The Myth of WrestleMania Streaks
For decades, WrestleMania has been more than just a wrestling event. It has stood as the ultimate stage where legends are made, streaks are solidified, and myths are shattered. Among the many tales written under the bright lights of WWE’s grandest stage, none carried more mystique than The Undertaker’s legendary streak. With each passing year, the Deadman’s undefeated WrestleMania record became a sacred tradition. From giants to icons, no superstar seemed capable of overcoming the aura of The Phenom. That was until Brock Lesnar etched his name into history at WrestleMania 30, delivering the unthinkable blow that broke the streak.
But history wasn’t done being written. Years later, another superstar would step up, not only conquering The Undertaker but also managing to do the unthinkable against Lesnar himself on the very same stage. That man is none other than Roman Reigns, the self-proclaimed Head of the Table, whose rise is built on defying odds and silencing doubters.
Roman Reigns: The Big Dog Arrives
When Roman Reigns first emerged as part of The Shield alongside Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, fans knew WWE had something special. His presence, athleticism, and intensity made him stand out immediately. Branded as the Big Dog, Roman seemed destined for greatness. WWE’s management clearly saw him as a future top star, placing him in main events against legends long before many believed he was ready.
Despite early pushback from fans who felt he was being forced into the spotlight, Reigns never wavered. He continued to grow, delivering in high-profile matches and slowly proving that he belonged in the same conversation as wrestling’s greatest performers. But for a WWE superstar, true immortality only comes when your name is tied to WrestleMania moments, and that is where Roman carved his legacy.
Conquering The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33
By the time WrestleMania 33 arrived in Orlando, The Undertaker was already considered the most iconic figure in WrestleMania history. Although the streak had been broken by Brock Lesnar three years earlier, the aura surrounding The Deadman remained. Fans believed they were witnessing one of his last battles, and when the lights dimmed, the fear and mystique of The Undertaker still commanded respect from the entire arena.
Enter Roman Reigns. Standing across the ring from the legend, the Big Dog represented the new generation of WWE. The match itself was not only a physical contest but also a symbolic passing of the torch. The Undertaker fought valiantly, using every ounce of his supernatural persona to intimidate, but Roman proved to be too strong, too fast, and too relentless.
When Roman finally stood tall, his victory was met with a mix of awe and anger. The boos from the crowd were deafening, not necessarily because fans doubted Roman’s ability, but because they couldn’t accept seeing The Undertaker fall again—this time seemingly for good. The image of The Undertaker leaving his gloves, hat, and coat in the center of the ring became one of the most emotional moments in WWE history, signifying the end of an era. And at the center of that history stood Roman Reigns, the man who defeated The Undertaker on the grandest stage of them all.
The Beast Incarnate Stands in the Way
While toppling The Undertaker was historic, Roman Reigns still had another monumental mountain to climb: Brock Lesnar. If Undertaker symbolized mystique and legacy, Lesnar embodied raw destruction and dominance. Known as The Beast Incarnate, Lesnar’s reputation extended beyond WWE, with a legitimate background in UFC and NCAA wrestling. He was not just a character; he was a terrifying, real-world athlete who demolished opponents with suplexes and the dreaded F-5.
For years, Roman and Brock crossed paths in some of WWE’s biggest main events. Their rivalry became one of the defining feuds of the modern era. Time and again, Roman tried to dethrone the Beast, but each attempt ended with Lesnar reminding the world why he was unlike any other superstar. The WWE Universe began to question whether Roman would ever get his defining WrestleMania victory over Lesnar.
WrestleMania 38: The Unification of Championships
Everything changed at WrestleMania 38, billed as the “biggest WrestleMania match of all time.” Roman Reigns, by then fully transformed into the Tribal Chief, stood as the Universal Champion, a character that had finally earned widespread respect and admiration. Gone was the uncertain Big Dog; in his place stood a confident, dominant leader, flanked by The Usos and driven by a mission to solidify his family’s dynasty.
On the other side was Brock Lesnar, the WWE Champion, entering with his own aura of invincibility. This wasn’t just another match; it was a collision of titans, with the winner set to unify both championships and claim ultimate supremacy in WWE. The tension, the build-up, and the stakes made this showdown unforgettable.
In a match filled with brutal suplexes, devastating spears, and near falls that had fans on the edge of their seats, Roman Reigns finally conquered Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. The victory was more than just about titles; it cemented Roman as the face of the company, the man who had defeated both The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar on the biggest stage.
Why This Achievement Stands Alone
Defeating The Undertaker at WrestleMania is an achievement reserved for only two men in history. Overcoming Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania is even rarer, considering his dominance and unpredictability. But to hold victories over both icons on the grandest stage? That distinction belongs to one man: Roman Reigns.
This achievement speaks volumes about Roman’s role in WWE history. He didn’t just beat legends; he carried the weight of WWE’s future on his shoulders. The Undertaker represented the past, Brock Lesnar represented the present force of dominance, and Roman Reigns represented the bridge to the future. His victories over both icons symbolize a changing of eras, marking Roman as the definitive star of his generation.
The Evolution into Tribal Chief
Part of what makes Roman’s story so compelling is the transformation of his character. Early in his career, Roman was positioned as the heroic Big Dog, but fans resisted the image WWE tried to push. However, once Roman embraced the role of the Tribal Chief, everything changed. His alliance with Paul Heyman, his dominance over SmackDown, and his reign as the Undisputed Champion elevated him beyond being just another main-eventer.
The Tribal Chief persona perfectly captured Roman’s real-life stature in WWE: the leader of the locker room, the centerpiece of storylines, and the standard-bearer of the company. His victories over Undertaker and Lesnar no longer felt like management’s decisions but like natural outcomes of his dominance. He had earned the right to be in that position, and the audience finally acknowledged him, just as he demanded.
Legacy Beyond Numbers
When future generations look back at WrestleMania history, they will remember the streak, they will remember Brock Lesnar’s dominance, and they will remember Roman Reigns standing as the man who defeated them both. His legacy is not just in the victories but in the symbolism of those victories.
The Undertaker’s fall to Roman was about passing the torch, about ending an era and ushering in a new one. Brock Lesnar’s defeat at the hands of Roman was about supremacy, proving that even the most unstoppable force can be overcome by resilience and strategy. Together, these victories build a narrative of a superstar who wasn’t just lucky or chosen but destined to be the face of WWE in modern times.
Conclusion: A Seat at the Table of Legends
In professional wrestling, legends are often defined by moments, and few moments are larger than victories at WrestleMania. Roman Reigns holds the rare distinction of standing over both The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar on that grand stage. No one else can claim such a feat, and that makes his career trajectory not just impressive but historic.
As the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns continues to dominate WWE, but even if tomorrow he stepped away, his legacy would remain untouchable. He is the only man to slay both giants at WrestleMania, a symbol of WWE’s present and its future. The Undertaker may have been the soul of WrestleMania, and Brock Lesnar may have been its conqueror, but Roman Reigns is its heir—forever etched in history as the one who defeated them both.