Is Roman Reigns leaving WWE? Universal Champion teases shock exit on SmackDown

The Tribal Chief made a curious statement on Friday night (Picture: WWE)

Roman Reigns dropped a major bombshell on SmackDown and teased a sensational departure from WWE.

The Universal Champion – who is positioned as one of the top stars in Vince McMahon’s company and has held the gold since August 30, 2020 – suggested not everything is set in stone during his promo on Friday’s show.

After hailing his own wins over the likes of Brock Lesnar and Big E, the heavyweights, shrugged off rumours about the Beast’s return – which ended up being true – and insisted he could beat up to four men at once to retain his title.

And in a fascinating moment, he said: ‘When my days are done around here, which could be sooner than later, the whole world will acknowledge me.’

It’s not clear exactly why Roman dropped that line in there, especially with such a pointed reference to a potential exit, but it’s definitely got people talking.

The idea of the Head of the Table walking away from WWE seem massively unlikely given the role he’s on, and the fact everyone’s still hoping for a dream match with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson at WrestleMania 39 in Hollywood.

Asked about the speculation and the chances of another title run, Dwayne recently told ComicBook.com: ‘I don’t know if I have another title run, considering I’m the People’s Champion, but I don’t know if it’s another title run.

‘I think possibly, you know, there might be another match down the road. It would have to make sense.’

Of course, the Tribal Chief’s run as the Head of the Table – and Universal Champion – would make him a perfect foe for The Rock, considering the family ties.

The legendary star revealed he’s always talking to Roman about his craft, and how he can sharpen his talents.

Roman seems destined for a match with his cousin (Picture: WWE)

‘It seems like Roman, you know, I’m very close with Roman obviously, and we talk about this all the time, and I continue to encourage him to keep doing your thing, keep sharpening those skills,’ he added.

‘I think he’s doing a great job with his promo, his execution, his in-ring work. It all continues to improve and grow.

‘And that’s always the best part, I think, about that world of professional wrestling is that when someone gets anointed and given the ball to run, they either score a touchdown with it or they don’t.

More: US TV news

‘But then some, not only score a touchdown with it, but then they begin to change the way the game is played. And in Roman’s case, he’s slowly doing that, and you could start to read the tea leaves.’

Dwayne added that he’s ‘very proud’ of what his family – including Roman and cousins The Usos – are doing at the moment, and he won’t rule out getting involved one day.

‘I’m very, very proud of him. I like everything that he’s doing. I like everything that the Usos are doing,’ he smiled. ‘I like what they’re doing together, and we’ll see down the road.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Brock Lesnar suspension lifted and WWE return confirmed after $1,000,000 fine for ‘violent rampage’

MORE : WWE’s Paul Heyman: The Rock is keeping himself relevant with Roman Reigns WrestleMania dream match