Roman Reigns pays emotional tribute to Kobe Bryant on WWE Netflix debut in Lakertown with iconic Kobe 9s

Roman Reigns was crowned Tribal Chief on Monday Night RAW and paid a touching tribute to Kobe Bryant in an Instagram post after the show. WWE's debut on the streaming platform Netflix was broadcast from the Clippers's brand new Intuit Dome, a stone's throw away from where Kobe Bryant had played in his NBA career with the Lakers.

Roman Reigns prevailed in a Tribal Combat bout for the Ula Fala and the right to call himself the Tribal Chief. He secured the win by spearing Solo Sikoa three times in a heated contest that featured liberal use of the steel chair and the kendo stick. He was presented the coveted necklace by his cousin The Rock, who anointed him the leader of The Bloodline.

In the post-fight press conference, Reigns discussed honoring Bryant's legacy and explained his intention to auction off his ring-used Kobe 9s.

"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," Reigns said.

"It was, it was an honor to to have them painted up and to be able to do something a little bit different, especially on such a big stage. But I just wanted to be able to do a collaboration, do something a little different, show a different layer. But then ultimately, you know, we'll probably just auction these off and then donate them to the Children's Hospital."

When a WWE manager got fired for controversial joke on Kobe Bryant

While Kobe Bryant is a much-revered personality in WWE circles now, a tasteless joke at his expense once landed former WWE wrestler and manager A.W. (short for Abraham Washington) in hot water.

During a July 2012 Monday Night Raw clash between Kofi Kingston and Titus O'Neil, Washington - whose real name is Brian Bary Jossie - intended to hype up his client Titus O'Neil from the commentary table.

During his stint on the mic he yelled, "Titus O'Neil is like Kobe Bryant at a hotel in Colorado - HE'S UNSTOPPABLE!"

Abraham Washington's ill-advised attempt at humor reportedly referenced Bryant's sexual assault trial in Colorado in 2003. He later apologized for his inappropriate remark about the NBA champion. A.W. was released shortly afterward from his WWE contract.