“When you don’t have that f**k you money,” Roman Reigns reveals feeling helpless after WWE decided to break up The Shield

Roman Reigns was forced to break up The Shield as he did not have the authority to prevent it.

“When you don’t have that f**k you money,” Roman Reigns reveals feeling helpless after WWE decided to break up The Shield

Roman Reigns disliking The Shield breakup (via WWE)

It has been a 12-year-long main roster run for Roman Reigns with only two character switches. Starting with The Shield, Reigns was a heel and dominated WWE with his stablemates. Their popularity increased gradually and turned them into baby faces. However, it was not until The Shield’s breakup that the face persona was glorified, making him one of the top stars of WWE.

In his A&E documentary, though, The Tribal Chief has stated that he never wanted to be a good guy. However, the conditions were not in his favor to prevent the breakup and still progress. At that time Reigns was still an up-and-coming wrestler, and as such believed that he lacked the authority to make his own decisions. If it were up to him, he’d have stayed a heel.

YouTube video

The Head of the Table remembers that it was hard to perceive that persona. It was even harder not having backup and just standing up against the bookings of WWE. Naturally, because his family’s livelihood depended on the money he earned there, he followed orders and worked hard.

FS Video
It was so hard to do that. When you don't have that backup when you don't have that f**k you money and you can't just stand on your heart and your family is depending on you.
Roman Reigns on breaking up The Shield

On June 2, 2014, Seth Rollins turned heel and attacked The Shield to join The Authority. The picture of Rollins’ betrayal while delivering a devastating chair shot to the back of Reigns remains iconic. That was the moment when Rollins, Reigns, and Dean Ambrose were separated and went on to have note-worthy singles runs. It is crazy to see how far The Shield-mates have come in their career with multiple feats.

Roman Reigns hints at retirement once he loses his title

Roman Reigns has carried the company on his back ever since the pandemic era. Three full years have passed since his championship win, which has only flourished. The success of his Tribal Chief run is only because he won the Universal Championship (later the Undisputed) at the right time.

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns (via WWE)

In the same A&E biography, Reigns also spoke about the Tribal Chief run. Firstly, he mentioned that he would never lose the title. However if at all the world comes down to it, and he loses the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, he is calling it quits.

You guys better cherish these moments cause once I lose the WWE Undisputed championship, I’m calling it quits.
Roman Reigns about quitting WWE after title loss

The Head of the Table would not like to be in the company if he is no longer the top guy. Thus, he has asked the WWE Universe to cherish his presence and appreciate those beautiful moments now. His loss would potentially spell retirement for him. This statement would be put to the test at WrestleMania 40.

In case you missed it: