The on-screen animosity between Roman Reigns and Stephanie McMahon during The Authority era had very real consequences. Reigns recently revealed that he suffered a legitimate injury at the hands of the former executive, which resulted in a busted eardrum.
Speaking on McMahon’s own show, What’s Your Story?, the two discussed their past in-ring altercations. Reigns detailed the moment the injury occurred from one of her slaps.
“You busted my eardrum, shattered that sucker,” Reigns stated. “The doctor’s like ‘Oh yeah.’ If you’re gonna hit someone, hit ’em!” He also commented on her technique, noting, “You’re first few were good, good workers, then I don’t know what happened.”
Reigns explained his aggressive verbal approach in their segments was a direct response to his belief that McMahon would genuinely retaliate physically on live television if he held back or made a mistake.
That commitment to delivering a convincing performance now defines his current rivalry. Reigns is scheduled to face Bronson Reed in a high-profile singles match this Sunday, August 31, at Clash in Paris.
The match marks a significant milestone, as it is Reigns’ first singles match on a premium live event without a championship at stake in 786 days. The feud has seen Reed, a member of Seth Rollins’ faction “The Vision,” adopt the moniker “The Tribal Thief” after repeatedly stealing Reigns’ signature sneakers.
Despite his heel persona, Reigns highlighted a recent shift in crowd reception on social media following the last Monday Night Raw in Birmingham, England. He acknowledged the crowd chanting, “If you love Roman, stand up,” a notable change from past reactions.
For his part, Reed has fueled the rivalry by labeling Reigns a “part-timer.” The match in Paris is being positioned as arguably the biggest opportunity of Reed’s career.