Roman Reigns to retire soon; showdown with The Rock inevitable? - 6 things we learnt from the OTC's 1st public interview since WWE WrestleMania XL

Roman Reigns recently spoke with Sports Illustrated about a variety of topics, including his upcoming WarGames match at Survivor Series.

The interview covered both his personal and professional life and his thoughts on the current landscape of WWE. Reigns discussed how the company has changed over the years, reminiscing about The Shield's influence, their debut's legacy, and his dispute with Seth Rollins. He also touched on WrestleMania 40, where he faced Cody Rhodes, and hinted at the chance of going up against The Rock someday, depending on what the fans want.

Here are six things we learned from Roman Reigns' first public interview since the Showcase of the Immortals:

#6 Roman Reigns' retirement might be coming sooner rather than later

Roman Reigns dropped a hint that he might hang up his boots sooner than fans think. The Tribal Chief mentioned he's looking to move into acting once he starts winding down his wrestling career.

He mentioned that he wants to pivot his attention to Hollywood, looking to make the most of his storytelling and acting talents. Unlike other WWE stars who have made the jump to acting, like The Rock or John Cena, Roman said he’s not looking to take on a grueling schedule. Instead, he plans to be more choosy, concentrating on projects that matter to him, so he can keep a good balance between his personal life and career.

He didn’t outright say he’s retiring soon, but his remarks make it seem like it might happen sooner than we think.

#5 Expects a match with The Rock, but it depends on the fans

The OTC talked about the chance of going up against The Final Boss in a much-anticipated showdown, which was rumored to happen at WrestleMania 40 but ultimately did not materialize.

Reigns recognized the huge hype from fans regarding this potential clash, saying it could be a game-changer for their legacies and the wrestling world. Still, he pointed out that making this match happen depends on how much the fans want it and the vibe they bring to make it a reality.

He pointed out that while the Stamford-based promotion has a clear vision for its future, making sure the fans are satisfied is still the priority. It’s crucial to do this in a way that attracts more viewers and sparks interest. He noted that although the match isn’t confirmed yet, its likelihood hinges on how much the fans want it and if The Great One is up for a comeback in the ring.

#4 Confirmed to appear on the first RAW episode on Netflix

The former Undisputed WWE Champion is set to make an appearance on the debut episode of WWE RAW on Netflix, just like the company had previously shared.

The switch to Netflix has been eagerly awaited ever since it was announced, and with Reigns always showing he can drive viewership for the company, having him on board could be a big plus.

#3 Roman Reigns is happy for Bronson Reed joining the new Bloodline

Reigns also talked about Big Bronson Reed being part of the Bloodline storyline, the two stars will be on opposite teams in the Men's WarGames match at Survivor Series. Even though Reed is a major threat, the Tribal Chief seemed happy about having him in the mix.

Roman Reigns saw the potential for a new vibe that the 36-year-old could add to the Bloodline Saga. He acknowledged that while Reed might not fit the mold of a "young talent," he was impressed with how smoothly the powerhouse has been woven into this major storyline.

#2 The Shield’s debut is still special to Roman Reigns

He mentioned that The Shield's debut was the most significant moment in Survivor Series history. The surprise entrance of Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose launched a new chapter, bringing a wave of energy and excitement to WWE shows. Reigns highlighted that their arrival signaled the rise of new talent, and the trio quickly became major players in the organization.

This change was crucial for WWE's expansion, attracting new fans and breathing new life into longtime followers. For Roman, that debut was a memorable and pivotal moment in his career, and he believes it played a big part in transforming the company's future.

#1 Roman Reigns will never forgive Seth Rollins

On the June 2, 2014 episode of RAW, Rollins stunned everyone by assaulting his Shield teammates with a steel chair, signaling the conclusion of one of the most powerful factions in WWE history.

Despite occasional reunions over the years, the pain from that betrayal still lingers for him. He shared that he enjoys playing mind games with Seth, vowing to “mess with him” whenever the opportunity arises.

Roman Reigns also talked about that notorious chair shot he delivered to the 38-year-old at WrestleMania last April, making it clear it was a nod to Rollins' betrayal of The Shield. The 39-year-old’s words show there's no question that the tension between him and Rollins is intense, as he clings to the bitterness from their history and is set on seizing every chance for payback.

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