Direct Family Connection
Roman Reigns and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson are first cousins. They share a close blood relationship through the prominent Anoa'i wrestling family dynasty, rooted in Samoan heritage.
Family Lineage and Background
The Anoa'i lineage is legendary in professional wrestling. Roman Reigns, born Leati Joseph Anoa'i, and The Rock, born Dwayne Johnson, are connected as relatives within this dynasty. Their family includes generations of wrestlers who pioneered careers in WWE and beyond.
Specifically, The Rock is the maternal grandson of Peter Maivia, a Samoan high chief and wrestler, while Roman Reigns descends from Amituana'i Anoa'i, another key family figure. This establishes their cousin bond through shared ancestors.
Collaborations in Wrestling and Film
As relatives, their family ties facilitated professional collaborations:
- In WWE, they teamed up during events like the 2015 Royal Rumble, where they defeated opponents such as Rusev, Kane, and Big Show.
- Beyond wrestling, they co-starred in the 2019 film Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, leveraging their real-life connection for on-screen chemistry.
Contrasting Career Paths
Despite their relationship, Reigns and The Rock pursued different trajectories:
- The Rock transitioned early to Hollywood, becoming a full-time actor with roles in blockbuster films, cementing his status as a global entertainment icon.
- Reigns initially focused on WWE, rising to become a top star with multiple championships. He has expressed interest in acting but emphasizes a cautious approach. In a 2024 Sports Illustrated interview, Reigns stated his goal is to translate his wrestling skills to selective film projects without replicating The Rock's full-time move.
Current Developments and Speculations
As of recent reports, Reigns continues to balance his wrestling legacy with Hollywood aspirations. Post-WrestleMania 41 in 2025, he appeared on Monday Night Raw but remains undecided on a full WWE return, hinting at film opportunities. Meanwhile, WWE has teased a potential future match between the cousins, reflecting ongoing family-centric storylines in their careers.
