Wrestling is roaring back in 2025, and it’s bringing sneaker culture along for the wild ride. WWE’s Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has announced that he will donate his coveted custom red, black and white Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro sneakers, worn during the historic debut of Monday Night Raw on Netflix, to a children’s hospital.
Roman Reigns’ Feet Stole the Show (And We’re Not Mad About It)
The January 6th event at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome was a star-studded affair that united legends like The Rock, John Cena, and The Undertaker back to the ring. However, it was Roman Reigns who truly stole the spotlight, not just with his performance but also with his standout footwear: a beautiful, one-of-a-kind Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro custom designed by @CoesSneakers (Natanael Marrero).
Custom Kicks Fit for a Tribal Chief
The custom Kobe 9s, which has caused quite a buzz on social media platforms, feature a striking red knit upper with black and white accents—perfectly reflecting Reigns’ connection to The Bloodline (the iconic WWE storyline built around the legendary Anoaʻi family). Of course, the sneakers also feature personalized details. This includes Reigns’ logo and his iconic Superman punch pose in white on the front.
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Mamba Mentality
During the post-match press conference, Reigns expressed his admiration for the late Kobe Bryant (who debuted the Kobe 9 back in 2014), stating, “Everyone’s got such a deep respect for Kobe and what he brought to the game, and even more so, not just the game, but that mentality, that Mamba mentality.”
Roman Reigns Gives Back—One Custom Sneaker at a Time
He further revealed his plans for the exclusive custom sneakers after the event: “We’ll probably just auction these off and then donate [the proceeds] to the children’s hospital.” This beautiful gesture is in line with Reigns’ continued commitment to using his platform for positive impact.
As you can tell, Roman Reigns (a self-professed sneakerhead) embodies the spirit of a true champion both inside and outside the ring.
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Could this be the start of WWE stars flexing more heat in the ring, or is Roman Reigns just ahead with his sneaker game?
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