So How Long Has Roman Reigns Been Champion?
How long has Roman reigns been champion? Even if it seemed like forever, he held the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for an impressive 1,316 days. This includes his second Universal Championship and winning over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38 which unified both WWE and Universal titles together. But, his reign of domination came to an end on April 7, 2024 as Cody Rhodes defeated him.
The Universal Title Ascent
To get an answer of “how long has Roman reigns been champion” we have to go back a little. At SummerSlam 2020, there was a surprise comeback from Roman Reigns after he took five months off. The main event had “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt winning the Universal Championship from Braun Strowman in a harsh Falls Count Anywhere match.
But, enjoyment did not last long. Reigns surprisingly attacked both Wyatt and Strowman, putting himself back into the title competition and preparing the ground for his memorable championship rule.
Milestones and Records
Now we have an answer for “how long has Roman reigns been champion”. Roman Reigns broke many records in his rule. He beat the previous record set by Brock Lesnar for the longest Universal Championship reign.
But, Reigns’ dominance expanded beyond this accomplishment. He shattered a record by holding the title for an incredible 1,316 days. This reign has become the longest world championship reign in WWE since Hulk Hogan’s memorable run during the late 1980s.
The Undisputed Era Dawns
WrestleMania 38 was a special event where there occurred a historic transition of power. Roman Reigns, who already had the Universal Championship, faced off against Brock Lesnar; he is now WWE Champion too. The risk for both was at its maximum possible level in this match. It was a Winner-Take-All Championship Unification match.
Speaking of ‘how long has Roman reigns been champion’, he won, he beat Lesnar and made history. This victory gave us the first Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, confirming Reigns as only one powerful force in WWE.
Notable Matches During the Reign
Considering ‘how long has Roman reigns been champion’, he also stayed successful in multiple title defenses. A significant first defense occurred at TLC 2020 against Kevin Owens in a violent Tables, Ladders and Chairs match. At Elimination Chamber 2021, Reigns triumphed over a gauntlet match containing six high-ranking superstars which established his status as “The Head of the Table.”
Another important protection that happened in SummerSlam 2021 was against John Cena, a fight between two well-known WWE stars. The win of Reigns over Cena confirmed his role as the fresh leader in this company.
The Bloodline’s Influence
The Bloodline, which includes Reigns’ cousins The Usos and Solo Sikoa, was instrumental in his prolonged reign. They served as a consistent backing and brawn for him. Their main strength came from being ready to intervene during fights; this caused disturbances and chances for Reigns to keep his championship using shady methods. This strategy, while controversial, undoubtedly helped Reigns maintain his championship dominance.
Evolution of the Tribal Chief
The character of Roman Reigns changed greatly over time as he held the championship. At first, people liked him a lot because of his positive personality but later on, he took on an even more confident and cruel role which made him a strong heel. The time spent as champion greatly influenced this shift in character.
The long series of wins made him feel sure of himself, and he enjoyed being called the “Head of the Table.” This fresh character, even though it was not liked at first, ended up being a hit with fans and added an interesting element to his championship journey.
Seeds of a Downfall
Roman Reigns’ rule, which once seemed unbreakable, showed signs of weakness. Young talents such as Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins fought hard against him. This demonstrated their ability to snatch away his crown.
Also, the inside group of The Bloodline suggested possible trouble in future. The troubles Jey Uso had with loyalty, together with Sami Zayn’s unexpected link to The Bloodline, inserted an element of surprise.
The Arrival of Cody Rhodes
The environment changed dramatically when Cody Rhodes unexpectedly came back to WWE for WrestleMania 38. Being a previous champion, his return was met with huge excitement from fans.
His clean victories over established stars such as The Miz also added to all the speculations flying around. Cody’s climb up the ladder made everyone very excited.
People were eagerly waiting on ‘how long has Roman reigns been champion’ before a possible fight between him and Roman Reigns, thinking about if Cody might be able to take down the seemingly unbeatable Tribal Chief.
WrestleMania 39
WrestleMania 39 might have been the last chance for Roman Reigns to keep his record-breaking reign. The excitement before this match was very intense, thanks to powerful promos. It turned into a fight of stories, the Tribal Chief who is already powerful and wanted to make sure his legacy remains unforgettable, against Cody Rhodes who has come back with lots of energy from fans supporting him more than ever before.
The Fall of the Undisputed Champion: April 7, 2024
For those wondering ‘how long has Roman reigns been champion’, they should know that Cody Rhodes won against Roman Reigns in the headliner of WrestleMania 40 for getting hold of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
There was much interference from The Bloodline during this chaotic match, but after hitting three Cross Rhodes finishers on Reigns, Cody managed to win and take over as new champion.
The Legacy of Roman Reigns’ Reign
The time period when Roman Reigns held the WWE Universal Championship for 1,316 days nonstop will always be seen as a turning point in WWE’s history. His uninterrupted control over this title set new standards for championship power during recent times. The length of his reign surpassed many famous people and made him one of the most known faces within our company.
The topic ‘how long has Roman reigns been champion’ will be discussed for many years, the genius of his performance inside the wrestling ring, fascinating change in character and disputed booking decisions. Whether supporters adored him or hated him, Roman Reigns’ rule made a lasting impact by starting discussions and securing his position among all time greats.
