With WrestleMania 41 just days away, the main event for Night 1 is set: Former allies Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins will clash with CM Punk in a massive triple threat match on WWE’s grandest stage.
The history between these three men is a tapestry of rivalries that may never fully be resolved. Rollins and Reigns have been at odds for much of the past 11 years, since Rollins’ shocking heel turn that fractured The Shield in June 2014. Since then, Reigns and Rollins have rarely been aligned, showcasing animosity for over a decade.
As their triple threat main event looms, the complex history between Rollins and Reigns takes center stage once again. While their on-screen relationship has been one of consistent rivalry, off-camera, a strong bond once existed between the two.
The Real-Life Bond of Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins
Entering the WWE main roster together in 2012, the camaraderie between Rollins and Reigns can not be understated. These two, alongside former Shield partner Dean Ambrose, seemed inseparable at one point.
Previous WWE Network shows like “Table For 3″ offered glimpses into their real-life chemistry, revealing a budding friendship during their time together. Recently, both men reflected on this period and how it fostered their bond.
“It wasn’t just on camera, we really kind of created a bond that became very authentic and very real,” Reigns said.
Reigns kept his words short and sweet above, while Rollins delved slightly deeper into their bond.
“We were always talking, always thinking, bouncing ideas off each other, always looking out for each other. We were gonna be there for each other. Roman and I worked well together,” Rollins said.
While their personal bond developed during their time together, their intense rivalry unfolded across numerous chapters. For the second consecutive year, these two find themselves in a Night 1 WrestleMania main event against each other, further adding to their shared legacy.
Reigns vs. Rollins Feud Over the Years
When Rollins betrayed Reigns and Ambrose, the wrestling world was in shock. The Shield appeared unstoppable, ready to face any challenge, and poised for even greater collective success.
Rollins’ heel turn altered their trajectory, leading to a prolonged feud with Ambrose throughout 2014. He would later derail Reigns’ aspirations of leaving WrestleMania 31 as champion with his infamous Money in the Bank briefcase cash-in.
Rollins’ return from injury in 2016 reignited their feud, with their paths crossing intermittently. Their most recent significant encounter saw Rollins essentially sacrifice himself to assist Cody Rhodes in ending Reigns’ lengthy WWE Championship reign at WrestleMania 40.
Now, just days before WrestleMania 41, Rollins and Reigns are set to add another chapter to their enduring rivalry. Will Rollins or Reigns emerge victorious at WrestleMania? Or will CM Punk seize the opportunity and leave with his hand raised? Only time will tell.