Reigns VS Del Rio was surprisingly watchable.

[MartialHorror]

I've always been of the opinion that Reigns is being pushed too hard, appearing in two title matches that he probably should not have appeared in because
-He loses.
- Fans will cheer him over the other face who was bound to win.
- He hasn't proven himself as a singles competitor.

When he works in a team like the shield, he excels because his limited moveset works as the climax. But in one on one matches, he has consistently bored me...his fight with Rusev nearly put me to sleep. Don't get me wrong, I do like him. It's just that if his matches aren't impressing me on TV, I'm concerned what it will be like when he headlines a PPV.

His opponent, Alberto del Rio, on the other hand is a more gifted in-ring technician...but bores me for about every other reason. He's a glorified jobber and not even the kind of jobber that Big Show is- where WWE won't let him win any major feuds, but are reluctant to have him lose cleanly. His personality and storylines just do nothing for me.

So when they revealed this match, I yawned. But I have to admit, it turned out to be surprisingly good. Alberto del Rio came off looking strong, even though you knew he would only win if Orton saved the day. But their styles blended together very well, there were some cool spots and it was relatively fast paced. It gave me hope that Reigns can carry the company...as long as they feed him the right opponents...and it even made me kind of interested in del Rio.

So I guess I have two topics. What did you think of the match? Has there ever been a match that you thought would be terrible, but ending up liking?

 

[Mustang Sally]

It gave me hope that Reigns can carry the company...as long as they feed him the right opponents...and it even made me kind of interested in del Rio.

At first thought, if Reigns can look good only against certain opponents, I have doubts he'll be the mega-star many predict. For sure, he's got the look, but he's going to have to step it up with his ring repertoire and mic work to have a shot at becoming the face of WWE. It's ironic that many folks who find John Cena's ring work to be repetitious and stagnant totally love what Reigns is doing. On the other hand, Reigns is young.....and if he can ever get to Cena's category as a ring worker, maybe he can someday become #1.

But I agree that the Reigns-ADR match was really good.....and the credit goes to Del Rio and his ability to carve out an entertaining contest with everyone he steps in the ring with. A good technical wrestler is adept at making his foe look good even as he sells his own offense.....and for all the criticism of ADR, he shines in that category. I would think the other wrestlers would prefer working with someone like Del Rio than sloppy workmen like Rusev or Ryback.

 

[MartialHorror]

At first thought, if Reigns can look good only against certain opponents, I have doubts he'll be the mega-star many predict..

It's hard to say, as guys like Hogan made it big despite technically being poor wrestlers. Then again, times have changed.

I still suspect that Reigns will burn out the audience if WWE isn't careful. Right now, he's almost too invincible...and the only thing good about a feud with Orton is that it will keep him away from the belt.

But yeah, those who criticize Cena for his limited moveset shouldn't be so generous with Reigns and his three moves.

 

[Fire Marshall Bill]

Anyone who bitches about a face's move set is an idiot. All face move sets are limited, repetitive and predictable. This is especially true for main event faces. It's the nature of being a face. They pull off signature moves at the right time to get the crowd amped. Anyone who says DB is limited is a moron. But if they can't admit his move set was repetitive, predictable and much more limited while he was on top, then they are just in denial. The majority of the time you'll see otherwise is on PPV, where matches get closer to 30 minutes.

Now, could Reign's move set be larger? Of course. But he's just starting out. Give him a break. He's been on his singles career for a few months. If there's one thing I wish people around here would have more of, it's patience. Lack of it is the basis for most of the threads on this site.

 

[shafe_41]

Why would you yawn? Oh that's right... you're a typical WWE "fan" who thinks everything they do is crap yet you still watch anyway. Reigns has been in the big time for how long now? Less than two years... and pushed on his own for less than three months? And you're already bitching about how boring he is in the ring? Del Rio is a fantastic in-ring wrestler. He doesn't really put on bad matches with anybody. Reigns included. Like Fire Marshall above me said... give the guy time. Both guys involved in said match you deem "surprisingly watchable," are fun to watch for different reasons. Why is it some sort of grand surprise that two PROFESSIONAL WRESTLERS can put on a good match together?

In three months, Reigns is going to be your favorite guy on the roster. And we will know it too because you'll probably make sure you put in your signature on your posts who your "Top 5" are right now and you'll want to make sure you're not following the crowd by making sure you don't put the WWE Champion as your favorite. Just watch...

 

[Softcore Holly]

Now, could Reign's move set be larger? Of course. But he's just starting out. Give him a break. He's been on his singles career for a few months. If there's one thing I wish people around here would have more of, it's patience. Lack of it is the basis for most of the threads on this site.

