Hug, meet WWE’s Roman Reigns with winning bid to ‘Answer The Call’
WWE superstar Roman Reigns enjoys meeting fans, when done the right way.
Throwing an object into the ring and hitting him in the head is not the right way.
During a recent match against Bray Wyatt in Victoria, British Columbia, an attention-grabbing, overzealous, 31-year-old patron tossed a replica Money in the Bank briefcase into the ring, clipping the dashing sports entertainer in the back of the head.
“I was confused at first,” Reigns said. “I thought Bray hit me in the head with the kendo stick. So immediately I was like, ‘Aww man. You’re about to get it, brother. Aww, you’re about to get your [butt] whooped,’ but then I looked down, and I could see the briefcase. So then I’m trying to piece this thing together.
“If you see the video, you see me stand up to where I kind of got a little bit hot. Once I was able to process the situation in a matter of seconds, I knew what needed to be done, and our security team took care of it.”
Kudos to WWE’s security team. They caught the culprit.
“It was just a bad choice by a 31-year-old man, throwing briefcases at entertainers while they’re busting their [butt] for you. Everybody was on top of it. He was escorted out, briefly after, and luckily for me, [the briefcase] was plastic, so it didn’t hurt, but it’s scary. What if it was something that could have hurt me. Hit me in the eye.
“I’m a character and a sports entertainer and a wrestler, but I’m also a father and a husband and a provider. So for me that’s scary, because I’m just going out there to put on a good show and provide for my family and take care of my future, and if somebody takes that away from me... For what? For 10 seconds of Internet fame. That’s tough to deal with. That’s hard to process.”
Easy to process is WWE’s mantra, and Reigns, 30, delivers by putting smiles on faces, when those faces are civil. He is also more than happy to acknowledge those fans who act accordingly.
So much so that Reigns is auctioning himself to the highest bidder as part of a global online auction on Charitybuzz.com to benefit “Answer The Call,” the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.
“For me, this is the most important part of [being a WWE superstar],” he said. “This is what we work for. This is the best way to use our platform. This is what makes me feel so proud to be part of the WWE team -- to have the opportunity to help people, to reach out and help change lives. ‘Answer The Call’ we’re trying to support the real heroes of our world, the people who protect us and afford us freedom and give us that peace of mind.”
WWE is joining forces with Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes in conjunction with SummerSlam Weekend in New York to offer unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like a special backstage tour and meet-n-greet with Reigns at a Monday Night Raw, WWE’s flagship weekly television program.
“It’s perfect timing for this and the best situation possible as we’re in New York. We’re taking over Brooklyn in a couple of weeks for SummerSlam,” Reigns said. “Hopefully that positivity is going to follow us, and we’ll put a bunch of smiles on families’ faces. That’s what we’re here to do, just help out when we can.”
No need for Bayley or Dr. Shelby as the good-looking Reigns said he will hug his winning bidder, if that person wants one.
“Yes, I’m giving out hugs,” he said. “Even if it’s a good brother who needs a hug, a little support, I got a shoulder to lean on. Young lady, older lady who wants a hug, I’m donating that as well.”
How do fans react when they meet Roman Reigns?
“Some are on the ball, and they ask questions, and they’re very outgoing, and they’re not shy,” he said, “and then you have people who are shy, and it takes a little bit to get them to come out of their shell.”
Outspoken or shy, Reigns is looking forward to meeting the winner bidder.
“I’m auctioning off some of my time to hang out with the [winning bidder] at Monday Night Raw,” he said. “It’s a live experience. It’s the best form of entertainment. You can’t beat sports entertainment. We have the best athletes. We have a giant. We have the most beautiful women in the world. Lights, camera, action, fireworks. If you want to come hang out with me before the show, I’ll buy you lunch, and we’ll have a great day.”
Lunch on Reigns. Chick-Fil-A? WOK BOX? Sign me up.
