Roman Reigns is currently a top star in WWE. He is the WWE Universal Champion and has been part of several marquee matches over the years. However, it turns out that wouldn’t have happened as he had almost joined All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) shortly before he signed with WWE in 2010. Recently, former WWE star Rene Dupree spoke about how ‘The Tribal Chief’ landed in AJPW.
Renee Dupree opens up on Roman Reigns
Reigns’ brother Rosey appeared in AJPW in 2006 and 2007 after five years in WWE. He advised the current Universal Champion to gain some wrestling experience in Japan before signing a WWE developmental contract. Dupree, who had a stint with WWE between 2002 and 2007, spoke about his own career in Japan on the latest episode of his Cafe de Rene podcast. He said Reigns’ AJPW deal fell through because he did not want to live in the company’s training dojo:
“Rosey, which was Big Matty, was Roman’s brother,” said Dupree. “So before he debuted with WWE, his brother suggested he come to Japan for a few tours. The All Japan office wanted him to live in the dojo for three months and he didn’t wanna do that. He just wanted to go over and tour for three tours and then sign with WWF [WWE].”
Reigns is set to headline his sixth WrestleMania on April 3 in Dallas, Texas and the Universal Champion will face WWE Champion Brock Lesnar in a title unification match in the main event. Recently, the new WWE Unified Championship photo seemingly leaked.
‘The Tribal Chief’ and current WWE Universal Champion handily defeated Bill Goldberg at the WWE Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event in Saudi Araba earlier this year. Afterward, he reflected on his win and discussed facing Brock Lesnar at WWE WrestleMania 38. Credit to ComicBook.com for the following.
“I try to teach my sons about humility every day and I’d like to think I’m a humble Tribal Chief. But even I surprise my self with my greatness. I’m a man of my word and I Goldberg’ed Goldberg. As far as Brock Lesnar, win, lose or draw (in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match) he’s locked in for WrestleMania and he will acknowledge me,”
