Wrestlers experience some form of trauma due to the physical and emotional demands of the industry. At WrestleMania 40, Roman Reigns’ actions against Seth Rollins went beyond being just a “blunder.”
They showed us something deeper — the mindset of a champion haunted by past betrayals. Fans are saying that this blunder cost him the match, but it was more like his way of seeking revenge.
At the Show of Shows, the strong bond between him and Rollins fell apart completely. This wasn’t just a sudden breakdown; it was the result of years of built-up resentment and tension. Reigns lost his championship title after a heated moment with Cody Rhodes. But the loss of a brotherly bond was more than that.
Roman Reigns’ Explanation for a Blunder at WrestleMania 40
Roman Reigns‘ words against Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40 were “You made me like this” and “you took a piece of me that I’m never gonna get back.” These words struck a chord with fans.
#WrestleMania roman saying “you made me like this” and “you took a piece of me that i’m never gonna get back” he has ptsd!! they had such a special bond and seth broke that trust. him deliberately attacking seth was therapeutic and it shows in his face.
his historic reign ending… pic.twitter.com/fbLry8864T
— #1 becky/bianca fan (@milfbeckylynch) April 8, 2024
It was about a deep-seated betrayal that had left lasting scars on him. Let’s go back in 2014 when Rollins turned his back on Reigns, breaking their brotherly bond.
The Head of the Table has formed strong friendships with several WWE Superstars, including Paul Heyman, Vince McMahon, AJ Styles, and R-Truth. And, Rollins was once counted among them.
Reigns and Rollins, once part of the iconic faction known as The Shield (a professional wrestling group in WWE made up of Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins), maintained a strong bond.
But The Aerialist left the group on June 2, 2014, when he attacked Ambrose and Reigns with a chair, siding with The Authority. Ambrose and Reigns went their separate ways as singles wrestlers later that month, marking the end of The Shield.
That betrayal shattered their friendship, leaving Reigns feeling lost and unsure in WWE. The pain from that moment stayed with him, driving him to seek revenge against Rollins.
This emotional turmoil messed with his head at WrestleMania. So, when the Anoaʻi member attacked The Architect with a chair, it wasn’t a smart move, but more like a burst of years of pent-up anger and hurt.
Seth Rollins Admitted That He is Responsible For the Person Roman Reigns is Today
Seth “Freakin” Rollins said on WWE SmackDown on February 2nd, 2024, “The man Roman Reigns is, is partly my fault,” before continuing with his statement. He then added (via Clutch Points):
“Nearly twelve years ago, we came down those stairs in tactical vests. We were brothers forged from the same fire. I taught him everything I know. I am partly responsible for the man that he is. But I could have never imagined the monster that he has become.”
Some fans might say Reigns’ emotional outburst at the match cost him the win, but it actually makes his character more interesting. His time as champion might be over, but his journey is just getting started. It will be interesting to see if he will let revenge consume him, or will he find a way to heal and move on.
