There's nobody in the WWE today that receives more criticism, more hate or abuse than Roman Reigns does.
Despite all of that, Joe Anoa'i is here to be a mainstay in the WWE for years to come. Vince McMahon and his subordinates will always do what they feel is 'best for business' and that includes who they deem fit to be the company’s top babyface.
Roman Reigns is the chosen one of this generation, and he's been chosen to be the babyface.
Many fans cry and pull tantrums over the fact that the WWE has chosen one of their own to be the top guy, over more 'respected' Indy guys. They dub him as a John Cena 2.0, but the Samoan is completely different to the 15-time World Champion.
Just like Cena, the fans want Reigns to turn heel so they can cheer him, but like Vince I look at the long-term future of the business and see Reigns as a successful babyface.
Here are 5 reasons why the WWE should continue to push Roman Reigns as a babyface.
#5 Time is on his side
If you don't think Roman Reigns has improved as a sports entertainer over the past two years, you're letting hate cloud your judgement. Not only has Reigns improved in terms of his wrestling ability, he's delivered in big-time spots on major PPVs.
It takes more than just wrestling ability to be in the main event, superstars must have the star power, the ring psychology, intensity and impactful execution.
Also read: 5 reasons why people hate Roman Reigns and boo him
Lest we forget, the Samoan is only 31 years old, he easily has another decade in him at the top level. To turn him heel now after investing so much time and effort into him, would be a waste of potential and past booking decisions.
Reigns' best days in a WWE ring are ahead of him, in contrast to the current top guys in the company. We as fans just need to let him fully grow into this pivotal role. He's already mastered the craft of being a top babyface, now let him become a great one.
#4 You don’t have to be a good wrestler to be a good face
Look at Hogan and Austin, the two biggest names in professional wrestling. Perhaps the two most loved babyfaces in history, they weren’t particularly technical wrestlers. Many of Reigns’ detractors highlight his lack of wrestling ability as to why he ‘sucks’ but many of the greats have never been outstanding wrestlers.
Wrestling isn't the sole focus of the product anyway. Vince has always gone out of his way to highlight how important the E in WWE is. It’s the most important and prominent aspect of the company today.
If you look back at the matches of Austin, Hogan and the Rock, they relied more on fan participation and signature moves than any special wrestling ability. This is why Roman Reigns still has a bright future as a WWE babyface.
#3 He’s got the look
Whether you agree with it or not, Roman Reigns has the look and presence of a WWE star attraction. In the land of the giants, a 6’3” 265 lb Samoan is nothing short of a top guy. The gear, the physique, the tattoos all create an aura of intrigue for the masses. He carries himself with an assured confidence that draws all eyes onto him.
Over the years, Vince has been accused of possessing an obsession with his bodybuilder-type top stars. But to be fair to him, he has good reason to fantasise over this body type, the American public loves it.
From a PR perspective, everybody knows that the female demographic is usually the target audience that spends the most money on merchandise. If a superstar can appeal to them, then they’re set to have a profitable career.
Roman Reigns, whether you think he can wrestle or not, fits that mould.
#2 Vince’s instincts are right 99% of the time
When I see fans on the internet label Mr McMahon as a 'clueless old man,' I can't help but shake my head. This is the man that put wrestling on the map as one of the most popular shows on the planet.
Never forget how many stars the Chairman has created over the years, he knows star potential when he sees it.
Names like Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, John Cena, The Undertaker & Shawn Michaels are all the handiwork of Vince McMahon himself, arguably the biggest names in pop culture have all been created by the Boss. If he thinks Roman Reigns can work as a babyface, then he can work as a babyface.
#1 John Cena proves the formula works
This formula is already tried and tested. Trust Vince, he knows what he's doing.
For as much as the Cenation leader has been booed out of buildings across the world, he's also made the company more money than anyone else this century. Positive crowd reactions do not have a positive correlation to drawing power or profitability.
Cena's been booed for close to a decade now but Vince hasn't even considered the possibility of turning him into a heel, why? Because he could hear the dollar signs over the boos.
It even got to the point where 'Cena Sucks' shirts were being sold at WWE live events, even the haters contributed to the market value of Cena, the same way they will make Reigns a central piece of each show.
It's time to accept that the traditional “everybody cheers babyface” rhetoric exists no more.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