To be fair he would most likely get more breaks if he wasn't in the main event picture and the rumored favorite to win it all at WM31. If Reigns was in the lower card with say Fandango, Ziggler, Sandow, etc etc, then people wouldn't be all that critical over his small move set. But since he's supposed to be next in line for top dog, having a limited move set makes him look unworthy. In other words if WWE isn't treating him like a rookie than it's not surprising that their audience isn't either.

 

[laodaron]

Fandango, Ziggler, and Sandow all had very early shots at greatness in the WWE when they started and couldn't hack it. Every major superstar gets the chance to get to the top very early in their run with the company. So, once again, complaining about his moveset as a main event face makes no sense.

 

[Softcore Holly]

Fandango, Ziggler, and Sandow all had very early shots at greatness in the WWE when they started and couldn't hack it. Every major superstar gets the chance to get to the top very early in their run with the company. So, once again, complaining about his moveset as a main event face makes no sense.

I only used those names as 3 random midcarders off the top of my head, their individual shots is another topic altogether. (Although it's safe to say at least 2 out of the 3 didn't get anything remotely close to what Reigns is getting now) I'm just saying WWE is treating him like a main event star while people here are saying we should cut him slack like he's a rookie.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

It's ironic that many folks who find John Cena's ring work to be repetitious and stagnant totally love what Reigns is doing.

Just give it time. IF Roman Reigns is ultimately the one who'll take John Cena's place, it's just a matter of time before a good number of internet fans turn on him just as they did with Cena. Many of the usual complaints lodged with Cena will be transferred to Roman Reigns. Of course, those same "fans" would, most likely, continue to watch Reigns' segments, promos and matches on television despite proclamations as to how much he sucks.

The match was strong and, as I've said about Reigns, he's ultimately done a good job but the guy has yet to blow my socks off. He still has quite a ways to go before he can possibly be ready to fill John Cena's shoes. Essentially, he has to be able to do what he did with Del Rio last night on a consistent basis. Reigns has only been on his own as a singles wrestler for all of...what...5 or 6 weeks? Considering how over he's becoming with fans and that they're tuning in so they can see him do his thing, he's making good progress all in all.

It's much, much too soon for me to think of Reigns as Cena's successor but if I had to make a choice here & now as to whether I think it'd be him, I'd have to say no. Reigns isn't as strong or as comfortable as Cena is on the mic, he's still got a ways to go before he's on Cena's level in the ring. Despite what some say, Cena's had FAR too many great matches with FAR too many different opponents over the years to not be damn good. Reigns also doesn't strike me as being the very open, family friendly guy Cena is. I just don't see Reigns cracking corny jokes while trying to be "PG friendly."

As for the match itself, I wasn't at all surprised that it was so good. Whether you ever liked Del Rio's character or not, it can't be denied that he's one of the most consistent, high quality in-ring wrestlers on the WWE roster of the past decade. I agree that Del Rio was given too many bites at the apple as it pertains to being a main eventer because he just never connected with fans on the level someone in his spot should have, but that doesn't mean that he's not great in the ring.

 

[Anti-IWC-Marks]

Between people demanding that the consumer give Roman Reigns "time" to earn his push within the squared the circle and others making absolute declarations that Roman Reigns will be our favorite wrestler in five years.. this thread is full ridiculousness.

I agree that when I turned on Smackdown to watch some of it and fast forward through most, I saw "Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio" and also yawned.

Why? Because Del Rio is pretty much a failed experiment today. He's fine to hang around, but he's sadly sub-main event. Meanwhile, his character never had much depth to begin with. At least a John Cena can always represent the complete idealistic, "never give up" American attitutide, even if you find it cheesy, it's there, and it obviously works. And before anyone goes there, just because I don't hate Mr. Cena doesn't mean I love him.. if that's your mindset, you should step away from wrestling and play with some puppy dogs for a few weeks and then come back.

It takes absolutely no bias to say that Roman Reigns is very average in the ring, he's a proto-type guy who hasn't brought any new aspect to the game, even if it wasn't his idea. There's nothing wrong with that either, Hogan was average at best in the ring, he let his charisma carry him to the top. It's odd how fans of wrestlers feel their guy has to be the best in everything...

As far as waiting on Roman Reigns to be a great wrestler, sure I'll give him time. But until then, I'll wait until Reigns proves himself as guy who can bring it hard... I won't assume it's going to happen.

Who knows, it only takes one step into the dog house and you're Ryback 2.0.

BTW, I enjoyed Ryback's ascendence far more than I have Roman Reigns's... In my opinion, Ryback had more hyped up, insane charisma in his little finger than Roman Reigns's calm, serious, close-up-camera-dependant character.

 

[Concarne]

What? Del Rio's character was great when he started, Ricardo and stuff, he is fantastic in the ring, dat Enziguri, thing is they took away everything from his character, i was waiting the whole time for Ricardo to start wrestling so they form a tag team, but they wasted him on useless storyline with RVD, he needs a gimmick change thats for sure, idk something like cartel boss or macho.

