfast in that
561
00:24:05,613 --> 00:24:07,532
as far as keeping John
in that position.
562
00:24:07,573 --> 00:24:09,450
And it paid off ultimately.
563
00:24:09,492 --> 00:24:13,121
Vince was looking at that same
long-term process with Roman
564
00:24:13,162 --> 00:24:16,124
in that we could ride this out
and Roman's talent
565
00:24:16,165 --> 00:24:18,042
would ultimately win out
as we move forward.
566
00:24:18,084 --> 00:24:20,753
- Monday night "RAW."
567
00:24:20,795 --> 00:24:22,672
- The following night
on "RAW,"
568
00:24:22,714 --> 00:24:25,883
Reigns was greeted with
a universal chorus of hate.
569
00:24:25,925 --> 00:24:28,344
Roman stood tall
570
00:24:28,386 --> 00:24:30,304
and delivered
a message of his own.
571
00:24:30,346 --> 00:24:33,474
- One of the reasons
that WWE Universe
572
00:24:33,516 --> 00:24:36,561
is booing Roman Reigns
is because last night's match
573
00:24:36,602 --> 00:24:41,691
was indeed the last ride
for The Undertaker.
574
00:24:41,733 --> 00:24:48,823
[crowd chanting "Undertaker!"]
575
00:24:49,907 --> 00:24:56,873
[crowd booing]
576
00:24:56,914 --> 00:25:01,586
* *
577
00:25:01,627 --> 00:25:08,551
[crowd chanting "Delete!"]
578
00:25:08,593 --> 00:25:14,348
* *
579
00:25:14,390 --> 00:25:17,310
[crowd booing]
580
00:25:17,351 --> 00:25:18,853
- People booed him
581
00:25:18,895 --> 00:25:22,398
for almost
ten minutes straight.
582
00:25:22,440 --> 00:25:27,862
[crowd chanting "You suck!"]
583
00:25:27,904 --> 00:25:30,448
- To be able to get out there
and boo,
584
00:25:30,490 --> 00:25:32,366
for us in our family,
585
00:25:32,408 --> 00:25:33,785
that pisses us off.
586
00:25:33,826 --> 00:25:38,039
[crowd booing]
587
00:25:38,081 --> 00:25:40,750
When we all come out there
to perform,
588
00:25:40,792 --> 00:25:42,710
and you're trying
to do the best you can,
589
00:25:42,752 --> 00:25:45,671
because that's all we got when
we come through those curtains.
590
00:25:45,713 --> 00:25:48,091
I come out here and you boo me,
591
00:25:48,132 --> 00:25:50,093
that tells me
that I gotta come back--
592
00:25:50,134 --> 00:25:52,011
I'm gonna come back
with some [bleep],
593
00:25:52,053 --> 00:25:53,930
some stuff that's gonna
make you respect me.
594
00:25:53,971 --> 00:25:57,183
[crowd booing]
595
00:25:57,225 --> 00:25:59,769
- You can see that evil side.
596
00:25:59,811 --> 00:26:01,562
You can see the wheels turning.
597
00:26:01,604 --> 00:26:04,482
You can see his mannerisms and
he's doing it with a smirk.
598
00:26:04,524 --> 00:26:10,029
[crowd chanting "You suck!"]
599
00:26:10,071 --> 00:26:12,281
- This is my yard now.
600
00:26:12,323 --> 00:26:19,163
[crowd booing]
601
00:26:19,205 --> 00:26:21,082
- The hostility toward Reigns
602
00:26:21,124 --> 00:26:24,585
from the WWE Universe
continued...
603
00:26:24,627 --> 00:26:27,880
- Here comes the Big Dog!
604
00:26:27,922 --> 00:26:31,884
- Especially after winning his
first Universal Championship.
605
00:26:31,926 --> 00:26:34,595
- Here's the cover--
hook of the leg.
606
00:26:34,637 --> 00:26:37,140
Reigns did it!
Roman Reigns did it!
607
00:26:37,181 --> 00:26:38,850
Reigns is the champion.
608
00:26:38,891 --> 00:26:45,189
[crowd booing]
609
00:26:45,231 --> 00:26:49,444
- The new Universal Champion,
610
00:26:49,485 --> 00:26:51,779
Roman Reigns!
611
00:26:51,821 --> 00:26:56,117
- Bad blood between Roman
and the WWE Universe ran deep.
612
00:26:56,159 --> 00:26:57,535
There was seemingly nothing
613
00:26:57,577 --> 00:26:59,829
that could be done
to ever bridge the divide.
614
00:26:59,871 --> 00:27:02,749
- Now for the wrestling
superstar who stunned his fans
615
00:27:02,790 --> 00:27:05,835
with an emotional announcement
on live television.
616
00:27:05,877 --> 00:27:09,464
Roman Reigns, one of
the biggest stars in the WWE,
617
00:27:09,505 --> 00:27:11,507
going public
with a private battle
618
00:27:11,549 --> 00:27:14,260
and stepping away
from the ring.
619
00:27:14,302 --> 00:27:16,387
- My real name is Joe.
620
00:27:18,473 --> 00:27:22,393
And I've been living
with leukemia for 11 years.
621
00:27:22,435 --> 00:27:27,648
* *
622
00:27:27,690 --> 00:27:30,359
And unfortunately it's back.
623
00:27:38,868 --> 00:27:40,661
- At the peak of his career,
624
00:27:40,703 --> 00:27:43,623
the reigning
WWE Universal Champion
625
00:27:43,664 --> 00:27:47,001
was once again
in a fight for his very life.
626
00:27:48,211 --> 00:27:50,338
- My real name is Joe.
627
00:27:50,380 --> 00:27:54,133
* *
628
00:27:54,175 --> 00:27:57,970
And I've been living
with leukemia for 11 years.
629
00:27:58,012 --> 00:28:03,226
* *
630
00:28:03,267 --> 00:28:05,937
And unfortunately it's back.
631
00:28:05,978 --> 00:28:07,814
* *
632
00:28:07,855 --> 00:28:09,565
And because the leukemia
is back,
633
00:28:09,607 --> 00:28:11,484
I cannot fulfill my role,
634
00:28:11,526 --> 00:28:13,194
and I'm gonna
have to relinquish
635
00:28:13,236 --> 00:28:14,946
the Universal Championship.
