Roman Reigns recently opened up about the rise of his cousin, Jey Uso, during a candid interview on The Pat McAfee Show. The WWE Universal Champion, known as “The Tribal Chief,” reflected on Jey’s journey from the tag team spotlight to singles stardom, acknowledging that he recognized Jey’s main event potential long before the world did. However, Reigns also expressed ongoing frustration with both Jey and Jimmy Uso for not fully embracing the guidance he has offered throughout their careers.
Recognizing Jey Uso’s Potential Early On
Roman Reigns revealed that he has always seen something special in Jey Uso, describing it as a “beautiful opportunity” that existed within his cousin from early on. He shared how Jey had often been regarded as the “runt” among the Usos—sometimes seemingly a step behind his twin brother Jimmy. Despite this, Reigns was confident that Jey had the talent and character to reach the highest levels in WWE singles competition.
“I’ve watched them their whole lives compete, and I’ve competed with them,” Reigns said. “Jey has always been a little bit down, but I saw that potential for him to break through these barriers and push to the ceiling” [1][5].
This assessment coincides with Jey Uso’s recent triumphs, including his Royal Rumble victory and emergence as a credible main event player, milestones that Reigns said fill him with pride.
A Proud Yet Frustrated Mentor
While Reigns expressed pride in Jey’s breakthrough, he also voiced some frustration about his cousins’ reluctance to fully heed his advice. Despite the familial bond and Reigns’ status as the “Tribal Chief,” both Usos have occasionally resisted his leadership approach backstage and in WWE storylines.
Sources close to WWE note that backstage, Roman is very protective of the Anoa’i family legacy and expects a certain level of discipline and respect from his relatives. According to a WWE insider, “Roman believes in leading by example, but sometimes Jey and Jimmy want to carve their own path, which creates tension but also pushes them to grow” [5].
This dynamic has added a compelling layer to their real-life and on-screen relationships, making Jey’s singles success even more meaningful as a culmination of Roman’s long-term belief and guidance.
Jey’s Rise and The Path Forward
Jey Uso’s singles rise marks a significant chapter not just for him but also for the entire Anoa’i family legacy. Reigns highlighted how Jey’s victory at the Royal Rumble and his evolving understanding of what it takes to be “The Tribal Chief” show professional and personal growth.
“You talk to him after events, and he understands this elevation,” Reigns noted. “He probably already has been busy this whole week, and I’m just proud of him” [1].
Reigns also hinted that some traditional Usos’ rituals, such as carrying the sacred Ula Fala (traditional war club) to the ring, will need adjustment as Jey steps fully into singles competition. “I haven’t had to do this before, so there are things we’ve got to figure out on the fly,” he said with a sense of responsibility for preserving their culture while evolving the family brand in new directions [1].
The Significance of The Tribal Chief’s Leadership
Reigns’ comments underscore his broader role within WWE as not only the company’s top star but also as a mentor and leader within the legendary Anoa’i family. His claim to the “Tribal Chief” persona extends beyond the ring, reflecting his real-life efforts to guide and promote his family members.
According to industry observers, this dynamic adds depth to WWE programming and keeps audiences invested in the interpersonal storylines. One backstage observer said, “Roman’s investment in Jey’s career elevates the entire faction’s narrative, making every match and promo feel more authentic” [5].
What’s Next for Jey Uso and The Usos
With Roman Reigns remaining the dominant Universal Champion and Jey building momentum as a singles star, WWE fans can expect the Usos’ storyline arcs to deepen. The friction Roman mentioned could be fertile ground for future angles, wrestling matches, and family-driven storytelling.
Both Roman and Jey have demonstrated the ability to connect emotionally with the WWE Universe, and their complex relationship—marked by mentorship, rivalry, love, and pride—is a storytelling asset not often seen with such intensity in sports entertainment.
As Roman summarized on Pat McAfee’s show, “It’s just starting for Jey. I saw it a long time ago that this was going to happen. Now I’m just watching it unfold, and it’s everything I expected it to be” [5].
Roman Reigns’ reflections on Jey Uso’s rise reveal a powerful story of family legacy, mentorship, and the challenges of balancing guidance with independence. WWE fans will be watching closely as The Tribal Chief continues to lead his family to new heights in the years ahead.