5 Superstars who should replace Roman Reigns as the 'Face of WWE'

The Anoa'i family has provided wrestling fans with some of the greatest superstars to ever step inside of the squared circle. Athletes such as The Rock, Yokozuna, and Rikishi have created some of the most memorable moments ever in the history of sports entertainment.

So when another of the famed Samoan bloodline decided to venture into the world of pro graps, it only seemed natural that he'd enjoy the same level of respect and success that those who came before him did.

However, things have been a bit more complicated for Roman Reigns. Despite holding wins over John Cena and The Undertaker, the WWE Universe hasn't been as accepting of him as Vince and co. would probably like. He's failed to garner a following from the majority of fans and is routinely booed even though he often plays the babyface card.

Vince McMahon has an eye for creating talent and doesn't mind telling fans who he thinks we should be backing as the next big star. But even with a win over John Cena and having possibly retired The Undertaker, Reigns still hasn't caught on with the WWE Universe.

While some will argue that the final step to cement Roman's status as top-dog would be a decisive victory over Brock Lesnar, it's still worth hoping that WWE has a 'Plan B' in mind.

Some blame it on his wrestling ability, others point to his less-than-stellar promo skills, something that was easily hidden when he was the powerhouse enforcer of The Shield. And many others place the blame squarely on the shoulder of the upper brass, lamenting them for trying to make Reigns the future of the company while turning a deaf ear to wishes of the WWE Universe.

Let's explore a list of athletes who could potentially be the next big thing in WWE.

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#1 Charlotte Flair

Charlotte is one of the best if not the best woman wrestler in WWE

Who says THE GUY has to be A GUY? Notwithstanding her championship pedigree, Charlotte has proven to be a consummate performer time and again.

Her body of work inside the squared circle is second-to-none, and if ever a case was to be made for a Wrestlemania main event featuring female performers, there's no denying that Charlotte would be involved.

She can make the fans love her when they need to and hate her when they have to, which speaks to her ability to keep the fans invested in her character and storylines.

#2 AJ Styles

AJ Styles has previously been the 'top man' in a wrestling promotion

AJ Styles knows exactly what it means to be the cornerstone of a professional wrestling company. He was synonymous with TNA for more than a decade and was no stranger to the world title scene while there.

He made huge waves in Japan, at one point even becoming the leader of the infamous Bullet Club. And he made an immediate impact the moment he stepped through the curtain as the third entrant in the 2016 Royal Rumble.

With John Cena transitioning into a part-time role and fans not hopping aboard the Reigns train just yet, Styles could just be the new "Face that Runs the Place".

#3 Braun Strowman

Braun Strowman has destroyed opponents this year

Vince McMahon has always had a proclivity for larger-than-life athletes, and when it comes to such a breed of man, there's no one at the moment any bigger than Braun Strowman.

"The Monster Among Men" has only been with the WWE for a few years, but he's already won the approval of fans and has experienced a meteoric rise to the top, challenging the likes of Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship.

If you think Braun is just a machine built on destruction, he also has a fun and goofy side. Long before we first laid eyes on his black sheep persona in the Wyatt Family, he was dancing his way to the ring as one of Adam Rose's rosebuds.

#4 The Miz

The Miz may not have the athletic ability, but he does have everything else the WWE require

"The A-Lister" is no stranger to mainstream publicity. Having starred on MTV's The Real World and its countless spin-offs, as well as in several WWE-produced movies, The Miz is as comfortable on the red carpet as he is inside of the squared circle. He's already headlined Wrestlemania, having bested John Cena in their outing.

His style of wrestling has allowed him to stay relatively injury-free, meaning that he's able to spend more time on TV and less on the sidelines.

While some of the WWE Universe may not particularly care for his in-ring shenanigans, it goes without saying that a future Hall of Fame induction is in The Miz's future.

#5 Shinsuke Nakamura

Nakamura has become a firm fan favourite in the WWE

"The King of Strong Style" is one the of the most decorated athletes in the history of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and is the youngest wrestler to ever hold their world title.

He's one of only two Superstars to hold the coveted NXT Title more than once (the other being Samoa Joe) and he's destined to spend his main-roster career involved in the title picture of whichever brand he's affiliated with.

A performer that possesses a natural charisma akin to that of a pop icon like Michael Jackson, world-class athletic ability, and a presence that has captivated fans all across the world, is surely qualified to be the cornerstone of the WWE.