636
00:28:14,987 --> 00:28:18,199
* *
637
00:28:18,241 --> 00:28:20,118
- Everybody was shocked.
638
00:28:21,327 --> 00:28:24,455
- By no means is this
a retirement speech.
639
00:28:24,497 --> 00:28:27,375
[crowd cheering]
640
00:28:27,417 --> 00:28:31,087
Because after I'm done whooping
leukemia's ass once again,
641
00:28:31,129 --> 00:28:33,047
I'm coming back home.
642
00:28:33,089 --> 00:28:37,260
[crowd cheering]
643
00:28:37,301 --> 00:28:40,221
- It was a sad moment,
but he was confident about it.
644
00:28:40,263 --> 00:28:42,557
He was honest about it.
He was upfront about it.
645
00:28:42,598 --> 00:28:44,559
He did it on his terms.
646
00:28:44,600 --> 00:28:47,228
At that moment in time,
we all were with Roman Reigns.
647
00:28:47,270 --> 00:28:49,731
We were all with Joe.
We all sat back and said
648
00:28:49,772 --> 00:28:50,982
this is bigger than wrestling.
649
00:28:51,023 --> 00:28:52,525
And the only thing
we wanted for him to do
650
00:28:52,567 --> 00:28:54,402
was get healthy and get better
and come back.
651
00:28:54,444 --> 00:28:57,697
[crowd chanting
"Thank you, Roman!"]
652
00:28:57,739 --> 00:28:59,490
- Reality intervenes, right?
653
00:28:59,532 --> 00:29:00,867
At that point,
you have to kind of like
654
00:29:00,908 --> 00:29:03,244
set aside
your petty grievances.
655
00:29:03,286 --> 00:29:05,705
- We come out here every
Monday night to entertain.
656
00:29:05,747 --> 00:29:08,416
We live in this alternate
reality sometimes.
657
00:29:08,458 --> 00:29:10,126
And I think we all forget
658
00:29:10,168 --> 00:29:12,253
the superstars in the
locker room are real people.
659
00:29:12,295 --> 00:29:16,007
And reality came up
and bit us here tonight.
660
00:29:16,049 --> 00:29:18,092
- My whole life,
all the way back
661
00:29:18,134 --> 00:29:20,053
to when I was
just a little boy,
662
00:29:20,094 --> 00:29:21,262
everything that
I've worked for,
663
00:29:21,304 --> 00:29:24,640
as long as I hyperfocus on it,
664
00:29:24,682 --> 00:29:26,934
I should be able to do it.
665
00:29:26,976 --> 00:29:28,770
That's why I am where I am.
666
00:29:28,811 --> 00:29:32,774
But when you have something
that you can't control
667
00:29:32,815 --> 00:29:37,445
completely disrupt
that whole narrative...
668
00:29:37,487 --> 00:29:38,529
[sighs]
669
00:29:38,571 --> 00:29:41,949
That's the toughest part
to deal with.
670
00:29:41,991 --> 00:29:45,745
- With the love and support
of his friends and family,
671
00:29:45,787 --> 00:29:48,998
Joe was battling
for his very life.
672
00:29:49,040 --> 00:29:50,458
Six months later,
673
00:29:50,500 --> 00:29:53,002
he stood before
the WWE Universe
674
00:29:53,044 --> 00:29:55,004
to share some incredible news.
675
00:29:55,046 --> 00:30:01,636
[crowd chanting "Roman!"]
676
00:30:01,677 --> 00:30:04,263
- The good news is
677
00:30:04,305 --> 00:30:05,807
I'm in remission, y'all.
678
00:30:05,848 --> 00:30:11,687
[crowd cheering]
679
00:30:11,729 --> 00:30:13,106
- That night,
680
00:30:13,147 --> 00:30:15,316
everyone joyously celebrated
with Joe
681
00:30:15,358 --> 00:30:19,821
in his victory over cancer.
682
00:30:19,862 --> 00:30:22,949
But were they finally
ready to embrace Roman?
683
00:30:22,990 --> 00:30:28,287
* *
684
00:30:28,329 --> 00:30:30,665
- 80,000 plus here tonight,
685
00:30:30,706 --> 00:30:33,876
and it marks the return
of the Big Dog
686
00:30:33,918 --> 00:30:35,712
after the battle of his life.
687
00:30:35,753 --> 00:30:37,004
- It's gonna be big.
688
00:30:37,046 --> 00:30:40,007
* *
689
00:30:40,049 --> 00:30:42,385
- I haven't been in there
for a singles match
690
00:30:42,427 --> 00:30:43,553
and I haven't been in there,
you know,
691
00:30:43,594 --> 00:30:44,887
for the full duration
of a match.
692
00:30:44,929 --> 00:30:47,348
So it's--
693
00:30:47,390 --> 00:30:48,850
we won't know
until we go do it.
694
00:30:48,891 --> 00:30:50,727
So let's go do it.
695
00:30:50,768 --> 00:30:52,353
* *
696
00:30:52,395 --> 00:30:56,566
- And here comes the Big Dog.
697
00:30:56,607 --> 00:31:03,573
* *
698
00:31:05,616 --> 00:31:08,327
- I remember thinking that
this is that big moment
699
00:31:08,369 --> 00:31:11,706
that everybody will accept him.
700
00:31:11,748 --> 00:31:15,376
But once he came back
from his leukemia battle,
701
00:31:15,418 --> 00:31:17,462
I thought it'd be
impossible to boo him.
702
00:31:17,503 --> 00:31:20,590
It's gonna be impossible
to boo a guy who beat cancer.
703
00:31:20,631 --> 00:31:23,843
[match bell dings]
- [groans]
704
00:31:23,885 --> 00:31:25,762
- I can tell you one thing.
Tonight, it's not just about
705
00:31:25,803 --> 00:31:28,931
Roman fighting for himself
or even just his family.
706
00:31:28,973 --> 00:31:31,017
It's about anybody
who's ever been ill,
707
00:31:31,059 --> 00:31:33,394
who's ever struggled,
who's ever suffered
708
00:31:33,436 --> 00:31:36,230
and had to overcome.
