Roman Reigns' Best Matches Of 2022

What's up, wrestling fans! Let's dive deep into the absolute barn-burners that Roman Reigns delivered in 2022. This guy was on a whole other level, guys, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats. We're talking about matches that had us on the edge of our seats, screaming at the TV, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. If you're a fan of incredible storytelling combined with brutal in-ring action, then Roman's 2022 definitely delivered. We'll break down some of his most memorable encounters, dissecting what made them so special and why they're still talked about today. Get ready to relive some epic moments!

The Tribal Chief's Reign of Dominance

When we talk about Roman Reigns in 2022, we're talking about the peak of "The Tribal Chief" persona. This wasn't just a character; it was a force of nature. Roman spent 2022 as the undisputed king of both Raw and SmackDown, holding onto his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship with a grip tighter than a vice. His matches weren't just about winning; they were about asserting dominance, crushing the competition, and proving why he was, and still is, the head of the table. The storytelling leading up to and during his matches was second to none. Every opponent was presented as a huge threat, a potential challenger to his reign, but ultimately, Roman found a way to overcome them all, often with the help of his Bloodline cronies, the Usos and Paul Heyman. This overarching narrative of his unstoppable reign is what made each of his matches in 2022 feel so significant. It wasn't just a match; it was a chapter in the epic saga of Roman Reigns. The sheer aura of invincibility he projected was captivating, and it translated directly into some of the most compelling wrestling performances we've seen in years. We saw him go up against some of the biggest names in the industry, and he made each of them look like they were in the fight of their lives, even in defeat. The way he controlled the pace, the intensity in his eyes, the sheer power he exuded – it all came together to create a truly special wrestling year for the Tribal Chief. His matches were more than just athletic contests; they were theatrical masterpieces, with Roman as the undeniable star.

WrestleMania 38: The Biggest and the Best

Let's kick things off with the show of shows, WrestleMania 38. Roman Reigns faced off against Brock Lesnar in a Winner Take All undisputed title unification match. This was hyped as "The Biggest WrestleMania Match of All Time," and honestly, it lived up to the billing. The build-up was intense, with both men having a storied history. Brock Lesnar, the former dominant champion, returned to challenge Roman, creating a massive spectacle. The match itself was a masterclass in storytelling. It wasn't a high-flying, spot-fest; it was a hard-hitting, brutal war of attrition. Roman, using his cunning and the ever-present interference from The Usos, managed to overcome The Beast Incarnate. The visual of Roman standing tall, holding both the WWE and Universal Championship belts aloft, was iconic. This match wasn't just about the physicality; it was about Roman proving he could beat the unbeatable, that he was truly the Undisputed Tribal Chief. The crowd was electric, feeding off the energy of two giants colliding. Every German suplex from Brock, every Superman Punch from Roman, was met with deafening roars. The psychology was simple but effective: Lesnar was the powerhouse, Roman was the schemer who could absorb punishment and strike when it mattered most. Paul Heyman's role was crucial, his manipulations adding another layer of drama. When Roman finally hit the Spear for the win, it felt like the culmination of a long, arduous journey. This victory solidified his position at the top of the mountain and set the stage for his historic championship reign throughout the rest of the year. It was a defining moment, not just for Roman, but for the WWE as a whole, ushering in a new era with him as the undisputed top dog. The sheer star power on display was phenomenal, and the match delivered on almost every level, cementing its place as one of the greatest WrestleMania main events ever.

SummerSlam 2022: A Grudge Match for the Ages

Next up, we've got SummerSlam 2022, where Roman Reigns defended his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Brock Lesnar once again, this time in a Last Man Standing match. This was a brutal, no-holds-barred affair that showcased Roman's resilience and Lesnar's raw power. The match was absolutely insane, guys. We saw Lesnar toss Roman around like a rag doll, flip the ring, and even use a tractor to lift the ring – seriously, a tractor! The storytelling here was different from WrestleMania; it was about sheer, unadulterated destruction. Despite taking a monumental beating, Roman, with a little help from The Usos and a timely appearance from Theory, managed to outlast Lesnar and retain his title. This match was a testament to Roman's toughness and his ability to absorb unbelievable punishment. It was a violent, unpredictable spectacle that kept everyone guessing until the very end. The sheer chaos and the lengths both men went to inflict damage made this an unforgettable encounter. The visual of the ring being flipped was something none of us will forget. It was a stark reminder of Lesnar's destructive capability, but also of Roman's sheer will to survive and win. When Roman finally stood over a fallen Lesnar, the relief and the sheer dominance were palpable. This match proved that Roman wasn't just a champion; he was a survivor, capable of enduring anything thrown at him and still coming out on top. It was a definitive end to their rivalry, with Roman once again standing tall as the undisputed king. The sheer scale of destruction was something rarely seen in a WWE ring, making it a truly unique and memorable contest that showcased the absolute limits of what these two titans could endure.

