5 Reasons AJ Styles Can Fill In For Roman Reigns

Both Roman Reigns and AJ Styles are, beyond the shadow of a doubt, among the very best sports-entertainers of this era. In fact, despite their respective paths to the top of the food chain being drastically different from one another, the duo have both firmly cemented themselves as reliable 'company guys' for the WWE.

AJ Styles has held the WWE Championship since late-2017 and is the longest-reigning WWE Champion in the history of SmackDown Live. On the other hand, Roman Reigns finally fulfilled his dream of winning the WWE Universal Title; capturing the red brand's top prize by defeating Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam 2018.

Considering the highly-emotional announcement Reigns made on this week's episode of Monday Night RAW -- going public with his long-running battle against leukemia, due to which he had to relinquish his WWE Universal Championship -- it's no secret that the company presently finds itself in a tough spot, whereby it has to find another top Superstar who could possibly fill in for The Big Dog.

That's where AJ Styles fits in perfectly. Today, we are going to be looking at some of the most practical reasons why AJ Styles can step into the shoes of Roman Reigns, at least until the latter returns to the WWE...

#5 Sensitive storyline

AJ Styles has the poise to play the protagonist in a sensitive storyline

Roman Reigns, or rather should I say Joe Anoa'i, departing from the WWE in order to engage in a real-life battle with leukemia, is undoubtedly a harsh truth that descended upon the WWE Universe as well as all of the professional wrestling world as though it were a tidal wave of sorrow, shock and despair. While we, as WWE fans, have grown accustomed to several funny, outrageous, hard-hitting, strange and every other sort of storyline; Reigns now finds himself in a life and death situation, and the need of the hour is common decency and sensitivity.

Given how masterfully the WWE handled Reigns breaking the news to the WWE Universe (kudos to Reigns for his excellent promo!), all signs point towards the promotion presenting future storylines connected to Reigns with the utmost respect. Considering that, an experienced performer like AJ Styles would be the WWE's best bet to assume Reigns' role as the face of the company -- be it on RAW or SmackDown...Styles is one of the rare people from the current crop who has the poise to play the protagonist in a sensitive storyline...

#4 Phenomenal wrestler

Perhaps the most logical and obvious reason we shall discuss today is the fact that AJ Styles being the phenomenal wrestler that he is, in and of itself, makes him the perfect candidate to step into the big shoes left behind by The Big Dog. Styles has been hailed by the vast majority of the professional wrestling community -- almost everyone right from the fans to the experts -- as one of the greatest professional wrestling performers of all time.

Now, granted that Styles currently holds the WWE Championship, and performs on the SmackDown Live brand, the fact that Monday Night RAW has been hit by the sudden departure of its top Superstar -- The Guy on RAW -- WWE boss Vince McMahon would most definitely be scouting the SmackDown brand, for one or more elite performers who could come over and help RAW deal with the ongoing crisis. Styles possesses a style of in-ring action that meshes well with any and every pro-wrestler who's even halfway decent in the ring.

While Reigns' powerhouse style shall be missed in the days to come, Styles' style (no pun intended) which is the perfect combination of power manoeuvres and aerial spots, shall act as a great alternative for the new face of RAW in the days to come...

#3 Passionate promos

Roman Reigns cut one of the greatest professional wrestling promos of all time as part of his heartfelt speech this week on Monday Night RAW. It was that very passion and sincerity which has subsequently resulted in his aforesaid promo going on to become one of the most talked about occurrences in the world of sports and entertainment right now. 'Passion' is a funny term though since in this day and age you could find good wrestlers in every single decent pro-wrestling company, but a star who can cut even a halfway decent promo is incredibly hard to find!

Bear in mind that despite all the hate and boos he received over the past few years that he's been on the throne of WWE, Roman Reigns put all his passion and efforts into his promos -- communicating with the fans irrespective of whether they cheered or booed him. A man of passion. A man of honour. So very hard to find in this day and age of work-rate fanatics.

AJ Styles is one of the rare performers in the industry today, who can go toe to toe with someone as passionate as Reigns on the mic. Granted that neither Styles nor Reigns are as slick as someone like a John Cena or The Rock on the mic, yet the sheer passion both Styles and Reigns pour into their words proves their devotion and commitment to this business. The WWE could easily have Styles come over to RAW, and have The Phenomenal One featured in the myriad of promos and opening segments on the red brand which Reigns used to handle since 2015...

#2 Beloved Superstar

AJ Styles is one of the most beloved WWE Superstars today

Let's face it, despite certain sections of the fans and industry pundits time and again criticizing Roman Reigns for the opportunities the latter has received over the years in the WWE, the numbers don't lie. The Big Dog has consistently proven to be a top merchandise-seller for the company.

Furthermore, Reigns is one of the most recognizable faces from the WWE, not only in the West, but also in countries such as India, Japan, Italy, and so on and so forth -- In other words, regardless of what his 'haters' may say, The Big Dog is a successful global brand!

More importantly though, Reigns is one of the most beloved Superstars in the WWE Universe, particularly when you are to examine the casual professional wrestling fan-base. Now, with Reigns' sudden hiatus from the WWE, names such as Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman have begun being pitched to act as the new face of the company -- And while those Superstars may very well be deserving of the spot as The Guy in WWE, having someone as universally beloved as AJ Styles fill in for Roman Reigns would be the safest decision for the WWE from this point moving forward...

#1 The X-Factor

Both Reigns and Styles have that X Factor

Once upon a time, in a land far far away, was born a company which eventually came to be known as TNA. While that company was expected by many of its detractors to be nothing more than a cheap WCW ripoff, a certain Phenomenal One carried the entire company on his shoulders for several years. Before SmackDwon Live became "the house that AJ Styles built", it was TNA (now--Impact Wrestling) which was the original house that AJ Styles built.

Moreover, after parting ways with TNA in 2013, Styles went on to achieve continual success in promotions all over the world, including NJPW. Perhaps the biggest takeaway from all these facts is that Styles has proven to be a success no matter which banner he wrestles under.

Expounding upon the same, it wouldn't be hyperbole to state that Styles has that coveted "X-Factor" -- something that oh so many people crave, so very desperately. The reigning WWE Champion was born to be a star and has that 'IT' Factor, the X-Factor, that certain intangible which makes people want to tune in to shows/events where he performs.

Roman Reigns has been gifted with the X-Factor as well -- something he, rather unintentionally, addressed in his emotional promo on RAW -- alluding that the WWE Universe gave him a reaction, be it positive or negative, and that's what counts. Similarly, AJ Styles time and again draws thunderous reactions from the WWE Universe, and roping in Styles to help fill the 6'3" void left by Roman Reigns, is the perfect plan going forward.

Do you think WWE should present AJ Styles as the new face of the company, in light of Roman Reigns going on hiatus? Sound off in the comments!

Edited by Anirban Banerjee