Roman Reigns...
709
00:31:36,272 --> 00:31:38,649
is fighting
for the world tonight.
710
00:31:38,691 --> 00:31:45,615
[crowd booing]
711
00:31:49,786 --> 00:31:53,122
- Roman came back,
and he was getting boos.
712
00:31:53,164 --> 00:31:54,749
I looked at my man.
I said, bro--
713
00:31:54,791 --> 00:31:58,127
I said,
"Roman Reigns beat leukemia
714
00:31:58,169 --> 00:31:59,170
and he still getting booed?"
715
00:31:59,212 --> 00:32:03,299
[crowd booing]
716
00:32:03,341 --> 00:32:06,344
- That was
complete disrespect.
717
00:32:06,386 --> 00:32:08,596
A slap across the face
of Reigns.
718
00:32:08,638 --> 00:32:10,139
- Might've been
what Reigns needed.
719
00:32:10,181 --> 00:32:12,725
- [screams]
- Oh, and a clothesline.
720
00:32:12,767 --> 00:32:14,644
- [groans]
721
00:32:14,685 --> 00:32:17,688
- And Roman Reigns
starting to fire back now.
722
00:32:17,730 --> 00:32:21,901
[crowd booing]
723
00:32:21,943 --> 00:32:26,572
- We were so used to Roman
eliciting this feeling from us
724
00:32:26,614 --> 00:32:28,866
that it's so easy to
slide right back into it.
725
00:32:28,908 --> 00:32:30,827
And you would imagine
the human side,
726
00:32:30,868 --> 00:32:32,120
we would have more empathy,
727
00:32:32,161 --> 00:32:34,497
but it's almost our ability
to go, okay, cool.
728
00:32:34,539 --> 00:32:38,960
We're back into what
I'm used to and what I know.
729
00:32:39,001 --> 00:32:43,214
Those old emotions came right
back up again for the fans.
730
00:32:43,256 --> 00:32:44,799
- They were like,
"Man, please."
731
00:32:44,841 --> 00:32:47,427
"Oh, he's healthy? He's good?
He's in remission?
732
00:32:47,468 --> 00:32:48,553
We booing this dude again."
733
00:32:48,594 --> 00:32:49,846
I was like,
"Are you serious?"
734
00:32:49,887 --> 00:32:51,347
[crowd booing]
735
00:32:51,389 --> 00:32:54,684
- It's been a while since
we heard the Big Dog roar.
736
00:32:54,726 --> 00:32:57,854
Spear by Reigns.
737
00:32:57,895 --> 00:32:59,981
Reigns with the win.
738
00:33:00,022 --> 00:33:06,988
[crowd booing]
739
00:33:07,029 --> 00:33:11,409
And tonight at "WrestleMania"
the Big Dog is back.
740
00:33:11,451 --> 00:33:14,746
[crowd booing]
741
00:33:14,787 --> 00:33:17,206
- That was, uh...
742
00:33:19,208 --> 00:33:20,543
That was a tough pill
to swallow.
743
00:33:22,462 --> 00:33:26,340
With the toxicity
and all the negativity
744
00:33:26,382 --> 00:33:28,801
that can come
with this type of lifestyle,
745
00:33:28,843 --> 00:33:33,806
all of that has been
just balled up and used.
746
00:33:33,848 --> 00:33:36,934
[crowd booing]
747
00:33:36,976 --> 00:33:39,145
- It's heartbreaking.
748
00:33:39,187 --> 00:33:42,190
The competitive mind
and competitive spirit of Joe,
749
00:33:42,231 --> 00:33:43,858
he never forgot that.
750
00:33:43,900 --> 00:33:48,404
- I would sit in the back
and I would think, too, like,
751
00:33:48,446 --> 00:33:50,156
damn, that was a reaction
out there.
752
00:33:50,198 --> 00:33:54,368
Like they legit don't like Joe.
Like they legit don't like him.
753
00:33:55,161 --> 00:33:58,873
- I remember him saying that
he wanted to do something.
754
00:33:58,915 --> 00:34:01,542
I was like, man,
if you feel it in your gut
755
00:34:01,584 --> 00:34:04,128
it's time for you to change,
go.
756
00:34:04,921 --> 00:34:07,715
But be careful, 'cause the
timing is everything, right?
757
00:34:07,757 --> 00:34:08,966
* *
758
00:34:09,008 --> 00:34:11,094
- Just as Roman
was beginning to question
759
00:34:11,135 --> 00:34:13,513
his role in the WWE,
760
00:34:13,554 --> 00:34:16,641
the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
761
00:34:16,682 --> 00:34:20,603
As a cancer survivor,
he was forced to take a leave.
762
00:34:20,645 --> 00:34:25,400
He began to reflect
on his life and his career.
763
00:34:25,441 --> 00:34:26,901
- He was kind of quiet
for a little minute.
764
00:34:26,943 --> 00:34:29,112
I think he was
back in the lab doing work,
765
00:34:29,153 --> 00:34:31,656
you know,
trying to find himself.
766
00:34:34,700 --> 00:34:37,578
- When you're working out
by yourself in your own gym
767
00:34:37,620 --> 00:34:39,831
through a quarantine,
and you spend about
768
00:34:39,872 --> 00:34:41,791
two to three hours
in the gym every day,
769
00:34:41,833 --> 00:34:43,751
you start to think
of these things.
770
00:34:43,793 --> 00:34:46,295
What I want to do,
who I want to be,
771
00:34:46,337 --> 00:34:48,423
how I want to present it.
772
00:34:50,800 --> 00:34:53,386
Then I started to realize
if they want me
773
00:34:53,428 --> 00:34:57,181
to do my job
to the best of its ability
774
00:34:57,223 --> 00:35:00,435
with the weight and burden
of being the face of WWE,
775
00:35:00,476 --> 00:35:03,229
I have to do it my way.
776
00:35:03,980 --> 00:35:07,066
- Ladies and gentlemen,
"SummerSlam."
777
00:35:07,108 --> 00:35:10,528
The Fiend is champion.
- You know the hell that is?
778
00:35:10,570 --> 00:35:11,946
- Oh, my God,
it's Roman Reigns!