 

[MartialHorror]

Anyone who bitches about a face's move set is an idiot. All face move sets are limited, repetitive and predictable. This is especially true for main event faces. It's the nature of being a face. They pull off signature moves at the right time to get the crowd amped. Anyone who says DB is limited is a moron. But if they can't admit his move set was repetitive, predictable and much more limited while he was on top, then they are just in denial. The majority of the time you'll see otherwise is on PPV, where matches get closer to 30 minutes.

Now, could Reign's move set be larger? Of course. But he's just starting out. Give him a break. He's been on his singles career for a few months. If there's one thing I wish people around here would have more of, it's patience. Lack of it is the basis for most of the threads on this site.

Ok, I tend to get these kinds of responses every time I criticize Roman Reigns, so please read every word and stop twisting my own claims in your attempts to make me a straw man.

- I am not criticizing Roman for a limited moveset. I'm criticizing the fact that his singles matches have been boring, partially because of his limited moveset. Steve Austin, primarily after his injury, couldn't do a significant amount and yet his matches usually entertained me. You point out DB- which I presume you mean Daniel Bryan even though I didn't bring him up at all- but he also has delivered many great matches.

- You say people lack patience when it comes to Reigns, but once again, you miss my point. I believe Reigns will get better. I think WWE is the one who needs patience with Reigns, as I believe it was a mistake to throw Reigns in the World Championship matches as he has yet to prove himself in singles competition and it makes him look like a loser since he lost both and has apparently given up to feud with Orton. Now by Wrestlemania 31, if that's still the plan, I'm sure he will be ready. Just not now.

Why would you yawn? Oh that's right... you're a typical WWE "fan" who thinks everything they do is crap yet you still watch anyway. Reigns has been in the big time for how long now? Less than two years... and pushed on his own for less than three months? And you're already bitching about how boring he is in the ring? Del Rio is a fantastic in-ring wrestler. He doesn't really put on bad matches with anybody. Reigns included. Like Fire Marshall above me said... give the guy time. Both guys involved in said match you deem "surprisingly watchable," are fun to watch for different reasons. Why is it some sort of grand surprise that two PROFESSIONAL WRESTLERS can put on a good match together?

In three months, Reigns is going to be your favorite guy on the roster. And we will know it too because you'll probably make sure you put in your signature on your posts who your "Top 5" are right now and you'll want to make sure you're not following the crowd by making sure you don't put the WWE Champion as your favorite. Just watch...

You're very presumptuous. I actually enjoy the majority of what the WWE does. In fact, as of late I've only had three major problems with the company.
- The fall of the Tag Team division.
- The inclusion of Reigns as a championship contender.
- The poorly written Bray Wyatt storylines.

Otherwise, whether I agree with something or not, I usually enjoy it. Although I usually do skip the Diva's matches, so I guess that counts as #4. You've apparently missed everything I've ever said about Roman Reigns, because I've always felt he was a proven tag team competitor. In the Shield matches, he was used as the climax and his three moves of doom were awesome. But that doesn't automatically translate to singles matches and I can't help it if I find his 1 on 1 matches to usually be boring. Of course, above everything, I AM A REIGNS FAN! That doesn't mean I feel the need to blow him for everything he does. I'm also a Big Show fan, but do I think he provides entertaining 20 minute matches? As for Del Rio, you're right. He is a good in-ring performer, but I just don't care for his character. It's hard to be invested in a match I don't care about.

 

[Pedigree1]

Considering what many have said about Reigns being the weak link as far as technical ability goes in the Shield,Reigns did a fantastic job on Smackdown.. If he is the guy,to take Cenas Top Spot,true he has a bit to go.. His In-ring Work still needs work,mic work especially needs work.. He sounds to me,still very robotic in his promo work..

The same fans who shit constantly on Cena,will be the same ones who shit on Reigns if he is to take over the top spot.. He has the Look no doubt there,but he is very young and has miles to go.. For as much shit as Cena gets,the man can flat out fucking wrestle.. Too many great matches to argue against..

Roman,has been on the single scene for all of 6 weeks at most now.. Give him time.. His match though,ADR deserves 90% of the credit,say what you will about him,he is without Daniel Bryan there,the best Technical wrestler on the roster.. ADR just for whatever reason could never connect with the Fans,they should have never ditched his aristocrat snobbish attitude.. Even Ricardo Helped him out on the Mic work..

Roman though,has got to learn at least IMO to lighten up a bit.. He is way too serious looking,and if he is to take the Top Spot,he has got to be family and kid friendly!

 

[MartialHorror]

They should probably pair Del Rio with Ricardo again. Rio isn't terrible on the mic, he's just outshined by the other main eventers.

