Roman Reigns is one of the most accomplished superstars in WWE. He has won several titles and is among the longest-reigning Universal Champions in WWE history (1,316 days).
Over the years, he has become the fashion icon in wrestling. Whenever he steps into the ring, he represents class and style.
From his hairstyle to his selection of Jordans, he knows how to create an impression. Yet arguably, nothing conveys more than his tattoos — striking, detailed illustrations that tell his origins and roots.
The ink etched on his skin is more than just body art; it represents Roman’s Samoan heritage.
Here’s the explanation for his most significant tattoos (with pictures), as he has revealed in interviews and media coverage.
The Pe’a Tradition: Understanding Samoan Tattoo Culture
Roman Reigns’ tattoos draw inspiration from the traditional Samoan “pe’a” – a cultural practice that represents:
Cultural Significance:
- Rite of Passage: Marking transition to adulthood.
- Cultural Pride: Displaying connection to ancestry.
- Family Honor: Representing family lineage.
- Spiritual Connection: Linking to traditional beliefs.
Roman Reigns’ Samoan Tribal Sleeve Tattoo (The “Afa”)
Roman Reigns’ tattoo journey began with a traditional Samoan tribal art piece inked onto his right shoulder during his teenage years.
The shoulder tattoo had clear, black-ink patterns made up of sharp lines and geometric shapes.
The design was much simpler than what he has now. It covered only the upper shoulder area and wrapped around to the back, stopping near the bicep.
Speaking to Inked, Roman recalled:
“I did the shoulder piece when I was 18 years old just to be just to be keep it legal but it could have been like seventeen and a half you know me but 18 most likely I think my very first tattoo was just the shoulder piece here it was legitimately just right here it came to the back and then it just cut off right there so it was just pretty much the shoulder section of this current tattoo.” (Timestamp: 0:11-0:36)
Over time, the design evolved into a full sleeve that extends across his chest and back, marking his growth as both a wrestler and a representative of Samoan culture.
This expansion was more than aesthetic. Roman saw it as a tribute to his roots and lineage. In Samoan culture, such tattoos are rites of passage, representing courage, strength, and a connection to one’s ancestors.
The inking process reportedly took 17 hours, with Mike Fatutoa (known as “Samoan Mike”) designing the connected patterns with cultural significance.
In an interview with Corey Graves on Superstar Ink, Reigns explained:
“It got to the point where I wanted to enhance the shoulder piece, and moving down to Tampa, I got lucky. You know, not only with the, you, my WWE career starting, my tattooer, Mike Fatutoa, is also known as ‘Samoan Mike’ in the tattoo world.
He’s one of the best in the world. I mean, he’s got multiple awards. Mean, he knows his stuff as far as tribal, and there’s a lot of different things that, you know, goes into it. You know, a lot of these are just basic cultural tribal designs, but it’s the way you puzzle them together. Certain patterns go next to certain patterns, and that’s the really intricate, tough part about, you know, being a tattooer, especially a Polynesian tattooers, making sure everything is right culturally.” (Timestamp: 1:04-1:48)
Roman also described the long hours under the needle:
“(Roman pointing on his shoulder tattoos) We had the we had this piece. This was about five or six, and then we did the outside one night, and then the following morning.
On the second day, by the time I got to six and a half, seven hours, it was almost like a competition.. it was just me and Mike just sitting there the whole time, so I felt challenged like I came with, and it’s me, ucey, if you need a break, just let me know. We’ll take a break. We’ll have some food. It’s fine. And I’ll take it as a challenge.” (Timestamp: 2:01-2:29)
Roman Reigns’ Wrist Turtle Tattoo: A Father’s Hidden Tribute
Within the striking Samoan sleeve tattoo of Roman Reigns, there exists a detail that only the keen-eyed might notice—a tiny Polynesian turtle tattoo on his right wrist.