779
00:35:11,988 --> 00:35:15,450
Roman Reigns,
the Big Dog is here.
780
00:35:15,491 --> 00:35:17,118
Roman Reigns is back.
781
00:35:17,160 --> 00:35:20,288
- When Roman showed up
at "SummerSlam,"
782
00:35:20,329 --> 00:35:21,789
it was a shock.
783
00:35:21,831 --> 00:35:24,417
It was a great jolt
to the audience.
784
00:35:24,459 --> 00:35:29,505
- The Big Dog, Roman Reigns,
with an emphatic statement.
785
00:35:29,547 --> 00:35:32,175
- I automatically knew
when I saw him on screen,
786
00:35:32,216 --> 00:35:34,969
this is a different Roman.
787
00:35:35,011 --> 00:35:37,805
This Roman Reigns right here
is the one we know,
788
00:35:37,847 --> 00:35:40,099
but they about to know
who he is.
789
00:35:40,141 --> 00:35:43,352
- We never saw this coming.
790
00:35:47,607 --> 00:35:48,900
- Oh, my God,
it's Roman Reigns!
791
00:35:48,941 --> 00:35:52,320
- The Big Dog
with an emphatic statement.
792
00:35:52,361 --> 00:35:54,197
- A sneak attack
on the champion
793
00:35:54,238 --> 00:35:58,701
sent a clear message
to the WWE Universe.
794
00:35:58,743 --> 00:36:02,955
Roman Reigns was back
and doing things his way.
795
00:36:02,997 --> 00:36:04,957
* *
796
00:36:10,254 --> 00:36:12,048
* *
797
00:36:12,090 --> 00:36:15,385
- I automatically knew
when I saw him on screen,
798
00:36:15,426 --> 00:36:18,137
this is a different Roman.
799
00:36:18,179 --> 00:36:20,765
The way he was acting,
the way he looked.
800
00:36:20,807 --> 00:36:22,433
You know,
the vibes he was giving off
801
00:36:22,475 --> 00:36:24,060
was radiating
through the TV screen.
802
00:36:28,648 --> 00:36:30,358
- Okay, hold on.
This is different.
803
00:36:30,400 --> 00:36:33,528
He's being a jerk.
He's being rude.
804
00:36:42,662 --> 00:36:45,998
And I will win back
my Universal Championship
805
00:36:46,040 --> 00:36:48,626
that I never lost
in the first place.
806
00:36:50,670 --> 00:36:52,630
That's a spoiler.
807
00:36:52,672 --> 00:36:57,385
* *
808
00:36:57,427 --> 00:37:02,932
- Believe...that.
809
00:37:02,974 --> 00:37:06,060
- You see him sitting next to
Paul Heyman on the couch.
810
00:37:06,102 --> 00:37:08,771
You're like,
Roman Reigns is a bad guy.
811
00:37:08,813 --> 00:37:10,398
This is--this--
there's no turning back
812
00:37:10,440 --> 00:37:12,483
'cause they know
no matter what,
813
00:37:12,525 --> 00:37:13,693
Paul Heyman ain't no good guy.
814
00:37:13,735 --> 00:37:17,071
- I exploit historical facts
815
00:37:17,113 --> 00:37:20,450
to shove my points
down your throats.
816
00:37:20,491 --> 00:37:22,160
* *
817
00:37:22,201 --> 00:37:27,081
- Paul Heyman
is a slimy, backstabbing,
818
00:37:27,123 --> 00:37:29,417
weaselly, annoying...
819
00:37:29,459 --> 00:37:33,421
- He's a combination of every
scummy lawyer, businessman,
820
00:37:33,463 --> 00:37:35,965
shady car salesman
you've ever known in your life.
821
00:37:36,007 --> 00:37:42,138
- He always has his clients
in the focal point of the WWE.
822
00:37:42,180 --> 00:37:45,558
He's someone that will use
every single
823
00:37:45,600 --> 00:37:49,145
trick in the book
to get his way.
824
00:37:49,187 --> 00:37:51,564
- When you saw Roman Reigns
and Paul Heyman together,
825
00:37:51,606 --> 00:37:55,068
it solidified that he's really
gone to the dark side.
826
00:37:55,109 --> 00:37:59,363
- Here comes the Big Dog.
He just signed the contract.
827
00:38:00,073 --> 00:38:03,743
- I think everyone always knew
that Roman Reigns
828
00:38:03,785 --> 00:38:05,495
and Paul Heyman would end up
829
00:38:05,536 --> 00:38:08,664
being side by side
at some point.
830
00:38:08,706 --> 00:38:11,501
I think it was inevitable.
831
00:38:11,542 --> 00:38:15,588
I broke in to this industry
when I was a teenager.
832
00:38:15,630 --> 00:38:18,841
I bull[bleep] my way into
Madison Square Garden
833
00:38:18,883 --> 00:38:21,135
when the Garden
was still being run
834
00:38:21,177 --> 00:38:22,845
by Vincent Kennedy,
McMahon's father,
835
00:38:22,887 --> 00:38:25,640
Vincent James McMahon.
836
00:38:25,681 --> 00:38:31,104
Two of the people that looked
after me from the beginning
837
00:38:31,145 --> 00:38:34,357
were Roman's uncle, Afa,
and Roman's father, Sika.
838
00:38:34,399 --> 00:38:36,401
- The Samoan SWAT team.
839
00:38:36,442 --> 00:38:39,695
- I've been with
Roman's family...
840
00:38:39,737 --> 00:38:42,198
before Roman
was with Roman's family.
841
00:38:43,741 --> 00:38:44,867
- When Roman revealed that
842
00:38:44,909 --> 00:38:46,911
he was associated now
with Paul Heyman,
843
00:38:46,953 --> 00:38:49,664
it just kind of put out
this whole new dynamic.
844
00:38:49,705 --> 00:38:51,374
- There will be consequences.
845
00:38:51,416 --> 00:38:53,376
* *
846
00:38:53,418 --> 00:38:56,587
- The fans ate up--
847
00:38:56,629 --> 00:38:58,423
ate up Roman Reigns as a heel.