SmackDown (Various Dates): Clinical Dominance

While the major PLE matches get all the glory, Roman Reigns also had several phenomenal matches on SmackDown throughout 2022 that deserve a shout-out. These bouts often showcased his more technical prowess and his ability to dismantle opponents methodically. We saw him face off against the likes of Drew McIntyre, Riddle, and Shinsuke Nakamura, among others. These weren't just squash matches; they were calculated performances where Roman systematically broke down his opponents, often ending with his signature moves, the Superman Punch and the Spear. The storytelling in these TV matches was often about reinforcing his dominance, making him look unbeatable week after week. The crowd reactions were always immense, a mix of boos and cheers, depending on who he was facing, but always acknowledging his sheer presence. These matches were crucial in building the narrative of his long and historic championship reign. They kept the stakes high and reminded everyone why he was the head of the table. The clinical precision with which he executed his offense, combined with the sheer intimidation factor, made these SmackDown appearances truly must-see TV. They were less about wild brawls and more about showing why he was considered the best in the world, capable of delivering a top-tier match against virtually anyone on the roster. The way he controlled the tempo and dictated the outcome demonstrated a level of ring IQ that few possess. Even in matches where the outcome seemed predictable, Roman always found a way to make it engaging and compelling, showcasing his versatility as a performer and solidifying his status as a true main event star. These regular appearances were vital in maintaining the momentum of his championship run and keeping the audience invested in his journey as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

Riddle vs. Roman Reigns (SmackDown, July 2022)

One particular SmackDown encounter that stands out is Roman Reigns vs. Riddle. This match was a fantastic display of Riddle's agility and resilience against Roman's power and strategic offense. Riddle put up an incredible fight, hitting Roman with everything he had, but ultimately, Roman's sheer strength and experience proved too much. The near-falls were thrilling, and the crowd was invested in seeing if Riddle could pull off the upset. Roman's victory here wasn't just a win; it was a statement that even the most agile and determined challengers couldn't overcome his might. This match was a perfect example of Roman's ability to carry a match and make his opponent look good while still asserting his dominance. The intensity was high, and Riddle's performance made him look like a legitimate threat, which only elevated Roman's status further when he emerged victorious. It was a classic David vs. Goliath story, with Goliath ultimately prevailing, but not without a serious fight.

Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns (SmackDown, early 2022)

Another standout performance was against Drew McIntyre early in 2022. This match had a huge main event feel to it, even on SmackDown. McIntyre brought the fight to Roman, showcasing his own power and intensity. The clash of styles was captivating, with both men delivering hard-hitting blows. Roman, with his usual cunning, managed to secure the victory, often through subtle tactics or opportune interference. This match was crucial in establishing Roman's dominance over the top contenders on the blue brand and showed that he could have a classic with another powerhouse. The sheer physicality and the high stakes made this a memorable encounter that perfectly set the tone for Roman's dominant year. It was a hard-fought battle that proved Roman's championship reign was built on overcoming the toughest competition the roster had to offer.

The Legacy Continues

In conclusion, Roman Reigns' 2022 was nothing short of legendary. He delivered consistently great matches, incredible storytelling, and unforgettable moments. Whether it was against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania and SummerSlam, or in hard-fought battles on SmackDown, Roman proved time and time again why he is the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and the undisputed Tribal Chief. His ability to adapt, to evolve, and to deliver at the highest level is truly remarkable. We're witnessing history, guys, and Roman Reigns is writing it, one dominant performance at a time. Keep watching, because the reign of the Tribal Chief is far from over. His impact on the wrestling landscape in 2022 was profound, setting new standards for championship reigns and in-ring performances. The way he carried himself, the gravitas he brought to every segment, and the sheer quality of his matches solidified his place among the all-time greats. It's rare to see a performer hit such a career high, and Roman managed to sustain it throughout the entire year, making 2022 a landmark year for his already illustrious career. The consistency and the quality of his output were simply astonishing, proving that "The Tribal Chief" is more than just a nickname; it's a testament to his unparalleled dominance in the squared circle.