Roman Reigns has become one of the most feared and dominant figures in WWE history, showcasing a relentless streak of brutality throughout his career. Known as “The Tribal Chief,” he spares no one in his quest for absolute control. His attacks are infamous, leaving a lasting impression on both allies and rivals. From dismantling his own family to brutalizing top WWE superstars like Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar, Reigns has proven time and again that nothing will stand in his way. Below are 12 of his most terrifying and unforgettable attacks, each marking a significant chapter in his brutal reign.
In one of the most emotionally charged matches in WWE history, Reigns’ betrayal of Jey Uso inside Hell in a Cell in 2020 remains one of his most brutal moments. The match, aptly titled an “I Quit” match, was meant to settle their family dispute, but it quickly turned into a one-sided beatdown. Reigns, seeking acknowledgment as the Tribal Chief, locked Jey in a vicious guillotine chokehold. The emotional impact was immense, as Jey, despite the physical abuse, refused to quit until Roman threatened his brother Jimmy Uso. The brutal submission forced Jey to utter the words “I quit,” further cementing Reigns’ dominance not only over his cousin but over the entire Bloodline.
Reigns’ rivalry with Braun Strowman has produced some of the most violent moments in WWE history. In one encounter, Strowman ambushed Reigns backstage, resulting in one of the most shocking attacks seen on WWE Raw. Braun threw Roman off a loading dock while he was strapped to a gurney, leading to severe injuries, including cracked ribs and a separated shoulder. In a return bout, Roman delivered a relentless beating to Strowman, spearing him multiple times and using steel steps to incapacitate the “Monster Among Men.” This feud cemented Roman’s reputation as someone who could take punishment and deliver it in even more brutal fashion.
During Roman Reigns’ lengthy feud with Kevin Owens, brutality was the theme. In their Last Man Standing match at Royal Rumble 2021, Reigns went to extreme lengths to ensure his victory. Owens endured an onslaught of weapons, including ladders, steel chairs, and handcuffs. In one of the most memorable moments, Reigns handcuffed Owens to a structure, leaving him helpless while he repeatedly assaulted him. The savage nature of the attack, combined with Reigns’ refusal to back down, exemplified his willingness to cross any line to remain on top.
While family might be sacred to many, it’s clear that for Roman Reigns, blood doesn’t mean mercy. In a shocking turn of events on SmackDown, Reigns viciously assaulted both Jimmy and Jey Uso, proving that no one—even family—is safe from his wrath. This betrayal marked the beginning of Reigns’ rule as the undisputed head of the Bloodline, creating an internal family drama that blurred the lines between personal and professional.
One of Roman’s most iconic victories came at WrestleMania 37, where he faced Edge and Daniel Bryan in a triple-threat match. Known for its brutality, the match ended with Roman stacking both opponents on top of each other and pinning them simultaneously—a humiliating and definitive show of dominance. The visual of Reigns standing tall, arms raised, over two of the most respected names in WWE, solidified his status as the top heel in the company.
In 2020, Reigns faced off against WWE Champion Drew McIntyre at Survivor Series in a Champion vs. Champion match. The bout was a brutal display of physicality from both men, but Reigns’ relentless spears and vicious ground attacks ensured McIntyre’s defeat. This match wasn’t just a battle of champions; it was a demonstration of Reigns’ superiority over the entire WWE roster.
Roman Reigns’ feud with Finn Bálor saw one of his most brutal defenses of the Universal Championship. Reigns showed no mercy in their encounters, landing devastating Superman punches and locking in submission holds that left Bálor battered. The most chilling aspect of this feud was Roman’s sheer disregard for Bálor’s resilience—he crushed any hope the challenger had of toppling him.
Cesaro’s rise as a top contender was met with a brutal reality check from Roman Reigns at WrestleMania Backlash. Reigns systematically targeted Cesaro’s arm throughout the match, delivering punishing blows and locking in submissions that left the Swiss Superman defenseless. Roman’s calculated attack highlighted his ability to zero in on an opponent’s weakness and exploit it mercilessly.
Rey and Dominik Mysterio’s feud with Roman Reigns led to one of the most shocking displays of brutality. During an episode of SmackDown, Reigns launched Dominik out of the ring with a powerbomb, followed by a relentless assault on Rey Mysterio with steel chairs. The father-son duo stood no chance against Reigns’ vicious attacks, showcasing his readiness to destroy beloved WWE legends.
Sami Zayn, once aligned with Roman Reigns, felt the full wrath of the Tribal Chief when their alliance fell apart. In an intense confrontation, Reigns unleashed a savage beatdown on Zayn, delivering multiple spears and chair shots that left his former ally broken. This betrayal emphasized Roman’s stance that betrayal would never be tolerated.
Roman Reigns’ rivalry with Brock Lesnar has spanned years, but one of their most brutal encounters saw Reigns use every weapon imaginable to take down the Beast Incarnate. Steel chairs, steps, and even the championship belt were used to inflict maximum damage on Lesnar. Reigns’ relentless assault solidified his place as WWE’s top star and ended any debate about who truly ruled the WWE.
Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, once brothers in The Shield, have had their share of battles. In one of their more recent encounters, Reigns showed no hesitation in brutalizing Rollins with chair shots, leaving him incapacitated. The attack was symbolic of Reigns’ rise to power and his abandonment of past alliances.
Roman Reigns has proven himself as one of the most fearsome and brutal figures in WWE history. Whether it’s betraying family, dismantling top superstars, or showing no mercy in the ring, Reigns has cemented his legacy as a dominant force. These 12 attacks represent the apex of his ruthless career, each one more brutal than the last, leaving a trail of broken bodies and shattered alliances in his wake.