848
00:38:58,464 --> 00:39:00,341
- Get your ass down here.
Let's go.
849
00:39:00,383 --> 00:39:02,051
- And a new official
heading down to the ring.
850
00:39:02,093 --> 00:39:05,847
- They felt like they won
when he went heel.
851
00:39:05,888 --> 00:39:08,933
- Oh, low blow. Legal though.
No holds barred.
852
00:39:08,975 --> 00:39:11,394
- And Reigns with a spear
to Strowman.
853
00:39:11,436 --> 00:39:13,688
- And the cover by Reigns.
854
00:39:13,730 --> 00:39:17,066
Roman Reigns has won
the Universal Championship.
855
00:39:17,108 --> 00:39:20,987
- Immediately, it clicked
with the audience
856
00:39:21,028 --> 00:39:24,198
because this was the Roman that
they had been waiting to see,
857
00:39:24,240 --> 00:39:26,117
just that confidence
and arrogance,
858
00:39:26,159 --> 00:39:28,745
that feeling of
"I am the top guy.
859
00:39:28,786 --> 00:39:30,913
"I've always been the top guy.
860
00:39:30,955 --> 00:39:33,124
"And for all of you
who didn't recognize that
861
00:39:33,166 --> 00:39:36,252
and acknowledge me as that are
now going to pay and suffer."
862
00:39:36,294 --> 00:39:39,380
- This is a different
human being fundamentally.
863
00:39:39,422 --> 00:39:42,216
Everything about his aura
is completely different.
864
00:39:42,258 --> 00:39:44,010
- Then I'm just doing
the same thing.
865
00:39:44,052 --> 00:39:45,970
So now, when I came back,
866
00:39:46,012 --> 00:39:49,599
I set a whole new tone
and put on a whole different
867
00:39:49,640 --> 00:39:52,977
paint job of the character,
you know.
868
00:39:53,019 --> 00:39:54,771
From a creative standpoint,
869
00:39:54,812 --> 00:39:56,981
there was no conversation.
870
00:39:57,023 --> 00:39:59,734
I said what I wanted to do
and I did it.
871
00:40:00,651 --> 00:40:01,944
That's the beauty of
872
00:40:01,986 --> 00:40:04,280
being the one with
your finger on the trigger.
873
00:40:04,322 --> 00:40:06,032
I don't care who I face.
874
00:40:06,074 --> 00:40:08,785
Feed 'em in and watch 'em all
get slaughtered
875
00:40:08,826 --> 00:40:11,412
because this is my island.
876
00:40:11,454 --> 00:40:14,248
I left and I literally
gave the whole company
877
00:40:14,290 --> 00:40:16,501
an opportunity to step up
and take it from me,
878
00:40:16,542 --> 00:40:17,960
and they couldn't.
879
00:40:18,002 --> 00:40:20,421
And it just showcased
why I'm needed.
880
00:40:20,463 --> 00:40:22,173
And that's the power.
881
00:40:22,215 --> 00:40:25,802
And when you have
this kind of power,
882
00:40:25,843 --> 00:40:29,013
all you gotta do
is show up and win.
883
00:40:31,349 --> 00:40:32,683
Believe that.
884
00:40:35,103 --> 00:40:38,731
- Roman tapped into the power
of his Samoan roots.
885
00:40:38,773 --> 00:40:40,983
The sacred role of high chief
886
00:40:41,025 --> 00:40:43,444
is reserved
for the tribal leader.
887
00:40:43,486 --> 00:40:46,489
Roman declared himself
as the tribal chief,
888
00:40:46,531 --> 00:40:48,199
and by default,
889
00:40:48,241 --> 00:40:50,535
the Head of the Family Table.
890
00:40:50,576 --> 00:40:53,413
Roman ordered his cousins
to fall in line,
891
00:40:53,454 --> 00:40:55,998
starting with Jey Uso.
892
00:40:56,040 --> 00:40:58,793
- Big Usman, throwing his
weight around
893
00:40:58,835 --> 00:41:00,545
since we was little.
894
00:41:00,586 --> 00:41:02,004
But we not little
no more, okay?
895
00:41:02,046 --> 00:41:03,506
- Not only is it
his first defense
896
00:41:03,548 --> 00:41:05,633
of the Universal Championship,
it's against family.
897
00:41:05,675 --> 00:41:08,886
It's against Roman's
very own blood, Jey Uso.
898
00:41:08,928 --> 00:41:10,430
- We're blood.
899
00:41:10,471 --> 00:41:12,306
Family, man.
900
00:41:12,348 --> 00:41:14,517
I'm proud of you.
But the truth is,
901
00:41:14,559 --> 00:41:17,103
like when we were kids,
I'm gonna whoop your ass.
902
00:41:17,145 --> 00:41:22,358
- They had this storyline,
and it's so close to home.
903
00:41:22,400 --> 00:41:26,070
It's like brothers
that are actually fighting.
904
00:41:26,112 --> 00:41:28,364
- Just like
when they were kids,
905
00:41:28,406 --> 00:41:30,867
Roman assured his cousin
that he was doing everything
906
00:41:30,908 --> 00:41:33,828
in the best interests
of the family.
907
00:41:33,870 --> 00:41:37,832
- All I wanted to do
was raise you up.
908
00:41:37,874 --> 00:41:40,043
- Every time I see Roman Reigns
and the Usos
909
00:41:40,084 --> 00:41:43,212
I think, man,
that's not far from real life.
910
00:41:43,254 --> 00:41:45,214
They're always kind of
at each other's throats.
911
00:41:45,256 --> 00:41:46,632
You wonder how tight they are.
912
00:41:46,674 --> 00:41:48,634
If they really like
one another, if they don't.
913
00:41:48,676 --> 00:41:50,928
- This has to stay
on my shoulder
914
00:41:50,970 --> 00:41:53,306
for our family to stay
where it is.
915
00:41:53,347 --> 00:41:54,474
You understand?
916
00:41:54,515 --> 00:41:56,934
- This new version
of Roman Reigns
917
00:41:56,976 --> 00:41:59,270
is very much like a mob boss.
918
00:41:59,312 --> 00:42:03,941
- You will respect me
for who I am in the WWE
919
00:42:03,983 --> 00:42:07,070
and all that I do
for our family.
