The Shocking Omission That Stunned Wrestling Fans

When the Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 list dropped this year, the wrestling world expected to see Roman Reigns near the very top. For nearly a decade, Reigns has been the face of WWE, carrying main events, headlining pay-per-views, and becoming the central figure in one of the most dominant storylines in wrestling history with The Bloodline. Instead, the wrestling community was stunned to learn that Roman Reigns was absent from the 2025 PWI 500 altogether.

This omission sparked immediate debate, confusion, and even anger among fans and analysts alike. For many, Reigns has been the standard-bearer of the industry. His absence raised questions not only about his current role in WWE but also about the methodology and meaning of the PWI 500 rankings themselves.

Roman Reigns: A Champion of the Modern Era

Roman Reigns’ dominance cannot be understated. Since returning in 2020 with his “Tribal Chief” persona, he transformed his career trajectory. Aligning with Paul Heyman, he reinvented himself as a character who blended charisma, intimidation, and calculated storytelling. Under this new persona, he captured the Universal Championship and held it for over 1,100 days, one of the longest reigns of the modern era.

Reigns unified the WWE Championship with the Universal Title at WrestleMania 38, further solidifying his place as an undisputed champion. His run became legendary, not only because of the length of his title reign but also because of the quality of the stories told in the ring and outside of it. Matches against Brock Lesnar, Cody Rhodes, and Sami Zayn became defining moments in recent WWE history.

Given such achievements, many fans expected Roman to top the PWI 500 list, or at the very least secure a high placement. His complete absence instead left the wrestling world bewildered.

Understanding the PWI 500 Criteria

To understand the shock surrounding Reigns’ omission, it’s important to examine how the PWI 500 rankings are determined. Each year, Pro Wrestling Illustrated evaluates wrestlers based on several key criteria: in-ring achievement, influence on the sport, technical ability, and overall visibility during the evaluation period.

The evaluation period often stretches across twelve months, typically from mid-year to mid-year. This means that absences due to injury, reduced schedules, or fewer televised matches can weigh heavily against even the most accomplished wrestlers. Critics of the list argue that this approach sometimes punishes wrestlers who wrestle less frequently but remain central to storytelling and audience engagement.

Roman Reigns has not wrestled with the same regularity as other WWE stars. His part-time schedule, while still featuring marquee appearances, may have factored into the decision. However, many argue that his cultural and professional impact far outweighs the lower number of matches.

The Frenzy Among Fans and Analysts

The news of Roman’s absence spread like wildfire on social media platforms. Fans flooded Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit with their reactions. Many expressed outrage, calling the omission disrespectful to everything Reigns has accomplished in the last five years. Others saw it as a wake-up call that perhaps the PWI 500 list prioritizes frequency of performance over influence.

Well-known wrestling journalists and podcasters chimed in as well. Some defended PWI’s methodology, emphasizing that Reigns’ reduced in-ring time disqualified him from consideration. Others criticized the decision, pointing out that even in limited appearances, Reigns dominated headlines, commanded ratings, and elevated every story he was part of.

The frenzy wasn’t just about a missing name on a list. It became a larger debate about what defines greatness in professional wrestling. Is it the number of matches wrestled, or is it the magnitude of influence on the industry and the fans? Roman Reigns’ absence crystallized this debate in a way no other omission could have.

WWE’s Reaction to the Controversy

Inside WWE, the omission did not go unnoticed. While WWE has always had a complicated relationship with Pro Wrestling Illustrated and its rankings, the absence of their biggest star struck a chord. Some insiders hinted that the company views it as a slight against its most valuable performer.

Roman Reigns himself did not issue a direct comment, but fans noted subtle references during WWE programming. Commentators emphasized his dominance and his unrivaled role in wrestling today, almost as though WWE wanted to remind the world of his importance, regardless of what outside rankings suggest.

The Bloodline storyline also indirectly addressed the controversy. In promos, mentions of Reigns being “the greatest of all time” appeared more frequent, fueling speculation that WWE was deliberately amplifying his aura in response to the omission.

Comparing Roman Reigns to Other Ranked Stars

Another reason the wrestling world reacted so strongly was the comparison to those who did make the list. Stars such as Seth Rollins, Kenny Omega, Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay were featured prominently. While all of these performers are undeniably elite, the fact that Roman Reigns, arguably the biggest draw in wrestling, was excluded created an imbalance in perception.

Many fans argued that Roman’s influence, measured in ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and mainstream attention, surpasses nearly every other wrestler. Even if he wrestles less frequently, the magnitude of his appearances often eclipses those of others who wrestle weekly. The absence therefore seemed to diminish the impact of storytelling, crowd connection, and financial success in favor of sheer in-ring frequency.

The Cultural Impact of Roman Reigns

Beyond the ring, Roman Reigns has become a cultural figure. His presence has reached beyond WWE programming and into mainstream sports and entertainment media. He appeared on talk shows, magazine covers, and even made cameos in Hollywood projects.

His “Acknowledge Me” catchphrase has become part of wrestling lexicon, repeated by fans around the globe. The Bloodline story brought in not only hardcore fans but also casual viewers who tuned in because of the drama, emotional storytelling, and Reigns’ magnetic presence.

This cultural relevance makes his absence from the PWI 500 even more baffling. Many fans argue that influence outside the ring should carry as much weight as in-ring activity, especially for a performer of Reigns’ caliber.

The Debate Over Part-Time Schedules

Roman Reigns’ reduced schedule is not unprecedented. Legendary figures like The Rock, John Cena, and Brock Lesnar have also worked part-time schedules later in their careers. Yet, they remained fixtures in conversations about the greatest stars of their respective eras.

Reigns’ absence from the list reignited the ongoing debate about whether part-time performers should be evaluated differently. On one hand, full-time wrestlers carry the weekly grind, working house shows, television tapings, and pay-per-views. On the other, stars like Roman Reigns elevate the product when they appear, driving ratings spikes and boosting ticket sales for major events.

This tension reflects a larger philosophical question: should wrestling greatness be measured by quantity or quality? Reigns’ absence forced fans to reconsider how they value performers and what role lists like the PWI 500 should play in shaping those perceptions.

What the Future Holds for Roman Reigns

Despite the uproar, Roman Reigns’ legacy remains secure. His place in wrestling history is already carved out, with one of the most dominant championship reigns in decades. The absence from the PWI 500 may sting, but it is unlikely to tarnish his standing among fans or his influence on the industry.

If anything, the controversy may fuel further interest in his storyline. Fans are now watching even more closely, eager to see how WWE positions him in upcoming months. Rumors of a potential showdown with stars like Cody Rhodes, Gunther, or even a returning The Rock add fuel to the fire.

Reigns thrives in an environment where the audience is buzzing about his relevance. Ironically, his omission from the list has only magnified the conversation around him, ensuring that he remains the centerpiece of wrestling discourse.

Conclusion: The Legacy Beyond the List

The absence of Roman Reigns from the PWI 500 is not just a footnote—it is a landmark moment that triggered a passionate debate about what defines greatness in professional wrestling. For fans, it highlighted the limitations of ranking systems that rely heavily on match frequency. For analysts, it reignited discussions about influence, visibility, and cultural relevance.

Roman Reigns may not be on the list, but his impact continues to shape the industry in ways that extend far beyond rankings. His story is one of dominance, reinvention, and cultural resonance. In many ways, the frenzy caused by his absence proves the very point his supporters have been making all along: that Roman Reigns is bigger than any list, and his legacy transcends traditional measures of wrestling success.

At the end of the day, the wrestling world acknowledged him—not because of a ranking, but because of the undeniable truth that Roman Reigns is one of the greatest of this generation.