Roman Reigns reveals he was ready to retire before turning heel in 2020: What was the reason?

Despite initially facing challenges and setbacks, Roman Reigns managed to make an impressive comeback in 2020 when he reappeared in the company as the villainous Tribal Chief. Since then, he has achieved numerous victories against top superstars, embarked on a record-breaking title reign, and more. However, it almost didn’t happen for him.

The leader of the group, who had a history of leukemia, was greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic because of his weakened immune system. In order to keep his family safe, he made the decision to take a break from competing in the ring. However, he made a comeback at SummerSlam 2020 and wasted no time in setting his sights on the Universal Title.

Before joining forces with Paul Heyman and winning the Universal Championship, Reigns had considered retiring from in-ring competition. This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in his career and ultimately led to his success as The Tribal Chief.

During the latest A&E Biography: WWE Legends, The Tribal Chief opened up about his break from the company amidst the pandemic. Reigns disclosed that he made the decision to step away when COVID-19 first surfaced, as the company was still in the process of determining how to handle the situation.

After voluntarily stepping away from the company, Reigns revealed that he was prepared to end his career. He explained that the break allowed him to contemplate his time in pro wrestling. Ultimately, the Tribal Chief came to the realization that he was not satisfied with his work and had yet to reach his maximum potential.

What motivated Roman Reigns to make his return to WWE during the pandemic?

Despite the challenging circumstances brought about by the pandemic, the WWE persevered by hosting weekly shows and premium live events at the Performance Center. Reigns recognized the ability of the company to adapt to the new environment and prioritize the safety of its employees.

During an episode of the After the Bell podcast in 2020, Roman Reigns revealed that he had deliberately waited until there was more knowledge about the virus and its potential impact on individuals. Once he felt it was “far more comfortable”to do so, WWE assured him and his family of their safety in returning to the ring.

The Impact of Roman Reigns’ Return to WWE for the Bloodline

Despite initial resistance from the audience, Roman Reigns’ heel character gained popularity with the help of Paul Heyman. It is now difficult to envision either of them not collaborating on screen.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the individual who would later be inducted into the 2024 Hall of Fame was serving as the Executive Director of RAW. When he inquired about Reigns’ condition, officials reportedly informed him that Reigns had retired and would not be making a comeback. Heyman remarked that Reigns’ eventual return was nothing short of a miracle, considering he had already left the wrestling scene.

The Tribal Chief is scheduled to compete in prominent matches on both evenings of WrestleMania XL. It will be intriguing to observe if he can sustain his powerful performance at The Show of Shows.