Advice for the winning bidder, it’s probably a good idea not to ask about his hair as he is constantly questioned on his locks (why it’s so wet and what he puts in it) by fans and media.
Hmmm. What the wining bidder to ask?
Reigns is a former standout football player at NCAA Division I Georgia Tech, so talking some college football, especially the ACC, is an option. He also enjoys tea.
“Obviously, I have my hobbies, and I like to talk about them,” he said. “Most of my hobbies involve athletics and outdoor activities. I’m willing to learn about anything and converse and pick people’s brains, and I ask people to do the same. I’m into learning anything new and trying new stuff.”
Any other good topics to discuss with the diverse WWE superstar who proudly boasts quite a pro wrestling lineage. That’s right. His family tree -- which includes Wild Samoan Sika, Rosey, Yokozuna, Rikishi, Umaga, The Tonga Kid, and The Rock -- is an interesting subject.
Also interesting are some of the other items being auctioned. It’s a mix, something for everyone.
“Mark Messier with the New York Rangers is donating tickets and a meet-n-greet. The Barclay Center is doing something. MetLife Stadium is inviting 50 people for a rookie mini-camp. That’s pretty cool,” Reigns said. “There’s so many different opportunities. Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa, they’re also involved. Everybody is doing something for this, and that speaks volumes for what we’re doing and who we’re doing it for -- the heroes, the NYPD, the fire department. They answer the call; so if there’s something we can do to help, I’m all for it.”
Being a former football player, which auction item would Reigns consider winning -- a rookie mini-camp at MetLife Stadium or a meet-n-greet with NFL Hall of Famer and former New York Giants All-Pro Michael Strahan?
“I go with Strahan. I’m a huge fan. I’m a former defensive lineman [like Strahan],” Reigns said. “I’ll take a meet-n-greet with Strahan, if I can get it. I’d love to talk some defensive line with him. If you’re a football guy, I would definitely jump on the opportunity to sit down and have a meet-n-greet with Michael Strahan and pick his brain -- not just Michael Strahan the football player but also Michael Strahan the entrepreneur and businessman. He’s done very well for himself outside of football.”
Michael Strahan is co-host with Kelly Ripa of the popular morning talk show LIVE with Kelly & Michael.
Reigns continued: “It would be a great opportunity to meet Michael Strahan or any of these celebrities and superstars who are answering the call and doing great things for New York.”
Reigns, in character, did have a little fun poking fun at his former Shield brethren/turncoat Seth Rollins, the WWE World champ who is auctioning his ring entrance.
“Oh that’s so lame. I wouldn’t even do that,” Reigns said. “He goes through Gorilla now. He goes down the stage. You see, that’s the thing. If it was anybody else, then I’d be like, ‘Oh yea, that’s cool,’ but he’s gone through the crowd. He knows that feeling. I don’t think there’s any replacement for that. You can either go down the stage like everybody else or you can go through the crowd like Roman Reigns. I’d take going through the crowd, the WWE Universe, every day of the week.“
The Shield entered the ring walking confidently and fiercly through the crowd. When Rollins turned his back on his Shield brothers Dean Ambrose and Reigns, only Reigns consistently continued that unique entry. The Gorilla Position, named after WWE Hall of Famer Gorilla Monsoon, is the area just behind the curtain, before talent enters the platform/rampway onto the ring.
@WWERomanReigns
@WWERollins
@michaelstrahan
Answer The Call Auction
WWE is joining forces with Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes through a global online auction on Charitybuzz.com, featuring unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in support of “Answer The Call,” the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.
Fans can visit:
www.Charitybuzz.com/WWE through Tuesday, Aug. 25 at noon EST to bid on exclusive experiences with WWE Superstar John Cena, Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon, WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin, talk show hosts Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa and many more.