Minimal in design, yet filled with personal meaning. This Roman Reigns’ tattoo carries a deeply personal story.
Reigns revealed that the turtle tattoo is dedicated to his daughter, Joelle Anoa’i, affectionately known as “JoJo.”
He shared that Joelle’s birth came during one of the toughest periods of his life, but her arrival “gave him purpose” and reshaped his outlook. He also explained that its placement on the inside of his wrist keeps it close to his heart, away from constant public gaze.
Speaking to Corey Graves on Superstar Ink, Reigns opened up about the meaning behind his ‘turtle tattoo’.
“For me, you know, I wanted, you know, a super strong, very standout tattoo, something that symbolizes strength. But, you know, as a man and as a father, there’s a reason why we have to be strong. There’s a reason why we have to have walls and we have to be tough and we we have to, you know, build that bravado of being a protector, a provider, because I am protecting.
This is a Polynesian turtle with the flower on top, which symbolises the Jo..
For those who don’t know JoJo, JoJo is my seven year old little girl, the best thing that’s ever happened to me, the best daughter, it’s undescribable. The roughest patch I’ve ever had in my life was right around the time she was born, so creating life helped my life, pretty much. It gave me purpose. My purpose in this world is as any father would say to protect her, to create a future for her, to make sure everything’s okay.” (Timestamp: 0:24-1:28)
In Samoan culture, turtles often symbolize family, longevity, wellness, and peace, making the ink all the more meaningful.
Roman Reigns’ Back Tattoo (The “O Le Fusi”)
In mid-2020, Roman Reigns unveiled a striking new addition to his ink. An expansive tattoo that covers much of his right back, linking seamlessly to the sleeve that stretches across his chest and arm.
It wasn’t just fresh ink. It was the continuation of a story that began in his teenage years and has evolved with every milestone in Reigns’ life.
Fatutoa has been Roman’s go-to artist for years, carefully expanding the tribal narrative on his body without breaking its cultural flow.
Samoan Mike, aka Fautoa, also shared images of the tattoo session on social media, revealing that the design was built to tell a story. He captioned the post:
“True meaning lay deeply rooted in #aiga, from whom we draw our strength, no matter what life throws at us. thanx for always being a warrior during our long a*s sessions… #loveandrespect my uso🙏🏽”
For Reigns, every curve, line, and geometric block in the design has significance. The tattoo isn’t random. Each pattern has a specific placement based on Polynesian tradition.
Certain symbols must sit next to others to preserve meaning, a detail that makes Polynesian tattooing as much about cultural knowledge as artistic skill.
The session reportedly took multiple hours over more than one sitting, with Reigns enduring the needle to ensure the flow from his shoulder and chest into his back was uninterrupted.
The Anoa’i Family Tattoo Tradition
Roman Reigns isn’t the only member of his family to honor their heritage through traditional tattoos:
Family Members with Similar Tattoos:
- The Usos (Jimmy and Jey): Both have extensive tribal tattoos.
- Solo Sikoa: Features traditional Samoan designs.
- The Rock: Has tribal tattoos representing his heritage.
- Late Umaga: Had traditional Samoan tattoos including “Samoa” lettering.
This shared tradition reinforces the family’s commitment to preserving and celebrating their cultural identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roman Reigns’ tattoos are deeply rooted in Samoan culture. They symbolize strength, courage, and his connection to family and ancestry. His full-sleeve tribal design reflects his heritage, while smaller elements like the turtle on his wrist pay tribute to his daughter.
Roman Reigns has multiple tattoos, but they are all interconnected as part of his Samoan tribal sleeve. The tattoos extends from his right arm to his chest and back.
Mike Fatutoa is Roman Reigns’ tattoo artist. He is famously known as “Samoan Mike,” an award-winning tattoo artist recognized for his mastery of traditional tribal designs.
Yes. Roman Reigns’ wrist turtle tattoo is a deeply personal tribute to his daughter, Joelle.
