Every Roman Reigns WWE Universal Title Defence Ranked In Order Of Greatness

The first defence was almost the very best, which isn't to say that this odyssey hasn't been worth the trip, but does pay tribute to the amount of story told in September 2020 years before anybody could have known how valuable it'd be.

ThunderDome rewatches aren't the easiest, and monologuing isn't for everybody, but Clash Of Champions 2020 remains perhaps the finest exhibition of both. Jey Uso comes in motivated and willing to try and fight through being overmatched, but quickly realises the water is too deep and is left not just to drown, but to constantly see signs of rescue before falling under the waves once again.

It's a tremendous tragedy that plays out 22 heartbreaking minutes, and completely reframes the recently-returned Roman Reigns heel character forever. 'The Tribal Chief' is a state of mind he's adopted far beyond the poisoning of Paul Heyman, and he's used and abused it to effectively capture the enforced servitude of his nearest and dearest. It's here where the paranoia sets in - elegantly revealed by a low blow kick out that proves him to be weaker than he ever was - and the truth can never out.

For nearly three years, Roman can go on pretending that he's everything he says he is rather than the power-hungry coward that lurks beneath. He told his longest, loudest lie here.