When you think of WWE’s biggest stars, Roman Reigns is one of the first names that come to mind. He’s taken over the main event scene and is a top figure in wrestling today.
But before Roman became the “Head of the Table” and a top champion, his story began with a strong family background, unique culture, and personal struggles.
Knowing where Roman Reigns comes from helps explain the hard work, pride, and beliefs that have pushed him to the top of WWE.
Roman Reigns’ Ethnicity: Half Samoan, Half Italian
Roman Reigns, born Leati Joseph Anoa’i, has a mixed heritage. His father, Sika Anoa’i, is a WWE Hall of Famer and a member of the renowned Anoa’i wrestling family.
Sika is of Samoan descent, and the family has deep roots in American Samoa. which includes stars like The Rock, Rikishi, and Yokozuna.
Sika Anoa’i, Roman Reigns’ father, formed The Wild Samoans with his brother Afa. As one of the most dominant tag teams in wrestling history, The Wild Samoans captured multiple championships and left a lasting legacy during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The Samoan culture has a strong influence on Reigns’ character, traditions, and tribal persona in WWE.
On the other hand, Reigns’ mother, Patricia Anoa’i, has Italian roots. Growing up in Florida, Reigns spoke about embracing both cultures.
During an A&E documentary series Biography: WWE Legends, Reigns said:
“My father’s side is Samoan and my mother’s side is Italian.”
[Roman Reigns A&E Biography] Roman explains what’s an afakasi while sharing how meaningful it was to him the moment he shared with the Wild Samoans after his Hell in a Cell “I Quit” match with Jey.
byu/RichardKingBITW inSquaredCircle
In another interview with Stephanie McMahon on the docuseries Stephanie’s Places, Roman Reigns reflected on his deep-rooted connection to wrestling through his Samoan heritage, saying:
“Fish to water… It’s a part of our DNA… We’ve seen so many men in our family wrestle. … Why can’t I do it? He did it. He did it. I’m the same blood.” (Timestamp: 0:13-2:50)
— Roman Reigns on Stephanie’s Places, an ESPN+ docuseries.
Roman Reigns’ Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholic)
Roman Reigns identifies himself as Christian (Roman Catholic), and faith has always played a central role in his life.
During an emotional WWE RAW segment, just before relinquishing the Universal Championship to begin his second battle with leukemia, Roman addresses the fans and said:
“Every prayer you can send my way… because I have faith.”
— Roman Reigns on the October 22, 2018, episode of WWE RAW (Timestamp: 1:11-1:20)
When Reigns took a hiatus in 2018 due to his leukemia diagnosis, he relied heavily on his Roman Catholic beliefs. He openly credited prayer and church support as essential to his strength and recovery.
“Everyone was praying for me, and I just feel so blessed, you know, to receive that type of attention, that type of love.”
— Roman Reigns on Good Morning America, national interview. (Timestamp: 3:10-3:19)
Even in the ring, Reigns’ devotion is evident—he regularly makes the sign of the cross before competing, symbolizing his trust in divine guidance.
The OTC’s faith not only gave him inner strength but also inspired countless fans facing personal struggles.
Roman Reigns’ Nationality: American
Born on May 25, 1985, in Pensacola, Florida, Roman Reigns is an American citizen. He attended Pensacola Catholic High School and later played Division I college football at Georgia Tech before transitioning to a pro wrestling career.
Though Roman Reigns is now a global icon, he has remained grounded in his American upbringing. His story reflects the journey of an American athlete who rose to success through hard work, faith, and a family legacy.
“I was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, down on the pan (referring to panhandle region). Just a Southern Boy.” Reigns told Good Morning America during a national TV interview. (Timestamp: 0:55-1:02)
In a heartfelt moment at a WWE live event in his hometown of Pensacola, Roman Reigns broke character to share a personal tribute to where he’s from:
“I run into New Yorkers, people from L.A., and they’re like, ‘Where you from?’ And I say, ‘I’m from a small little beach town.’
Pensacola is the most beautiful, best-kept secret in the whole world.
This is MY city. This is MY little beach town!”
Roman Reigns isn’t just a WWE Superstar; he’s someone with a strong sense of where he comes from.
Whether it’s his Samoan-Italian roots, his faith, or his American upbringing, every aspect of his background has shaped who he is today.
It’s that mix of culture, belief, and hard work that makes his journey so relatable, and why so many people connect with the man behind “The Tribal Chief.”
