In the high-stakes world of professional wrestling, few names carry the weight of Roman Reigns, whose storied career has cemented him as a dominant force in WWE. As Reigns prepares to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship on Night 2 of WrestleMania 42, set for April 18 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, a new analysis highlights his unparalleled history at the event. According to ESPN, Reigns has now participated in 11 WrestleMania main events, surpassing the legendary Hulk Hogan's record of eight. This milestone underscores Reigns' status as a cornerstone of WWE, with a legacy filled with classic matches and historic accomplishments.
The ESPN ranking, which evaluates Reigns' 10 previous WrestleMania main events from lowest to highest, comes at a pivotal moment in his career. It reflects on bouts that have defined eras in wrestling, from intense rivalries to dramatic title changes. Reigns first headlined WrestleMania 31 in 2015, and since then, he has been a fixture, competing in main events across multiple nights in recent years. At WrestleMania XL in 2024, he made history by tying Hogan on Night 1 and breaking the record on Night 2, a feat that added another layer to his résumé.
Starting with the lowest-ranked match, ESPN places Reigns' clash with Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38 Night 2 in 2022 at number 10. In that "Winner Take All" main event, Reigns, the Universal Champion, defeated Lesnar, the WWE Champion, but the bout lasted just over 12 minutes. "While Lesnar and Reigns have clear in-ring chemistry, there were a couple of issues with this match," ESPN noted, pointing to it being their third WrestleMania encounter and the short duration, which prevented the high-stakes rivalry from fully igniting. Fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, witnessed a solid but unspectacular finish to a pairing that had already headlined twice before.
Moving up to number 9 is Reigns' No Holds Barred match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Reigns emerged victorious in a bout that carried immense symbolic weight, as The Undertaker appeared to retire by leaving his gloves, coat, and hat in the ring afterward. Though that retirement proved temporary, the moment resonated deeply with the audience. ESPN described the match as having "some strong spots, including a Reigns spear of The Undertaker through the announcers' table," but noted timing issues, emphasizing it as a "passing of the torch" rather than a title fight—unlike seven of Reigns' other main events.
At number 8, the 2018 WrestleMania 34 main event saw Brock Lesnar defeat Reigns for the Universal Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. The crowd's jeers were loud, fueled by Reigns' fourth consecutive WrestleMania headline and rumors of Lesnar's potential departure for UFC. Despite the backlash, ESPN praised the in-ring action: "stiff strikes, blood, dramatic near falls and plenty of intensity." It wasn't the pair's best outing, but it delivered under pressure, even if it fell short of spectacular for WWE's biggest night.
Reigns' number 7 ranking goes to his WWE Championship victory over Triple H at WrestleMania 32 in 2016, also at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Like the previous year's event, fan reception was mixed, with Triple H drawing cheers as the heel authority figure alongside Stephanie McMahon. Reigns, still struggling to connect as a babyface, won in a match that told a compelling revenge story. "It wasn't show-stealing, but Reigns, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon told a compelling story," according to ESPN, highlighting its solid execution amid the crowd's divided response.
Climbing to number 6 is the tag team main event from WrestleMania XL Night 1 in 2024 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where Reigns and The Rock defeated Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes. This 45-minute spectacle served as a prelude to the next night's singles match, introducing Bloodline Rules due to the victory. ESPN called it "a very good tag team match with massive star power," though the length was a drawback. The back half engaged fans intensely, tying into the ongoing narrative between Reigns and Rhodes.
Number 5 honors the WrestleMania 39 Night 2 main event in 2023 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where Reigns defended the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Cody Rhodes. Reigns won via interference from Solo Sikoa, extending his nearly 1,000-day reign at the time. Built around Rhodes' quest to "finish the story" and claim his first world title, the match was a pivotal chapter. "It was a compelling chapter in the Reigns-Rhodes rivalry," ESPN reported, noting the Bloodline's heat and Rhodes' rising popularity, even if the finish felt anticlimactic by design to set up a rematch.
At number 4, the iconic WrestleMania 31 main event in 2015 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, featured Reigns challenging Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship, only for Seth Rollins to cash in his Money in the Bank contract and win in a triple threat. This marked Reigns' debut WrestleMania main event and their first clash. ESPN ranked it highly for its storytelling: Reigns withstood Lesnar's onslaught, even smiling in defiance, before Rollins' interference created "the heist of the century," as broadcaster Michael Cole proclaimed on air.
Number 3 spotlights the triple-threat match at WrestleMania 37 Night 2 in 2021 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, where Reigns defended the Universal Championship against Edge and Daniel Bryan. Coming after a pandemic-forced empty-arena WrestleMania 36, this bout celebrated the return of live crowds. Edge headlined for the first time since 2008, Bryan since 2014, and Reigns after a two-year gap. "The match offered a unique dynamic with an intriguing clash of styles," ESPN said, calling it memorable and solidifying Reigns as WWE's face.
Near the top at number 2 is the rematch from WrestleMania XL Night 2 in 2024, where Cody Rhodes finally dethroned Reigns after 1,316 days as champion. Lasting over 30 minutes, the Bloodline Rules match featured cameos from The Rock, John Cena, Seth Rollins, and The Undertaker, amplifying the drama. Rhodes "finished the story" in one of WrestleMania's most memorable bouts. ESPN lauded it as topping the prior night's tag match, with "two of WWE's best in-ring talents" creating epic entertainment.
Crowning the list at number 1 is Reigns' triple-threat showdown with CM Punk and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 41 Night 1 in 2025, reportedly at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue. Rollins emerged victorious in a match orchestrated by Paul Heyman, whose loyalties drove the narrative. Heyman ultimately turned on both Reigns and Punk to align with Rollins. "The build to Reigns vs. Rollins vs. CM Punk was orchestrated by one person: Paul Heyman," ESPN explained. "Along with the drama came a wonderfully worked match that stole the show and cemented Reigns as the king of WrestleMania main events."
Reigns' journey to this record-breaking status began in 2015, evolving from a Shield member to the Tribal Chief leading the Bloodline faction. His main events often involve championships, with exceptions like the Undertaker match proving equally significant. Sources close to WWE report that Reigns' consistency has elevated WrestleMania's prestige, drawing record viewership and attendance. At WrestleMania XL, the two-night format allowed him to headline both, a first in his career.
While ESPN's ranking focuses on in-ring quality and storyline impact, fan perspectives vary. Some praise Reigns' athleticism and presence, while others critique repetitive opponents like Lesnar. WWE officials, including Triple H, have publicly acknowledged Reigns' contributions, with Heyman often serving as his outspoken advocate. As Reigns eyes WrestleMania 42, this retrospective underscores the challenges ahead against Punk, a longtime rival whose return has electrified the roster.
Looking forward, Reigns' pursuit of further accolades could redefine wrestling history. With 11 main events already, surpassing icons like Hogan, his match against Punk promises another chapter. Whether defending his legacy or adding to it, Reigns remains WWE's undisputed draw, blending athletic prowess with narrative depth that keeps fans engaged year after year.