WWE’s Bloodline legacy unfolds as Roman Reigns opens up on Samoan Dynasty

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 1, 2025, 19:00 IST

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ESPN's 'Stephanie's Places' delves into the real-life roots of WWE's dominant Bloodline, showcasing their deep family traditions beyond the wrestling ring. From backyard barbecues in Pensacola to a yacht gathering with Samoan dishes, the episode highlights the enduring bond and legacy of the Reigns family.

WWE’s Bloodline legacy unfolds as Roman Reigns opens up on Samoan Dynasty

Image via ESPN

Roman Reigns and his family, famously known as The Bloodline - have long ruled WWE storylines. But as ESPN’s latest episode of Stephanie’s Places reveals, their real story is rooted far beyond the squared circle, tracing back to backyard barbecues, youth football games, and deep family traditions.

A legacy rooted in heritage

WWE veteran Stephanie McMahon recently joined Reigns, Jey and Jimmy Uso, Sami Zayn, Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and other members of the Samoan wrestling dynasty for an gathering that felt more like a family reunion than a wrestling feature. The setting? A sunny yacht, a full spread of traditional Samoan dishes, and memories that spanned generations.
The heart of the conversation was The Bloodline’s enduring bond - both personal and professional. “This is how we do it,” Reigns told McMahon, pointing to their shared meal and laughter. “We gather, we break bread, and we keep the family strong.”

Roman Reigns tells the story of The Bloodline, WWE's Samoan wrestling family | WWE on ESPN

The roots of The Bloodline go back to High Chief Peter Maivia, a pioneer in professional wrestling and grandfather of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. From there, the legacy passed to the Wild Samoans - Afa and Sika, who trained the next generation, including Yokozuna, Rikishi, and eventually Reigns himself.
Many of them grew up in the same neighborhood in Pensacola, Florida. “Every weekend we got together,” Reigns recalled. “Football games, barbeques, music, swimming - it was always a celebration of family.”

The Bloodline's dominance in WWE

Today, the influence of The Bloodline is felt across WWE. Reigns remains one of the longest-reigning world champions, while Jey Uso recently won the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble and captured the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 41. Jacob Fatu claimed the United States title on the same night.
Solo Sikoa has also stepped into the spotlight, especially during last year’s high-stakes storyline that saw him challenge Reigns over the title of Tribal Chief - a narrative mirroring real-life tensions and generational shifts within the family.

Stephanie McMahon later shared her reflections on social media, calling the experience “precious memories” and praising the family's unique mix of cultural pride and professional excellence.
In a world where wrestling stables often fade, The Bloodline stands out - not just as a faction, but as a family built on legacy, loyalty, and love.

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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