920
00:42:07,111 --> 00:42:10,990
- The idea that you would want
to challenge me
921
00:42:11,032 --> 00:42:13,451
is offensive to who I am.
922
00:42:13,493 --> 00:42:16,746
And so he didn't want
to just beat Jey Uso,
923
00:42:16,788 --> 00:42:20,416
he wanted to show that
Jey Uso is below him.
924
00:42:20,458 --> 00:42:23,336
His own cousin,
his own flesh and blood,
925
00:42:23,378 --> 00:42:24,629
below him.
926
00:42:24,670 --> 00:42:28,966
And he beat him down
until he acknowledged
927
00:42:29,008 --> 00:42:32,011
Roman Reigns as
the Head of the Table,
928
00:42:32,053 --> 00:42:33,930
the head of the family
929
00:42:33,971 --> 00:42:35,681
and now, Jey Uso,
930
00:42:35,723 --> 00:42:38,601
and his brother, Jimmy Uso,
931
00:42:38,643 --> 00:42:40,186
they are the guys
932
00:42:40,228 --> 00:42:44,315
that do the enforcing for him
when he can't be there.
933
00:42:44,357 --> 00:42:46,275
- Oh, wait a minute--
from behind.
934
00:42:46,317 --> 00:42:49,028
Jimmy and Jey Uso,
Reign's cousins,
935
00:42:49,070 --> 00:42:53,116
the tag team champions,
ambushing Balor.
936
00:42:53,157 --> 00:42:56,494
- All of us working together,
can't nobody touch us.
937
00:42:56,536 --> 00:42:58,287
Can't nobody touch us...
938
00:42:59,163 --> 00:43:02,166
If we do it my way.
939
00:43:02,208 --> 00:43:04,544
- At first I was against it.
940
00:43:04,585 --> 00:43:06,421
but Roman being Roman...
941
00:43:07,505 --> 00:43:10,133
Had a bigger plan.
942
00:43:10,174 --> 00:43:12,635
Told me we were
stronger together.
943
00:43:12,677 --> 00:43:14,679
Bloodline.
944
00:43:14,721 --> 00:43:18,307
- He's the Head of the Table
of his family.
945
00:43:18,349 --> 00:43:20,977
He feeds his father
and his uncles
946
00:43:21,018 --> 00:43:22,729
and his cousins,
947
00:43:22,770 --> 00:43:27,692
and every member of his family
survives and indeed thrives
948
00:43:27,734 --> 00:43:31,028
off of the living
that is made by Roman Reigns.
949
00:43:31,070 --> 00:43:33,781
- You can call this place
whatever you like,
950
00:43:33,823 --> 00:43:35,783
but this is my yard.
951
00:43:35,825 --> 00:43:39,662
This is my island.
This is my ring.
952
00:43:39,704 --> 00:43:42,540
This is my WWE.
953
00:43:42,582 --> 00:43:45,334
- He is there not only
to protect
954
00:43:45,376 --> 00:43:50,757
but to move into the future
the legacy of a dynasty.
955
00:43:50,798 --> 00:43:51,966
- The tribal chief,
956
00:43:52,008 --> 00:43:53,259
he's the boss of everything
957
00:43:53,301 --> 00:43:55,219
that takes care of the family.
958
00:43:55,261 --> 00:43:57,221
They all respect him
as our leader,
959
00:43:57,263 --> 00:43:59,390
as our high talking chief,
960
00:43:59,432 --> 00:44:02,018
that anything
that this chief says
961
00:44:02,060 --> 00:44:03,227
that we are to follow.
962
00:44:03,269 --> 00:44:05,938
It's out of respect
of the culture.
963
00:44:05,980 --> 00:44:07,940
- I love that every time
he talks
964
00:44:07,982 --> 00:44:09,859
it feels like
he's trying to help you.
965
00:44:09,901 --> 00:44:12,945
Come on, you can do better.
966
00:44:12,987 --> 00:44:16,074
- You're here for one hour.
One hour.
967
00:44:16,115 --> 00:44:18,117
I do you a favor.
968
00:44:18,159 --> 00:44:20,161
I put the spotlight on you.
969
00:44:20,203 --> 00:44:23,498
I bring you back,
I put you with us,
970
00:44:23,539 --> 00:44:25,708
and what happens?
971
00:44:25,750 --> 00:44:27,543
You screw it up.
972
00:44:27,585 --> 00:44:31,381
- He really has a way
of talking to the audience
973
00:44:31,422 --> 00:44:33,883
and to his friends and family
in a way--
974
00:44:33,925 --> 00:44:35,468
he gaslights all of us.
975
00:44:35,510 --> 00:44:38,304
He makes you feel like
you're--wait--
976
00:44:38,346 --> 00:44:40,473
no, I hate you for a reason.
Don't I?
977
00:44:40,515 --> 00:44:42,767
"No, no, no.
Why would you hate me?
978
00:44:42,809 --> 00:44:44,560
I'm here for you."
979
00:44:44,602 --> 00:44:47,647
- When it comes to
lifting our legacy up,
980
00:44:47,688 --> 00:44:49,816
our history,
what we're known for,
981
00:44:49,857 --> 00:44:53,361
to continually be
the very best in this business,
982
00:44:53,403 --> 00:44:56,364
I think that my family
heavily depends on me.
983
00:44:56,406 --> 00:44:59,409
- The undisputed tribal chief
984
00:44:59,450 --> 00:45:02,995
was creating a version of WWE
in his own image.
985
00:45:03,037 --> 00:45:06,666
There would be no ceremonial
passing of the torch.
986
00:45:06,707 --> 00:45:09,502
Roman was at "SummerSlam"
to seize it.
987
00:45:09,544 --> 00:45:14,716
- Tonight marks day number 356
988
00:45:14,757 --> 00:45:17,176
in the Universal
Championship reign
989
00:45:17,218 --> 00:45:19,095
of the Head of the Table.
990
00:45:19,137 --> 00:45:20,972
* *
991
00:45:21,013 --> 00:45:24,600
- Roman Reigns had been
building a resume
992
00:45:24,642 --> 00:45:29,689
that was undeniably making him
the face of the company.
