17 Greatest Roman Reigns WWE PPV Matches
2. Reigns vs. Bryan (Fastlane 2015)
As was expected since almost a year prior, Roman Reigns had won the 2015 Royal Rumble and was on his way to the WrestleMania main event for his shot at Brock Lesnar's WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Many fans saw Roman's situation as another attempt by WWE to push a corporately chosen star that had yet to be embraced organically by the audience. Those claims had at least some validity when compared to a guy like Daniel Bryan, who is adored by the fans.
Roman still had all the potential in the world but badly needed an injection of credibility before facing Brock. Bryan was returning from injury and wrestled an aggressive style that could more than prepare Reigns for Lesnar. He would be the test that Roman needed.
The two had a lengthy, physical bout that lived up to the hype. Roman not only beat the former champion but also made history when he kicked out of a pin following Bryan's running knee. No one had ever done that before him.
The match succeeded in quieting many of Reigns' detractors and prepared him for his upcoming match with Lesnar.