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Roman Reigns’ Incredible Body Transformation Through The Years In Photos

By Ahmed Hamdy • Published Jul 19, 2025 11:06 EDT
Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns’ appearance has undergone a dramatic transformation over the years.

The Tribal Chief recently returned to WWE following a three-month hiatus, looking to be in the best physical shape of his life at age 40.

While the former Bloodline leader is currently shredded, that was not always the case. His physique evolved throughout different stages of his career and life.

Let’s take a closer look at Roman Reigns’ impressive journey toward his current form.

Young Roman Reigns Had A Slim Figure

A rare photo of a young Tribal Chief shows him with a slim build and a noticeably toned arms. At the time, Reigns sported a goatee and short hair.

Young Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns Looked Heavier In Another Rare Photo With Jey Uso

In August 2023, WWE highlighted Roman Reigns’ relationship with Jey Uso ahead of their SummerSlam clash. Among the photos posted on the company’s official Instagram page was one of the two cousins in their younger years.

The Original Tribal Chief appeared to have filled out more physically compared to how he looked in the previous photo.

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Roman Reigns Gained More Weight Pursuing A Football Career

Before becoming a WWE Superstar, Roman Reigns aspired to become a football player. The 40-year-old represented the Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Edmonton Eskimos before retiring.

During his football days, the former Undisputed WWE Champion had a noticeably fuller physique.

Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns Joined WWE In 2010

Fifteen years ago, Roman Reigns signed a developmental contract with WWE, reporting to FCW.

On an episode of his Grilling Jr. podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross disclosed that one of the first requests made to The Original Tribal Chief was to improve his physique.

The former WWE executive pointed out that The Rock might have had an influence on Reigns losing weight too. However, he credited the 40-year-old for working hard and being dedicated.

“The thing we told him was, ‘You’ve got to work on your body,’ and I’m sure The Rock probably had some influence on that, too, but Reigns worked extremely hard and is very dedicated,” Ross said.

Roman Reigns FCW

Roman Reigns Looked Much Different On His NXT Debut

In October 2012, The Head of the Table made his NXT debut with a noticeably different physique compared to his first FCW appearance .

The former Undisputed WWE Champion appeared in impressive shape, showcasing a more muscular and toned build.

Roman Reigns’ Big Dog Era

Just a few weeks following his NXT debut, Roman Reigns moved to the main roster as part of The Shield. Over the next few years, he became known as The Big Dog.

During that period, Reigns’ weight fluctuated slightly, and there were times when he appeared less toned.

Roman Reigns WWE

Roman Reigns’ Bloodline Era

After a five-months absence, Roman Reigns’ return in 2020 saw a significant change in his physique. The Tribal Chief looked in much better shape than before.

Throughout The Bloodline era, which spanned nearly four years, the 40-year-old mainly maintained a shredded appearance, especially as he ditched the tactical vest and started competing shirtless. Nevertheless, there were occasional fluctuations in his weight.

Roman Reigns & The Bloodline

Roman Reigns’ Appearance Post-WrestleMania 40

At last year’s WrestleMania, Roman Reigns lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes. Following the defeat, The Original Tribal Chief went on hiatus for several months during which Solo Sikoa assumed control of The Bloodline.

When the 40-year-old returned ahead of Survivor Series to feud with his former enforcer, fans and experts noted that he looked incredible, perhaps in the best physical shape of his career.

Since then, The OTC1’s physique has only gotten better. During his return last Monday on RAW, he looked exceptionally lean and fit.