Why isn't Roman Over?

At the end of last year WWE finally thought they had cracked the problem of getting Roman Reigns over.  He had just won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in Philadelphia and the crowd were 100% behind him.  This was an example of perfect booking.  Bringing back the tyrannical boss Mr McMahon and using an unpopular heel Champion in Shaemus meant that Roman couldn't fail. However unable to build any substantial momentum after the victory, Roman's star quickly started to fade in the eyes of many of the fans including myself. 

 

A few weeks ago on Raw Roman Reigns returned to Philadelphia for the first time since his championship win but this time the reaction was very different.  In fact it was more reminiscent of his Royal Rumble victory last year in the same city where he was met with a chorus of boos.  

Roman goes into this year's Wrestlemania as challenger to Triple H's World Title.  As Trips has been one of the biggest heels of the last two years as part of the authority one would expect Roman to have the support of the WWE Universe firmly behind him.  However there seems to be some sort of block there with many of the fans refusing to support him.  I actually used to like Roman but have quickly started to resent him but couldn't work out why. But a few nights ago while driving home in the early hours it dawned on my why I can't support him; I don't know who he is!...... And neither does he. 

What does Roman Reigns stand for?  What does he believe in?  What are his values?  I don't know any of this.  I don't hear any passion in his voice and I don't see any in his eyes. 

For years I have slated John Cena but the one thing I can't knock him for his passion and commitment to the business.  I sure know what he stands for, what his values are and what he believes in.  John Cena established his character pretty early in his career and despite fan pressure has been unwavering in his commitment to it ever since.  Roman however has flip-flopped in his personality.  One week he is too cool for school, the next he is a Samoan savage, the next he is telling stories about beanstalks! 

WWE clearly haven't assessed the strengths and weakness of their new prodigy.  If he tries to be funny it fails because of his lack of commitment and if he tries to be sarcastic he just comes across as a dick.  Reigns was over as part of The Shield because he was the powerhouse and left the talking to Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose.  After the split Roman's character should have pretty much stayed the same. In my personal opinion they should have gone the Goldberg route.  A character who simply exploded through his opponents with pure domination and without any smart ass quips or cool guy expressions.  Short matches, short promos, maximum impact!

That is my tip to WWE; just make him a straight forward ass kicking machine.  It hopefully isn't to late now but take away his microphone and for the love of God please don't ever let us see him cry again!!!!

AP

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