From the WWE Rumor Mill: Reason why WWE haven't changed their strategy with Roman Reigns
What's the story?
On a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, veteran pro wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer gave his thoughts on why WWE is going ahead with the same strategy to get Roman Reigns over with the fans, though it is apparent that the plan isn't working.
In case you didn’t know…
After WWE decided to break up the SHIELD by having Seth Rollins turn on his brothers, it was apparent to the fans that Roman Reigns was the one chosen to be the next face of the brand and many fans were seemingly unhappy with the decision.
Fan backlash became intensified after the debacle of the 2014 Royal Rumble, where the WWE Universe wanted Daniel Bryan to come out on top but had to settle for Roman Reigns as the winner of the 30-man Rumble match.
The heart of the matter
Since the past three years or so, fans have had various complaints about the Roman Reigns situation, but WWE have kept their decision intact. It seemed like WrestleMania 34 would be the coronation of The Big Dog as the top guy, but in a surprising move, Brock Lesnar went on to retain his Championship.
But it looks like WWE's strategy has not worked very well for Reigns, as he has been continuously booed since before WrestleMania and after it too. Now, Meltzer has speculated that the reason WWE haven't changed their strategy, is simply because they are unable to come up with a better one to get Reigns over with the fans. (Credit to Ringside News for the transcript).
“They’re trying to tell the story and I can’t believe it because they’ve been trying for a couple of months, but they’re still trying to tell the story that [Roman Reigns] is Daniel Bryan and management is screwing him over and that’s why he’s not the champion. But nobody buys it.”
He then went on to add that the people were supposed to actually believe what Reigns has been telling them - that the company is indeed favoring Brock Lesnar over him - but the fans clearly haven't changed their minds.
“They’re trying to figure out a way to get people to cheer him. We’re supposed to think that all these things that happened — the whole thing that they favor Brock Lesnar but it didn’t work. I guess for whatever reason even though it didn’t work nobody has a better idea so that’s what they’re going with.”
What's next?
It looks like Reigns will be getting yet another Universal Title shot, as his match against Lesnar at the Greatest Royal Rumble ended in controversial fashion.
Author's take
It is hard to believe that nobody in WWE is able to come up with a better plan to get Roman Reigns over. It is unfair to say that Reigns cannot wrestle, as he has proven time and again that he can put on great matches. What is required is a tweak in his gimmick and more character development. A change in ring attire and overall look might help too.