Oddly, his Fathers Day commercial made me think he could be more interesting if he just played up his hamminess. It was so corny, but it was adorable and del Rio's line delivery was what made it. But whenever he talks on Raw or Smackdown, he seems too reserved.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

Anyone else think Reigns has lost or could use more muscle mass in his back, arms and chest?

He looks less jacked from when he started. I hope the road is not catching up with him.

Another terrific match from Del Rio and it was great to see Reigns keep up and add value. I can't get over how many times I start to tune out from matches and the wrestlers don't bring me back in until the end. Del Rio is a guy who will take those boring moments and pull off a counter or some offensive move that will pull me right back in on the action. Very similar to a guy like Bryan. Terrific psychology with the audience that way. Too bad Del Rio just doesn't have the charisma, look, voice, and nationality to carry him further. Maybe a different character would help. Oh well.

I guess this thread has more to do with judging where Reigns is right now. His look is terrific and I may be wrong in saying he could use more muscle. His voice may actually be his greatest strength. Like Hogan, The Rock, Cena, Stone Cold, HHH, etc. he sounds like a man. No nasal, no high pitch, no whine, no lisp. In ring it is still too hard to tell. They have protected him with multi man matches and some great opponents. Although I will say that my favorite moment of that match was when he was caught up side down in the corner and he quickly pulled himself up by his core and Del Rio missed the drop kick (I think it was a dropkick). Great timing and very creative from both guys. Anyway, too soon to tell on the ring work but I've enjoyed what he has done although that will not stop me from being skeptical like the OP. Then again, his ring work won't matter if he can start blowing us away on the mic. Then again I'm more concerned with his mic work then what he can do in the ring.

Time will tell. Regardless, it was a terrific main event. But I'm not that surprised when Del Rio is involved.

 

[MartialHorror]

hough I will say that my favorite moment of that match was when he was caught up side down in the corner and he quickly pulled himself up by his core and Del Rio missed the drop kick (I think it was a dropkick).

That was a great spot. I also loved when del Rio was on the turnbuckle and pulled Reigns arm over the top rope into a submission hold.

 

[4realpeoples]

So when they revealed this match, I yawned. But I have to admit, it turned out to be surprisingly good.

Most matches with Alberto Del Rio turn out to be good. Although his character has not gotten him over with the fans in quite some time the guy can go in the ring. I cannot think of a bad match he was in at the top of my head. So it's not really a surprise that the match was as good as it was.

Alberto del Rio came off looking strong, even though you knew he would only win if Orton saved the day. But their styles blended together very well, there were some cool spots and it was relatively fast paced. It gave me hope that Reigns can carry the company

Nobody is ready to take the spot of face of the company from John Cena yet. Nobody on the roster... yet. I'm not saying that Reigns is the guy that will do it but he may have potential but I wouldn't be placing any money on calling him the successor of Cena. Maybe someday Reigns is the next face alongside Hogan, Rock, Austin, Cena... but only time will tell who succeeds Cena. It's still too early to tell.

...as long as they feed him the right opponents...and it even made me kind of interested in del Rio.

He doesn't need the "right" opponents. What Reigns needs to do is make sure he connects with the audience and doesn't screw up. Reigns is popular with the audience but that may disappear over time (see Zack Ryder). If Reigns wants to remain popular and if the WWE wants him to be popular they need to keep Reigns looking strong and they need to help him be more comfortable with his promos. As an analagy... Reigns has all the tools to build a great house; all he needs to do is build a strong foundation.

So I guess I have two topics. What did you think of the match? Has there ever been a match that you thought would be terrible, but ending up liking?

The match to me was good. During some matches I get bored and check Facebook, play some Plants vs. Zombies, or log onto Simpsons: Tapped Out. This match was not like that and I watched it from start to finish. It was one of only two matches on SmackDown I actually fully invested into. So I'd say that the match was decent enough for me to actually get into and enjoy. As for other matches I thought would be terrible but turned out to be good? I have a list of a few matches but I don't want to dive into that topic right now.

 

[MartialHorror]

Most matches with Alberto Del Rio turn out to be good. Although his character has not gotten him over with the fans in quite some time the guy can go in the ring. I cannot think of a bad match he was in at the top of my head. So it's not really a surprise that the match was as good as it was.

I shall always remember Alberto Vs Kofi, which was so exciting that the crowd cheered "JBL!". But yeah, I can't think of any technical stinkers from him.

 

[bioshock]

Speaking of his limited move set, don't forget Cena had a larger move set during his first few years, and has really been limited since then. Part of the problem is I think they want to save something for a PPV match so they do more moves, but also to play it safe with the wrestler not doing a bunch of crazy moves that could go wrong but who knows.