Roman Reigns At WrestleMania 2020

What's up, wrestling fans! Let's dive deep into the 2020 WrestleMania season and talk about one of the biggest names in WWE, Roman Reigns. You know, 2020 was a wild year for everyone, and the WWE was no exception. When we think about WrestleMania 2020, a lot of us were hyped to see Roman Reigns in action, ready to cement his legacy. The buildup was intense, the crowd anticipation was palpable, and then, bam! Things took a turn nobody saw coming. Roman Reigns was originally slated for a massive showdown, a match that was supposed to be a cornerstone of the event. However, due to personal health concerns and the unfolding global pandemic, The Big Dog had to make the difficult decision to withdraw from the show. This was a huge blow not just to his fans, but to the entire WrestleMania card. We were all geared up to witness a potential classic, a match that would be talked about for years. Imagine the epic confrontations, the signature moves, the roar of the crowd as Roman would inevitably hit his 'Spear'! It’s moments like these that make WrestleMania the spectacle it is. But hey, that’s the wrestling world, right? It’s unpredictable, and sometimes, life throws curveballs that are bigger than any storyline. His absence left a void, a question mark hanging over the main event scene. Who would step up? How would WWE adapt? It’s a testament to Roman’s star power that even when he's not in the ring, his presence is still felt. We were robbed of seeing him compete, but his decision showed incredible strength and commitment to his health and family, something we can all respect, even if it meant a different WrestleMania than we all imagined.

The Original Plan: A Dream Match Denied

Alright guys, let's rewind and talk about what should have happened at WrestleMania 36 concerning Roman Reigns. Before everything got shaken up, the original plan was for Roman to face off against Goldberg for the Universal Championship. Man, just thinking about that matchup gives you chills! Goldberg, the WCW legend, the undefeated streak, the sheer power, going head-to-head with Roman Reigns, the Tribal Chief, the dominant force in WWE. This was the kind of dream match that wrestling fans salivate over. We're talking about two powerhouse athletes, two absolute titans of the ring, with contrasting styles but an equal amount of raw intensity. Goldberg's destructive 'Spear' and 'Jackhammer' versus Roman's own devastating 'Spear' and his growing arsenal of power moves. The narrative was already brewing: the established legend passing the torch to the current king, or the new king proving his dominance by conquering a mythical figure. The promos alone would have been epic, the intensity in their eyes, the crowd buzzing with the possibility of witnessing history. Imagine the entrances: Goldberg’s iconic theme music hitting, the roar of the crowd as he makes his way to the ring, and then Roman’s own powerful entrance, signaling that the Tribal Chief has arrived. It was set up to be a main event caliber clash, a marquee match that could headline any WrestleMania. This wasn't just a singles match; it was a clash of eras, a battle for supremacy that had all the ingredients for an instant classic. The anticipation was sky-high, with fans debating who would emerge victorious. Would Goldberg recapture the magic and cement his legendary status one last time? Or would Roman Reigns solidify his claim as the undisputed top dog in WWE by taking down one of the greatest powerhouses in wrestling history? The potential for shock value, for an unexpected outcome, was immense. It was the kind of match that draws millions, the kind of spectacle that defines WrestleMania. But as we all know, fate had other plans, and this highly anticipated confrontation was ultimately postponed, leaving us all wondering 'what if?' It's a classic case of a 'what if' moment in wrestling history, a dream match that was cruelly snatched away from us due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, leaving a significant void in the 2020 WrestleMania landscape.

Roman Reigns's Health and the Pandemic

So, why did this massive match-up not happen, guys? It all comes down to Roman Reigns's health and the unprecedented circumstances of the global pandemic in 2020. You see, Roman has been very open about his previous battles with leukemia. This meant that he was in a high-risk category when the COVID-19 virus started spreading like wildfire. The WWE Performance Center, where WrestleMania 36 was eventually held without a live audience, was considered a place where wrestlers would be in close contact, increasing the risk of transmission. For Roman, prioritizing his health and the safety of his family was paramount. He made the incredibly tough but understandable decision to withdraw from WrestleMania 36. This wasn't a booking decision, or a storyline choice; it was a deeply personal one rooted in real-life health concerns. It takes immense courage to step away from the biggest show of the year, especially when you're slated for a main event match that could define your career. The wrestling world, and especially the WWE Universe, rallied behind him, showing immense support and understanding. It highlighted a more human side to the larger-than-life Superstars we see on TV. While we were all disappointed not to see him compete, his decision resonated with many who were also navigating the uncertainties and fears of the pandemic. It was a stark reminder that even these incredible athletes are also human beings with vulnerabilities. The WWE respected his decision, and they had to scramble to adjust their plans. This situation underscored the fragility of live events and the impact that unforeseen global events can have on even the most meticulously planned spectacles. Roman's absence was felt keenly, but his decision was a powerful statement about prioritizing well-being. It showed that sometimes, the biggest battles aren't fought in the ring, but in life itself. This was a moment where the reality of the pandemic directly impacted the WWE in a very significant way, forcing them to make difficult calls and adapt on the fly, showcasing a level of resilience and flexibility that was necessary for survival during those challenging times. His choice also paved the way for other Superstars to step into the spotlight, albeit under different circumstances.