993
00:45:29,731 --> 00:45:33,401
But there was always
that voice in the back
994
00:45:33,443 --> 00:45:37,071
of everyone's head that said
John Cena's the guy.
995
00:45:37,113 --> 00:45:39,615
- You know, we talk about Cena
being the greatest of all time
996
00:45:39,657 --> 00:45:42,326
but an argument can be made
that the past year
997
00:45:42,368 --> 00:45:45,079
has been one of the most
dominant years
998
00:45:45,121 --> 00:45:47,957
in history of WWE.
999
00:45:47,999 --> 00:45:52,295
- Every bit of who I am
has gone into this character.
1000
00:45:52,336 --> 00:45:54,464
Every little speed bump,
the adversities,
1001
00:45:54,505 --> 00:45:57,425
the growing pains,
the transitions,
1002
00:45:57,467 --> 00:46:02,972
all of that has been
just balled up and used
1003
00:46:03,014 --> 00:46:05,016
into what you see today.
1004
00:46:05,058 --> 00:46:09,270
- There are 51,326
1005
00:46:09,312 --> 00:46:11,898
WWE fans on hand
1006
00:46:11,939 --> 00:46:14,150
to witness one of
the greatest main events
1007
00:46:14,192 --> 00:46:16,277
in "SummerSlam" history.
1008
00:46:21,115 --> 00:46:23,826
- "SummerSlam" 2021,
1009
00:46:23,868 --> 00:46:29,207
we saw Roman Reigns in the ring
with John Cena...
1010
00:46:30,792 --> 00:46:34,796
This generation's champion
taking on
1011
00:46:34,837 --> 00:46:37,465
the previous
generation's champion.
1012
00:46:37,507 --> 00:46:41,219
- The opportunity for Reigns
to cement his legacy.
1013
00:46:41,260 --> 00:46:42,929
- [groans]
1014
00:46:42,970 --> 00:46:45,515
* *
1015
00:46:45,556 --> 00:46:47,642
- When it comes to
an arena full
1016
00:46:47,683 --> 00:46:50,436
of sold out to capacity
crowd...
1017
00:46:52,230 --> 00:46:54,273
I don't think there's really
gonna be anybody
1018
00:46:54,315 --> 00:46:57,568
that can get 100% of them
at all times.
1019
00:46:57,610 --> 00:46:59,028
- [groans]
1020
00:46:59,070 --> 00:47:01,739
- Roman with a right hand
dropping John.
1021
00:47:01,781 --> 00:47:03,282
[crowd booing]
1022
00:47:03,324 --> 00:47:06,702
Now Roman mocking
the WWE Universe.
1023
00:47:06,744 --> 00:47:09,414
* *
1024
00:47:09,455 --> 00:47:13,084
- But to keep 100% of them
invested
1025
00:47:13,126 --> 00:47:15,253
one way or the other...
1026
00:47:15,795 --> 00:47:17,839
To make them do
what I want them to do...
1027
00:47:17,880 --> 00:47:19,924
* *
1028
00:47:19,966 --> 00:47:23,094
That's the key.
1029
00:47:23,136 --> 00:47:25,763
I'll whoop all
y'all's asses too.
1030
00:47:25,805 --> 00:47:27,473
I'll whoop
all y'all's asses too.
1031
00:47:27,515 --> 00:47:29,350
Come on, sucker.
Come on.
1032
00:47:29,392 --> 00:47:31,310
- Roman Reigns is so good
at being a bad guy
1033
00:47:31,352 --> 00:47:33,813
'cause from whatever
negativity's coming at him
1034
00:47:33,855 --> 00:47:35,273
and the boos and--
1035
00:47:35,314 --> 00:47:39,068
he seems to really enjoy
what it gives to him.
1036
00:47:39,110 --> 00:47:40,987
* *
1037
00:47:41,028 --> 00:47:44,657
The combination that makes
Roman Reigns work is
1038
00:47:44,699 --> 00:47:48,202
you don't like him but
you kind of want to be him.
1039
00:47:48,244 --> 00:47:50,371
He's good-looking
and there's envy.
1040
00:47:50,413 --> 00:47:52,498
You want to be in his shoes
1041
00:47:52,540 --> 00:47:54,792
and yet you can't stand
that he's in that position.
1042
00:47:54,834 --> 00:47:58,463
- Roman Reigns is the character
everyone loves to hate.
1043
00:47:58,504 --> 00:48:01,382
He's the quarterback
that steals your girlfriend,
1044
00:48:01,424 --> 00:48:04,302
and there's not a damn thing
you can do about it.
1045
00:48:04,343 --> 00:48:05,762
- [groans]
1046
00:48:05,803 --> 00:48:07,805
- And again,
a right drops John.
1047
00:48:07,847 --> 00:48:10,349
- It feels like a lot
of Allegiant Stadium
1048
00:48:10,391 --> 00:48:13,478
is on Team Cena.
- Acknowledge me.
1049
00:48:13,519 --> 00:48:15,730
- "Acknowledge me"
1050
00:48:15,772 --> 00:48:18,649
is the perfect catchphrase
for Roman Reigns.
1051
00:48:18,691 --> 00:48:22,278
When he says "acknowledge me,"
that's a contradiction
1052
00:48:22,320 --> 00:48:25,406
because a champ doesn't need to
ask people to acknowledge him.
1053
00:48:25,448 --> 00:48:27,700
But he does
because he doesn't get
1054
00:48:27,742 --> 00:48:32,371
the fan love that
other champions get.
1055
00:48:32,413 --> 00:48:35,583
- I view Roman Reigns
as a righteous man
1056
00:48:35,625 --> 00:48:38,836
driven to villainous
circumstances to survive.
1057
00:48:38,878 --> 00:48:41,297
- Hollywood, I apologize,
1058
00:48:41,339 --> 00:48:43,216
but I'm gonna hurt this man.
1059
00:48:43,257 --> 00:48:45,176
I'm gonna hurt--
I'm gonna whoop his ass
1060
00:48:45,218 --> 00:48:48,179
and we're gonna send him to--
he ain't gonna be able to work.
1061
00:48:48,221 --> 00:48:50,848
He ain't gonna be able to--
don't bring him back here.
