Roman Reigns Becomes WWE 'Grand Slam' Champion
Raw Intercontinental Title victory elevates 'Big Dog' to elite level
Roman Reigns has become the latest WWE Superstar to be recognised as a rare 'Grand Slam' winner, following his show-closing Monday Night Raw Intercontinental Championship win.
Defeating fellow 'Grand Slam' man The Miz, Roman's maiden reign with the secondary strap marks his newest taste of WWE gold, following tenures with the United States, WWE World Heavyweight and Tag Team Titles.
Only 17 male superstars in company history have managed the feat labelled by Shawn Michaels ahead of his European Title capture in September 1997. It was modified to include at least one 'top', one secondary and one tag team strap as brands and titles evolved. Charlotte also anointed herself with the award, having been the only female to capture NXT, Divas, Raw and SmackDown gold.
Roman joins Shield partner Dean Ambrose in achieving the award in 2017, following 'The Lunatic Fringe' snaring doubles gold alongside Seth Rollins at SummerSlam. Though winning a secondary strap to complete the collection may seem backwards in the traditional trajectory of a WWE Superstar, The Miz ironically reached the summit in identical fashion.
'The Big Dog' has reportedly been locked in to face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34 since before the 'Beast' even defeated Bill Goldberg for the red brand's strap at this year's 'Show Of Shows'. This unexpected win may steer Roman in a new direction entirely, or alternatively proffer a Champion Vs Champion main event the company haven't attempted at WrestleMania since the historic 1990 Hulk Hogan/Ultimate Warrior epic.