Three Years Ago On Wwe Smackdown, Wwe Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns Crowned Himself King And Had No Qualms About Eating His Cake Right Away.

Three years ago, on a momentous episode of WWE SmackDown, Roman Reigns, the WWE Undisputed Universal Champion, made history by crowning himself as the “King” of WWE SmackDown. This bold, unprecedented act wasn’t just about asserting his dominance in the wrestling world—it was a reflection of his character transformation into the Tribal Chief, a persona that was both feared and respected. But in a move that exemplified his unmatched confidence and self-assurance, Reigns didn’t stop at crowning himself. He unapologetically ate his cake right then and there, symbolizing his absolute control over WWE SmackDown. This moment marked a pivotal turning point in his career, solidifying his place as one of the most powerful and influential figures in WWE history.

Roman Reigns’ journey to this iconic moment was not an overnight transformation. For years, Reigns had been considered one of WWE’s top Superstars. He first rose to prominence as a member of The Shield, a faction that also included Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. The Shield’s dominance in WWE was undeniable, and Reigns quickly became one of the standout members, thanks to his imposing physical presence and raw athleticism. However, his solo career didn’t initially take off in the way many expected.

Roman Reigns was pushed as a babyface—WWE’s version of a heroic character who fights for the fans and the greater good. While he undeniably had the talent, his character wasn’t fully resonating with the WWE Universe. Fans often booed him, unable to embrace him in the same way they had embraced other fan favorites like John Cena or The Rock. This dissonance between the character WWE tried to create and the audience’s response ultimately led to a shift in Roman Reigns’ storyline.

In 2020, WWE made a radical decision that would change Reigns’ career forever: he turned heel. His return to SmackDown after a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic saw a very different Roman Reigns. No longer the smiling, good-guy hero, Reigns embraced a darker, more dominant persona, complete with a new attitude and a new alliance with Paul Heyman, a man known for his association with some of the most dominant and dangerous Superstars in WWE history.

The moment that marked Roman Reigns’ crowning as “King” of WWE SmackDown was nothing short of theatrical brilliance. It wasn’t just a celebration of his championship victory; it was an embodiment of his complete control over WWE and the SmackDown brand. The act of crowning himself was symbolic, an overt display of his belief that he was the rightful ruler of WWE’s blue brand, and his choice to do so in front of a live audience made the moment all the more impactful.

The spectacle of Roman Reigns eating his cake after declaring himself the king of SmackDown spoke volumes about his character. It wasn’t just a quirky moment to entertain the fans—it was an assertion of power. Reigns wasn’t waiting for anyone’s approval. He was taking what he believed was rightfully his, and he was going to enjoy it in front of the entire world. His actions were a direct challenge to anyone who might think they could dethrone him from the top spot on SmackDown. It was a statement: “I have it all, and I’m not afraid to indulge in it.”

In wrestling, moments like these are significant because they provide insight into a character’s mindset and motivations. Reigns, by eating the cake after crowning himself, wasn’t just putting on a show for the crowd; he was telling them—and every Superstar backstage—that he was in control. It was his time, and he was savoring every second of it.

One of the key factors in Roman Reigns’ success after his character shift was his partnership with Paul Heyman, a man who has long been associated with some of the most successful and feared Superstars in WWE history. Heyman’s involvement with Reigns helped elevate him to a level of superstardom that few could ever reach. Heyman, known for his exceptional promo skills and ability to build up the character of his clients, provided Reigns with the perfect platform to showcase his dominance and to further solidify his role as the Tribal Chief.

Paul Heyman was instrumental in creating the mythology of Roman Reigns’ character. Heyman has long been one of the most captivating talkers in the business, and his words were the perfect complement to Reigns’ actions in the ring. Together, the duo created a character that felt larger than life—a man who wasn’t just a champion, but a leader of the entire WWE universe.