1062
00:48:50,890 --> 00:48:52,517
I'm WWE.
1063
00:48:52,558 --> 00:48:54,560
- When we think about
Roman Reigns
1064
00:48:54,602 --> 00:48:57,939
becoming a villain,
embodying that evil persona,
1065
00:48:57,980 --> 00:49:00,024
leaning in to that hate,
1066
00:49:00,066 --> 00:49:02,735
I think that gave him power
and gave him strength.
1067
00:49:02,777 --> 00:49:05,405
[crowd booing]
1068
00:49:05,446 --> 00:49:09,367
- He is guy who was sick
of everyone coming after him
1069
00:49:09,409 --> 00:49:11,744
for no good reason.
1070
00:49:11,786 --> 00:49:14,205
Showed no respect
for his skill, his talent,
1071
00:49:14,247 --> 00:49:16,040
and frankly, his lineage.
1072
00:49:16,082 --> 00:49:17,875
And he stood up for it.
1073
00:49:17,917 --> 00:49:23,840
It totally changed
the landscape of the business.
1074
00:49:23,881 --> 00:49:27,343
- All me!
I am WWE!
1075
00:49:27,385 --> 00:49:29,637
- The Head of the Table.
1076
00:49:29,679 --> 00:49:32,223
Roman Reigns with a spear.
1077
00:49:32,265 --> 00:49:34,726
- One, two, three.
1078
00:49:34,767 --> 00:49:37,478
[match bell dings]
- And just like that,
1079
00:49:37,520 --> 00:49:40,857
Roman Reigns
will retain the championship.
1080
00:49:40,898 --> 00:49:42,900
* *
1081
00:49:42,942 --> 00:49:44,819
- When Roman Reigns
beat John Cena,
1082
00:49:44,861 --> 00:49:47,155
he did not just
retain his title,
1083
00:49:47,196 --> 00:49:51,242
he became officially
the man of the company,
1084
00:49:51,284 --> 00:49:52,910
the face of the company,
1085
00:49:52,952 --> 00:49:56,080
and the champion
of this generation.
1086
00:49:56,122 --> 00:49:59,751
- Nobody in this generation
that came up like me.
1087
00:49:59,792 --> 00:50:02,170
I'm the only one
that really came in
1088
00:50:02,211 --> 00:50:04,380
and removed these legends
1089
00:50:04,422 --> 00:50:07,759
that made way
for the new generation.
1090
00:50:07,800 --> 00:50:10,344
In 20 years,
there might be more people
1091
00:50:10,386 --> 00:50:12,930
molded after me
opposed to, like,
1092
00:50:12,972 --> 00:50:15,391
the parallels of John Cena
to Hulk Hogan.
1093
00:50:15,433 --> 00:50:18,811
Like, you target the kids.
Hustle, loyalty, respect.
1094
00:50:18,853 --> 00:50:21,022
Doing the same old schtick.
You know what I mean?
1095
00:50:21,064 --> 00:50:24,567
It's the same format
just on a different dude.
1096
00:50:24,609 --> 00:50:26,235
And nobody's done it like me,
1097
00:50:26,277 --> 00:50:28,488
but maybe
in like, 20 or 30 years,
1098
00:50:28,529 --> 00:50:30,656
if there's someone out there
with the ability,
1099
00:50:30,698 --> 00:50:33,951
we might be able
to see this mold again.
1100
00:50:34,702 --> 00:50:37,622
- Roman is entering
the peak of his career
1101
00:50:37,663 --> 00:50:39,499
and is already
one of the greatest superstars
1102
00:50:39,540 --> 00:50:41,084
of this era.
1103
00:50:41,125 --> 00:50:44,921
So is the undisputed
tribal chief
1104
00:50:44,962 --> 00:50:47,882
and Head of the Samoan
Family Table
1105
00:50:47,924 --> 00:50:50,301
destined to be one
of the greatest superstars
1106
00:50:50,343 --> 00:50:52,678
of all time?
1107
00:50:52,720 --> 00:50:56,057
- Obviously, when you think
about all-time great
1108
00:50:56,099 --> 00:50:58,726
Samoan superstars,
1109
00:50:58,768 --> 00:51:00,436
no one's bigger than the Rock.
1110
00:51:00,478 --> 00:51:03,523
* *
1111
00:51:03,564 --> 00:51:05,858
And Roman knows
that shadow's there.
1112
00:51:05,900 --> 00:51:08,611
And I'm sure that's something
that drives him.
1113
00:51:08,653 --> 00:51:11,531
- Would you ever
fight the Rock?
1114
00:51:11,572 --> 00:51:13,241
- I would, yes.
I don't know if--
1115
00:51:13,282 --> 00:51:15,118
I don't know if he wants it.
1116
00:51:15,159 --> 00:51:17,412
- Roman Reigns
beating your hero?
1117
00:51:17,453 --> 00:51:20,790
He beats Dwayne Johnson
as a villain?
1118
00:51:20,832 --> 00:51:22,583
No one will be able to deny
1119
00:51:22,625 --> 00:51:24,752
Roman Reigns is the greatest
villain of all time.
1120
00:51:24,794 --> 00:51:26,838
No one.
1121
00:51:28,256 --> 00:51:29,841
- We haven't even begun yet.
1122
00:51:29,882 --> 00:51:31,467
* *
1123
00:51:31,509 --> 00:51:33,344
There's so much
greatness to chase.
1124
00:51:33,386 --> 00:51:37,432
The moments can get bigger.
1125
00:51:37,473 --> 00:51:40,017
We're not even
scratching the surface.
1126
00:51:40,059 --> 00:51:42,687
I think the legacy that
Roman Reigns will leave
1127
00:51:42,729 --> 00:51:46,357
is being the best of all time
1128
00:51:46,399 --> 00:51:49,485
and doing it my way.
1129
00:51:50,445 --> 00:51:53,614
So everything I've ever done
is to get into the position
1130
00:51:53,656 --> 00:51:57,034
to where I have the power.
1131
00:51:57,076 --> 00:51:58,619
And now I have the power.
1132
00:51:58,661 --> 00:52:02,915
- Roman Reigns!