WWE’s support of “Answer The Call” is part of WWE’s community outreach initiatives in celebration of SummerSlam, which occurs Sunday, Aug. 23 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
“We are thrilled to have WWE’s support as they ‘Answer the Call’ for the families of New York City’s fallen first responders,” said Mark Messier, Vice President of Community Affairs for the NY Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund. “Our partnership will ensure that we continue to provide a network of support and financial assistance for those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.”
Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer, said: “WWE is committed to using the power of our brand to help improve the lives of families around the world. We are proud to support ‘Answer The Call’ and the families of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their city.”
Online auction highlights include:
· Meet and greet with John Cena at Monday Night Raw.
· Meet and greet with Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman at a WWE PPV.
· Meet and greet with Stone Cold Steve Austin at a live taping of the Stone Cold Steve Austin Podcast on WWE Network.
· Backstage tour and meet and greet with Dean Ambrose at Monday Night Raw.
· Backstage tour and meet and greet with Kevin Owens at Monday Night Raw.
· Backstage tour and meet and greet with Roman Reigns at Monday Night Raw.
· Backstage tour and meet and greet with Stephanie McMahon at Monday Night Raw.
· Lunch with Ric Flair and Charlotte and receive two tickets and a backstage tour of Monday Night Raw.
· Lunch with Becky Lynch, Charlotte and Paige backstage at Monday Night Raw.
· Lunch with the cast of Total Divas backstage at Monday Night Raw.
· Join Randy Orton during his ring entrance at a WWE event.
· Join Seth Rollins during his ring entrance at a WWE event.
· Have your face painted by Finn Balor, join him for lunch and enjoy an NXT taping.
· Attend the season finale of WWE Tough Enough and meet Daniel Bryan, Paige, Lita, Booker T and Billy Gunn.
Also
· Take over the court at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
· Suite at a Brooklyn Nets game during the 2015-16 season and an autographed team photo.
· Rookie mini-camp at MetLife Stadium for 50 people.
· Mark Messier’s personal New York Rangers tickets and a meet and greet with the Hockey Hall of Famer.
· Meet and greet with Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa and four tickets to LIVE with Kelly & Michael.
· Two tickets to Late Night with Seth Meyers and a mug autographed by Seth Meyers.
And more
For information or to bid on the full list of auction items, visit
Proceeds will provide assistance to the families of New York City Police Officers, Firefighters, Port Authority Police and EMS Personnel who have been killed in the line of duty.
About WWE:
WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms.
WWE programming reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide in 35 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all 12 live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 175 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich and Tokyo.
Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at
wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.
For information on its global activities, go to
http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
About Charitybuzz:
Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe through online auctions with the world's most recognizable celebrities and brands.
Featuring access to acclaimed actors and musicians, business and political leaders, sports stars, luxury travel, couture fashion, rare memorabilia and more, Charitybuzz brings its online community of bidders exclusive opportunities to live their dreams and make a difference. Since launching, Charitybuzz has raised more than $130 million for charity.
To learn more, visit
www.Charitybuzz.com, like on Facebook at
www.Facebook.com/Charitybuzz or follow on Twitter at
@Charitybuzz.
About The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund
The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund provides assistance to the families of New York City Police Officers, Firefighters, Port Authority Police and EMS Personnel who have been killed in the line of duty.
Since its inception in 1985 by Daniel J. “Rusty” Staub, the charity has distributed more than $130 million to hundreds of families. The Benefit Fund provides immediate and ongoing financial assistance in the form of annual distributions to grieving families after they lose their loved one. In addition, the Benefit Fund provides an ongoing network of support and gatherings for these families to cope and connect after such tragedy.
The Benefit Fund serves approximately 600 families, and the goal is to provide meaningful assistance to the beneficiaries for the rest of their lives.
Visit
Check out the Benefit Fund on Twitter
@AnswertheCall
Facebook www.facebook.com/AnswertheCallNYC
and Instagram @AnswertheCallNYC
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This story was originally published August 12, 2015 at 6:52 AM with the headline "Hug, meet WWE’s Roman Reigns with winning bid to ‘Answer The Call’."