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For years, WWE fans have been eagerly anticipating a showdown between Roman Reigns, the company’s current leading superstar, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, arguably one of wrestling’s biggest global icons. The anticipation is not just about two major talents clashing in the ring; it’s also about the deep-rooted family legacy they both share within the world of professional wrestling.
The Anticipated Showdown That Never Happened
WWE had initially planned for Reigns and The Rock to headline WrestleMania 39 in 2023, a dream match that promised to draw massive attention. Unfortunately, those plans didn’t materialize. There was renewed hope among fans when The Rock made a notable appearance on RAW on New Year’s Day 2024, dropping hints about wanting to “sit at the head of the table,” a phrase closely associated with Reigns’ on-screen persona. Despite this tease, as of 2025, the two have yet to face each other, and there are no official plans for a future clash.
With WrestleMania 41 taking place this weekend, speculation is swirling once again, and many are hoping for a surprise appearance or announcement involving these two icons. But beyond the hype and the rumors, there’s always been curiosity about their real-life connection.
Breaking Down the Family Ties
Throughout WWE broadcasts, commentators frequently mention that Roman Reigns and The Rock are cousins. But what’s the real story? The reality is slightly more complex.
Roman Reigns and The Rock are not direct blood relatives. Instead, they both belong to the legendary Anoa’i family, a renowned wrestling dynasty with deep roots in the business. While they often refer to each other as cousins, the relationship is based on the broader Samoan family network rather than a direct family line.
The Rock’s grandfather, “High Chief” Peter Maivia, was blood brothers with Reverend Amituana’i Anoa’i, who is the grandfather of Roman Reigns and The Usos. This bond established a close kinship between the two families, and in Samoan culture, such connections are considered just as significant as blood relations.
The Anoa’i wrestling family has produced some of the biggest names in WWE history, including Rikishi, Nia Jax, Umaga, and Yokozuna. Their influence continues to shape the industry, with Reigns currently carrying the family’s legacy at the forefront of WWE programming.
Insights From The Rock
During an interview on The Pat McAfee Show in September 2023, The Rock gave fans a glimpse into what might have been. He confirmed that the plans for a WrestleMania headliner with Roman Reigns at SoFi Stadium were almost finalized.
“The Rock headlining WrestleMania with Roman Reigns at SoFi Stadium, that was locked. We were doing it,” Johnson shared. He went on to describe a pivotal meeting in Los Angeles at the start of 2022, where he and key WWE figures discussed the possibility of making this epic match a reality. “We toasted life, we toasted the business we love, and then started talking about what this match could mean, not just for us, but for the fans and the industry.”
According to The Rock, the intention was never just to put on another great match. Instead, they wanted to create a moment that would break new ground for WWE and its fanbase. “The north star thought was, ‘Let’s not do something good. Let’s not do something great. Let’s do something unprecedented.’ It was about creating something for the fans that had never been done before,” he explained.
