Following Huge WWE Raw Win Roman Reigns Pays Tribute to Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant

WWE Superstar Roman Reigns gave a special night to Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant last night. Reigns fought and defeated his cousin Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat during WWE RAW’s debut on Netflix. The match between Reigns and Solo featured all kinds of brutality as steel chairs and tables were used without caution. Kevin Owens and Jacob Fatu even interfered to try and slow Reigns down.

But, Roman had some help of his own as Cody Rhodes and his stablemates arrived to save the day. In the end, Reigns hit Sikoa with a spear to end the match and claim the Ula Fala for good. With that, he also regained the right to call himself the Original and only Tribal Chief. RAW’s debut on Netflix aired from the Intuit Dome, the newly built home of the Los Angeles Clippers. Just a few steps away lies the place where Kobe Bryant spent the entirety of his NBA career with the Lakers.

Continue reading to learn how Reigns paid tribute to Kobe during his post-fight presser.

Roman Reigns Was Honored to Wear Kobe Bryant’s Signature Shoes

During his post-fight presser, Reigns explained that he would be auctioning off his match-worn, Kobe 9s. He also paid tribute to Kobe by mentioning his impact on sports as a whole. Reigns said, “Everyone's got such a deep respect for Kobe and what he brought to the game. And even more so, not just the game, but that mentality, that Mamba mentality,”

He further added, “It was, it was an honor to have them painted up and to be able to do something a little bit different, especially on such a big stage. But I just wanted to be able to do a collaboration, do something a little different, show a different layer.”

ALSO READ: WWE Raw on Netflix: Roman Reigns Defeats Solo Sikoa in Historic Tribal Combat

Bryant unfortunately lost his life in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. Bryant truly was special and one of the most legendary athletes to ever grace an NBA court. We wonder what he would say about Roman Reigns’ special gesture from tonight.

What are your thoughts on Roman Reigns’ tribute to Kobe Bryant? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments below.