Roman Reigns and Ronda Rousey are two of WWE’s most iconic stars, known for their incredible athleticism, fierce personas, and jaw-dropping achievements in the ring. But what most fans don’t realize is that behind the scenes, their relationship extends far beyond the scripted rivalries and in-ring drama. While their careers have taken different paths, both Reigns and Rousey share a unique connection that has impacted their lives and careers in profound ways.
A Shared Wrestling Legacy
Roman Reigns, born Leati Joseph Anoa’i, hails from the legendary Anoa’i family, a dynasty known for producing some of wrestling’s greatest names. His father, Sika Anoa’i, was a part of the Wild Samoans, and his brother, Jimmy Uso, is also a WWE Superstar. Reigns has been groomed for stardom since birth, with the wrestling world practically in his blood.
Ronda Rousey, on the other hand, came from a completely different background. A former UFC champion, Rousey made a name for herself in mixed martial arts before transitioning to WWE in 2018. Her journey to the squared circle was an unconventional one, but Ronda quickly proved that her competitive edge and athleticism made her a natural fit for the wrestling world.
Though their paths were distinct, their connection through WWE has brought them together in ways that have impacted their real lives. Both have been advocates for pushing boundaries in sports and entertainment, and they share a sense of determination and perseverance that has made them stand out.
The Connection Behind the Scenes
Although Roman Reigns and Ronda Rousey’s storylines in WWE have never involved them as a couple or as close allies, their real-life friendship and mutual respect are evident. Reigns has been vocal about his admiration for Rousey’s work ethic and toughness. As a veteran in the business, he’s seen firsthand how Rousey transitioned from the UFC to wrestling with grace and skill.
On Rousey’s side, she’s often praised Reigns for being a source of guidance and support as she learned the ropes of professional wrestling. Both of them, while leaders in their respective fields, have experienced unique challenges and come out stronger for it.
Roman’s Battle with Leukemia and Ronda’s Support
One of the most significant moments that highlighted their bond came when Roman Reigns was forced to take a leave of absence from WWE in 2018 after announcing that his leukemia had returned. While Ronda Rousey had only recently made her WWE debut, she expressed her support for Reigns, showing the kind of camaraderie that exists outside the confines of the wrestling ring.
Ronda’s words of encouragement were a small but powerful example of how WWE Superstars lean on each other in times of personal difficulty. The WWE locker room is often described as a tight-knit community, and in moments of hardship, the superstars often turn to each other for strength.
Real-Life Influence on WWE Storylines
While their real-life friendship hasn’t been a central theme in WWE programming, elements of their relationship have subtly influenced their on-screen personas. Both Reigns and Rousey have been portrayed as dominant, no-nonsense competitors who demand respect. Ronda’s time in WWE also saw her working with various superstars, including those like Reigns, whose influence helped her refine her wrestling style.
Their shared experiences in the professional wrestling world—learning, overcoming, and ultimately thriving—have had an undeniable impact on their portrayal as larger-than-life characters in WWE.
The Evolution of Their Careers
Over the years, both Roman Reigns and Ronda Rousey have gone through their own significant transformations in WWE. Roman has evolved from a member of the Shield to the Universal Champion and the face of WWE, often referred to as “The Tribal Chief.” His real-life battle with leukemia, combined with his portrayal of a dominant champion, has only deepened his connection with fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
Ronda, after taking some time off from WWE, made her return at the 2023 Royal Rumble, reminding fans of her incredible talent. Her relationship with WWE has grown stronger, with her standing out as one of the company’s most compelling superstars.