How WWE could book Roman Reigns to ensure he stays popular
Suddenly, Roman Reigns is a beloved, heroic babyface, having conquered an enemy far tougher than Brock Lesnar. When he announced that his leukemia was in remission and had returned to action, the response was thunderous. Finally, WWE has Roman Reigns in the role that the company has always wanted him to be in.
However, WWE reportedly expects fans to once again turn on Roman Reigns in the near future. That wouldn't be surprising, unfortunately, given the way that they routinely push people and their infamous inability to read a room.
Above all else, the company must avoid the perception that Roman Reigns is getting unfair opportunities at the expense of other fan favorites or up and coming superstars.
His recent cancer scare should also teach the company that it's an unwise decision to put all its eggs in one basket.
Nevertheless, WWE can book a triumphant, crowning moment for Roman Reigns with patience and some smart decisions, one which the company has always wanted him to have.
Here's how it could happen.
Step 1: Seth Rollins defeats Brock Lesnar
Roman Reigns' sudden, triumphant return shouldn't alter the course for WrestleMania 35. Seth Rollins needs to defeat Brock Lesnar and finally hit the much-needed reset button on the maligned Universal Championship.
There may be the real temptation to leave the title on Lesnar after WrestleMania now that Reigns is back, but this would be a catastrophic decision. The biggest problem (of many) on Raw is its lack of a top title, leaving the show drifting in a void that has sucked ratings dry. It cannot be tolerated any longer. Seth Rollins must hit the reset button at WrestleMania 35.
Frankly, the "Lesnar rub" has more than hit the point of diminishing returns. Most fans will just be relieved to see him permanently erased from the title picture. Seth Rollins winning the title would be a wise investment in another star aside from Reigns and Lesnar, helping to solve the main roster's chronic shortage of star power.
Above all, nobody wants to see a return to the Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns feud. That will guarantee the goodwill toward the latter sours, while Raw remains in a void as it plays out.
For the sake of himself, the show, and Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins must defeat Brock Lesnar on April 7th. This will be the first major test of the company as far as how Reigns will be treated by fans in the future.