On January 4, 2016, Monday Night Raw hosted a dramatic and controversial WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Roman Reigns and Sheamus. Adding to the tension, Mr. McMahon, the Chairman of WWE, appointed himself the special guest referee, guaranteeing an uneven playing field for Reigns.
This match stemmed from a heated rivalry. Reigns had dethroned Sheamus at TLC 2015, finally reclaiming the championship after enduring months of obstacles from The Authority. However, the McMahon family wasn’t willing to let Reigns enjoy his reign unchallenged. Mr. McMahon’s involvement was an overt attempt to tip the scales in Sheamus’s favor.
As the match began, McMahon blatantly abused his power, showing favoritism toward Sheamus. Every move Reigns made was met with slow counts or interference, while Sheamus was allowed to bend the rules without repercussions. The Celtic Warrior capitalized on the situation, relentlessly targeting Reigns’ midsection and delivering punishing blows.
Despite the odds, Reigns fought back with his signature resilience. The Big Dog countered Sheamus’s offense with a flurry of Superman Punches and clotheslines, electrifying the crowd. However, every time Reigns went for a pin, McMahon would either delay his count or feign an injury, enraging Reigns and the audience.
The turning point came when McMahon attempted to physically intimidate Reigns, but the champion retaliated by delivering a Superman Punch to Sheamus and daring McMahon to count. When McMahon refused, Stephanie McMahon stormed to the ring, further escalating the chaos. This distraction allowed Sheamus to deliver a Brogue Kick, but Reigns narrowly kicked out, defying the odds once again.
With the crowd firmly behind him, Reigns delivered a devastating Spear to Sheamus. Before McMahon could sabotage the pinfall again, a second referee sprinted to the ring, making the three-count and securing Reigns’ victory.
Roman Reigns’ triumph wasn’t just about retaining the championship—it was about standing tall against authority, proving his mettle as a dominant force in WWE. This high-stakes match remains a prime example of Reigns’ grit and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity.
