Opinion: Does Roman Reigns Need the Shield To Get Over?

#2 Counterpoint: Getting Overshadowed

Reigns doesn't always benefit from comparisons when standing right beside Ambrose and Rollins

On one hand, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins make Roman Reigns more popular by association, and particularly under The Shield banner, the trio has its fans. There is a reverse side to the scenario, however, which may actually hold back Reigns from reaching his full potential in terms of connecting with the fans.

In constantly being associated with Rollins and Ambrose, Reigns is subject to constant comparisons to the both of them.

Sure, Reigns is the signature big man of the group, but Rollins is deceptively strong, too, and since returning from injury, Ambrose is looking bigger and has incorporated more power moves into his repertoire.

While Reigns will probably remain the most physically imposing member of The Shield, he’s also probably never going to be better than the second best in-ring performer after Rollins (and it’s no foregone conclusion that he’s better than Ambrose).

Most importantly, Ambrose and Rollins have a core connection with hardcore fans from their days on the indies, and from being the workhorses of the group while Reigns was still learning his craft in the original Shield run.

As long as all three are inviting comparisons, Reigns will probably never win over a substantial portion of the WWE fan base.