It’s been nine years since Roman Reigns’ controversial 2015 Royal Rumble win, but the Tribal Chief hasn’t forgotten the response from fans at the time.
Reigns’ win in the 30-man match was met with disdain by the Philadelphia crowd, echoing the sentiment among fans at the time that Reigns was being pushed too much.
WWE even brought out The Rock in the closing moments of the show to endorse his cousin, though this did little to change the response of the fans.
In an interview for his upcoming A&E Biography, Reigns reflected on the night and the response from fans at the time. He said,
“I was booed, historically. You think about these moments. You dream about them, and the moment that it actually happens, it’s like they’re playing the worst soundtrack of all time over your moment, ruining your party. That’s how the Rumble in Philly felt. I try to forget Philly. I try to forget the Royal Rumble. There’s only one positive, and that’s the fact that it’s going to be able to tie all the way back around at WrestleMania 40.”
Next week, Reigns will return to Philadelphia, PA as part of WrestleMania 40. The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion will headline both nights of the show.