Roman Reigns buries ‘Big Dog’ era, says it never existed and never will

Roman Reigns is making one thing clear—the Big Dog era is dead. It’s not a phase he outgrew, it’s not a version of himself he acknowledges. As far as he’s concerned, it never existed.

During an IGN video segment, where Reigns reacted to memes about himself, he wasted no time dismissing any trace of his old persona.

"There is no Big Dog. He’s dead now," Reigns said. "I don’t even see the other guy. Doesn’t even exist, didn’t happen."

WWE fans knew Roman Reigns as “The Big Dog” for years—a clean-cut babyface Vince McMahon handpicked as the guy. He had the look, the push, the WrestleMania main events, and yet… the crowd never fully bought in. His run felt forced. The promos were scripted. The reactions were mixed. WWE tried everything to make it work, but the connection just wasn’t there.

Then 2020 happened. Roman Reigns returned after a hiatus, aligned with Paul Heyman, turned heel, and became The Tribal Chief. Suddenly, everything clicked. His promos? Untouchable. His presence? Intimidating. His title reign? Historic. He went from being shoved down fans' throats to becoming the most compelling act in WWE. And now, he’s making sure nobody even remembers that old version of him.

Roman Reigns’ mindset? He wakes up and “everybody else is f***ed”

Roman Reigns isn’t interested in just maintaining his spot. He’s addicted to more. That’s how he sees it. Speaking on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast with O’Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson, Reigns explained his mentality.

"I’m a sick man," he said. "I got that thing, that drive. I want more, always want more. Goal posts go back. We’re in the end zone. Move them back again. We got pretty high. There’s another level. So I’m always trying to get better. I just believe this is what I’m supposed to do."

This isn’t just confidence. It’s obsession. Roman Reigns doesn’t just want to be great—he wants to be untouchable. He doesn’t care about what he’s already done. He’s thinking about what’s next.

"The Wiseman picks me up in the morning. ‘How you doing?’ I woke up. Everybody else is f**ed because I woke up. That’s how I look at it. You all had a chance until I woke up, and today’s mine. That’s just what it is."*

That’s the kind of energy that makes Roman Reigns different. He’s not coasting. He’s not looking for an exit plan. He’s locked in.

Roman Reigns casually disrespects Cleveland and Pittsburgh, and it’s hilarious

Reigns wasn’t just shutting down old personas during his IGN appearance—he also had some words for two major wrestling cities.

While reacting to an NFL-related meme, Reigns didn’t hold back.

"Cleveland sucks. Pittsburgh sucks. Niner Gang."

For football fans? No surprises there—Roman Reigns is a San Francisco 49ers guy. But for WWE fans? That’s a choice.

Pittsburgh is home to WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle. Cleveland gave us The Miz. Both cities have deep ties to wrestling. And yet, Reigns threw both straight in the trash like they meant nothing.

Was it a joke? Probably. Was it calculated? Absolutely. Roman Reigns is fully leaning into his villain role. And let’s be honest—he enjoys it.
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