The Impact on WrestleMania 36

When Roman Reigns pulled out of his scheduled match against Goldberg at WrestleMania 36, it sent ripples through the entire event, guys. Suddenly, the Universal Championship picture was wide open, and WWE had to pivot fast. This wasn't just about replacing one match; it was about reconfiguring a significant portion of their main event plans. The company had to make some quick decisions about who would face Goldberg for the title. Ultimately, Braun Strowman stepped in to answer the call. Now, don't get me wrong, Braun is a monster, and he definitely deserved a shot at the Universal Championship. But the narrative and the buildup were completely different. The dream match between Roman and Goldberg had a built-in history and star power that Roman's absence, and subsequent replacement, couldn't replicate. The absence of Roman also meant that the Tribal Chief persona, which he would later fully embrace and dominate with, didn't get its grand WrestleMania debut against a legend like Goldberg. We missed out on seeing how that character would have evolved on such a massive stage. Furthermore, WrestleMania 36 itself was already a unique event, being held behind closed doors at the WWE Performance Center due to the pandemic. Roman's absence, coupled with the lack of a live audience, amplified the surreal nature of the show. It was a WrestleMania unlike any other, and Roman's withdrawal was a significant factor contributing to that unique atmosphere. The impact was twofold: it deprived fans of a highly anticipated match and forced WWE to adapt their strategies on the fly during an already chaotic period. It highlighted the importance of Roman Reigns to the WWE's top storylines and demonstrated how even one Superstar's decision could significantly alter the course of a major event. The decision also underscored the WWE's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its talent, even if it meant making significant changes to their flagship event. It was a moment that tested the resilience of the entire organization and showcased their ability to adapt under immense pressure, making WrestleMania 36 a truly unforgettable, albeit unusual, spectacle, leaving a lasting impression on the WWE landscape and the perception of major wrestling events moving forward.

What Came Next for Roman Reigns

Even though Roman Reigns wasn't at WrestleMania 36, his story was far from over, guys! In fact, his absence arguably set the stage for one of the most dominant and compelling eras in recent WWE history: The Tribal Chief era. After taking time off to ensure his health and safety, Roman returned later in 2020 with a renewed focus and a completely revamped persona. He debuted his heel 'Tribal Chief' gimmick, embracing his Samoan heritage and projecting an aura of undisputed authority and arrogance. This heel turn was absolutely electric and resonated deeply with the audience, even if they booed him. It felt authentic, powerful, and unlike anything we had seen from him before. He immediately targeted the Universal Championship, which he eventually won and has held for an unprecedented amount of time. The feuds that followed were legendary – with Jey Uso, Kevin Owens, Edge, Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and many more. These rivalries weren't just matches; they were deeply personal, character-driven sagas that captivated the WWE Universe. His matches became must-see events, not just for the in-ring action, but for the storytelling and the sheer presence he commanded. He evolved from a beloved babyface to a terrifyingly effective villain, and it was a masterclass in character development. His decision to step back from WrestleMania 36, while disappointing at the time, ultimately allowed him to return at a moment when he could fully embody and deliver on the 'Tribal Chief' character. It allowed him to build momentum organically, culminating in his triumphant return and subsequent championship reign. This period proved that sometimes, stepping away can lead to a more powerful comeback. The future for Roman Reigns looked brighter than ever, and he solidified his position as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, all stemming from a decision made during a challenging year. His journey since WrestleMania 36 has been nothing short of phenomenal, cementing his legacy as a true icon of the squared circle and proving that sometimes, the greatest victories are the ones fought for one's own well-being and a strategic return to the spotlight, leading to unparalleled success and dominance. The evolution of his character post-WrestleMania 36 is a testament to his dedication and the WWE's ability to adapt and present compelling narratives, even amidst global challenges, making his comeback one of the most successful in wrestling history.