With Heyman by his side, Reigns was positioned as a nearly unstoppable force. This partnership was key in establishing Reigns as the undisputed Universal Champion, as it lent an air of legitimacy to his reign that few others in WWE could replicate. Heyman’s influence in this phase of Reigns’ career should not be understated—he provided Reigns with the tools necessary to ascend to the heights of dominance in WWE.

At first glance, the act of eating a cake on SmackDown may seem like a lighthearted moment. However, in the context of Roman Reigns’ rise to power, the cake becomes a powerful symbol of his self-sufficiency. Reigns’ decision to crown himself king and then immediately indulge in his cake was a reflection of his complete control over WWE SmackDown. Unlike other Superstars who might wait for their moment to be validated by the crowd or a storyline, Reigns took matters into his own hands. The cake was not just a treat—it was the reward of a man who had seized his destiny.

For Reigns, the act of eating the cake was more than a metaphor for self-gratification—it was a demonstration of his belief that he didn’t need anyone’s approval or endorsement. He didn’t need to wait for a “Royal Rumble” or a “WrestleMania” moment to assert his dominance. He was already the top star in WWE, and the cake was a representation of that. He didn’t need to earn anything from anyone—he was the king, and he was enjoying the spoils of his victory.

The coronation of Roman Reigns as the self-proclaimed king of WWE SmackDown had far-reaching consequences that affected not only his career but the entire WWE landscape. Roman Reigns became a focal point in WWE programming, and SmackDown, which had long been considered the “B show” compared to Monday Night Raw, now had a champion who could stand toe-to-toe with any superstar in WWE. Reigns’ reign brought with it an elevated level of prestige and excitement for SmackDown, as the brand became synonymous with his name.

Additionally, Reigns’ crowning helped to elevate other Superstars in WWE. As the Tribal Chief, Reigns’ dominance forced others to step up, whether they were rivals or members of his own family. The Usos, for example, became an integral part of Reigns’ storyline as they aligned with him in a bid to ensure the Samoan dynasty’s continued reign over WWE. This storyline became one of the most compelling narratives in professional wrestling, drawing in viewers who were eager to see how the story of Roman Reigns and his family would unfold.

While other Superstars tried and failed to dethrone Reigns, his reign would continue to evolve, building rivalries that would keep fans on the edge of their seats. Reigns became an obstacle, a challenge that every Superstar in WWE had to overcome in order to prove themselves as worthy of championship gold. The narrative of his reign was never stale, and it continued to provide some of the most compelling matches in WWE history.

Fast forward to today, and Roman Reigns’ legacy as WWE Undisputed Universal Champion is well-established. His reign as champion has spanned multiple years, with no end in sight. Reigns’ transformation into the Tribal Chief has been one of the most successful character evolutions in WWE history, and his reign has been marked by unforgettable matches, rivalries, and moments that have left an indelible mark on the wrestling world.

What makes Roman Reigns’ reign truly special is the way in which it has transcended wrestling. His character’s depth and the emotional weight of his storylines have made him a household name, even outside the wrestling world. Roman Reigns is no longer just a professional wrestler—he is a global superstar. His dominance, his persona, and his in-ring ability have made him a central figure in WWE’s rise in popularity, especially during the pandemic era.

His self-crowning moment on SmackDown marked the beginning of a new era in WWE. It was a statement that Reigns was no longer just a competitor—he was the king, and he would remain at the top for as long as he chose to be.

Three years ago, on WWE SmackDown, Roman Reigns made a statement that would echo through the halls of WWE history. His coronation as the self-proclaimed king of SmackDown, followed by his unapologetic indulgence in the cake, was more than just a memorable moment—it was the beginning of an era. Roman Reigns solidified his place in WWE history as one of the most powerful, influential, and dominating figures the company has ever seen.

His reign as WWE Undisputed Universal Champion continues to this day, and his legacy is cemented as one of the greatest of all time. Roman Reigns’ journey from the back of the pack to the undisputed king of WWE SmackDown has been a story of perseverance, transformation, and self-belief. As Reigns continues to hold the title of Universal Champion, his legacy will only grow, and future generations of WWE Superstars will look to him as the standard to which all others must rise.