At Survivor Series 2015, Roman Reigns won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for the first time when he defeated Dean Ambrose in the main event. After the match, Triple H distracted the new champion, giving Sheamus the perfect opportunity to successfully cash in his Money in the Bank contract.
With help from Alberto Del Rio and Rusev, Celtic Warrior retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Reigns at TLC 2015. After the match, Reigns viciously attacked Triple H to continue a storyline that would eventually culminate at WrestleMania 32.
On the post-TLC 2015 episode of Raw, Triple H’s wife Stephanie McMahon read Reigns the Riott Act during a heated in-ring promo:
“Roman, you’re nothing more than a coward. These people are chanting ‘thank you, Roman’.” Yes, thank you Roman, for losing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship yet again. Oh, and by the way, blaming everyone but yourself, taking it out on my poor, defenseless husband who had nothing to do with your loss. Take responsibility, Roman. You’re a failure, you’re a failure, and you’re a blur.” [0:53 – 1:24]
The former Shield member responded with a series of insults of his own:
“Am I a disgrace?” Raj asked. “I’m a disgrace?! No, no, Steph, you’re a disgrace, and your husband is a disgrace! No, no, no, in fact, your whole family is a disgrace.” [1:34 – 1:56]
Reigns’ comments proved to be the final straw for Stephanie McMahon, who slapped the babyface star across the face. He then slapped another seven, which drew a huge crowd response.
The above video has been viewed 188 million times on WWE’s YouTube channel, making it the fourth most viewed video on the account.
What happened after Stephanie McMahon slapped Roman Reigns?
Moments later, WWE’s then-Chief Brand Officer assured Roman Reigns that he and Triple H had no plans to fire him.
She then surprisingly revealed that her father, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, was going to address the situation later that night:
Stephanie McMahon continued, “I will not fire you because my husband told me not to.” “But I tell you what, there’s someone right now who’s going to land what that could be, and he’s the chairman of the board of this company… Vincent… Kennedy… McMahon!” [2:36 – 2:54]
The show ended with Roman Reigns recovering the World Heavyweight Championship from Sheamus in an action-packed main event. The match also received a Superman Punch from Vince McMahon on the ring apron.
What are your memories of Roman Reigns’ feud with the McMahon family? Let us know in the comments section below.