Is the “Head of the Table” ready to reclaim his seat at the head of the company, or has the landscape of WWE shifted too drastically in his absence? Roman Reigns will make his in-ring return in the men’s Royal Rumble match on Saturday, competing for the first time since WWE Survivor Series. The return marks a significant moment for the former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, who has been largely absent from WWE programming since his historic title reign ended.
After a record-breaking WWE Championship reign that lasted 1,316 days, Reigns hasn’t held gold since losing the title at WrestleMania 40. That defeat signaled the end of an era, and Reigns has since adopted a much lighter schedule. While he may not wrestle as frequently as the current crop of full-time stars, Reigns insists that he is not slowing down physically or mentally. Speaking to Pat McAfee ahead of his return, Reigns opened up about the necessity of his recent hiatus and his physical condition at 40 years old.
“It’s been a tough couple of years, but when you come off a hell of a run, you have to pump the brakes. I needed to be able to pull it back, but I’m fully capable,” Reigns told McAfee. “I’m only 40 years old. With all the tech and information we have now, I feel 25. I’m still good to go.”
Reigns’ comments suggest a strategic approach to his career longevity rather than a gradual decline in his abilities. The grueling schedule required to maintain a nearly 4-year championship run undoubtedly took its toll, making his recent break essential for recovery. When asked if he is prepared to start on another legendary run, Reigns remained defiant, emphasizing that professional wrestling is not just a job but a part of his family’s identity.
“Always capable. Always capable. That’s just built in. Staying ready. What else am I going to do? This is what I do. This is my livelihood. This is how I feed my children. Why not stay in shape and stay mentally sharp and in tune with the game? This is my family’s art form,” Reigns said. “That’s why it’s so important for me. I’m not BSing when I talk about representing my legacy, furthering our story, taking our book to different levels and creating different chapters. If I’m able to do it at the highest level, inspire my family members to follow my lead, can’t nobody stop us.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit The Pat McAfee Show with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
