Roman Reigns-Too much, too soon?

[d_henderson1810]

I have heard that Roman Reigns is now being talked about as the opponent for Triple H at "Wrestlemania XXX".

I have also heard a lot of gushing and hype about Roman Reigns, like he should have won the Rumble (if Bryan didn't), he is the new top guy, and that he is the one Cena will pass the baton to to main-event in the future.

I am not sold on Roman Reigns-solo that is. If Reigns competes against Triple H, it will be his first one-on-one match against anyone, and yet it will be at WMXXX. Wrestlemania is not a time to try an experiment like this.

I would like to see Roman Reigns be given a year as a solo performer first, before throwing him in the deep end. Let's see if he can sink or swim as a solo guy first.

What I would prefer at WMXXX is a Triple-Threat Match- Ambrose v Rollins v Reigns for the U.S. Title. Reigns should then win it, and have a run as U.S. Champ. Put him in a few PPVs as a solo performer, and have him beat a big name first (like a Randy Orton or Batista) on "Raw" or "Smackdown" or a PPV during this year. Give him an important feud against a top guy. If, by the time 2014 draws to a close, he is swimming along nicely, then build a Wrestlemania program for him. Don't throw him in the deep end and make him a star overnight.

What's the hurry? If Reigns is a star, then he will be a star if made to wait a year from now. Nothing is gained by fast-tracking this. How do we know he is even the right member of the Shield to push? Because he is big and because of his heritage? Come on! He should be at the top, because he has earnt it, not had it given to him.

I think that the WWE erred in how they set up the Shield's title runs. It should have been Roman Reigns who won the U.S. Title, and Ambrose and Rollins as the Tag-Team Champions. Ambrose is a mid-carder at best, whereas Reigns would have had six months as U.S. Champion already, and his progress could be assessed more. He would have got his solo matches, by defending the U.S. Title on PPV. But coming from being part of a stable, to fighting Triple H at Wrestlemania is a huge step, not one to be taken lightly.

Remember Wade Barrett? He was pushed into the main event four months after debuting with Nexus? Barrett had all the makings of a star, but was thrown in the deep end too early, and sank. Now his career is reduced to telling us bad news. He had the potential to be a killer heel and multi-time champion, but it won't happen now, because WWE gave him too much, too soon.

Alberto Del Rio is another example. He was fighting for the WWE Title at Wrestlemania six months after joining the WWE, and having proven nothing at that stage. He has never been well recieved as a result, maybe because it was felt he never EARNT his spot. Ditto with Sheamus, who won the title three months after debuting.

Alternatively, you accept guys like C.M. Punk and Daniel Bryan as champion. They were kept from the title until two or three years in.Why do you want Bryan as champ so much? Because you feel that he has EARNT it.He has PROVEN himself! If he was only in the company six months, would you be so vocal to put the WWE Title on him at Wrestlemania XXX?

I believe in keeping competitors hungry. Dangle the carrot, but only let them taste it down the track, after they have proven themselves. Reigns hasn't proven himself as a one-on-one guy yet, so let's test him first, Triple H take the year off Wrestlemania (doesn't he have enough to do), and have Reigns win the U.S. Title, and then show us what he has. If he is that good, then winning the Rumble and main-eventing Wrestlemania in twelve months, instead of now, will only enhance his standing and not cause the character to be "burnt out".

 

[ProWrestlingFan]

No I don't think its "too much, too soon". Shield debuted at Survivor Series 2012 so Reigns has been on the main roster for more than a year now Daniel Bryan won the Money in the Bank and the World Heavyweight title just under 1 year after debuting on the main roster. Look at guys like Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, Batista, Sheamus..all got big pushes at the start of their careers and they are big stars now.

And If WWE would have kept pushing Barrett and gave him the title during his Nexus run he would be a bonafide main-eventor now, he had all the momentum and was over with the fans but they didn't and whats Wade Barrett doing now? Playing a mid-card comedy gimmick and probably won't be main eventing in the future anytime soon.

Reigns has been a part of the most dominating group of the modern era since Evolution and I think when Shield splits he should get the singles babyface World title push like Batista got.

 

[Hard Hit Prince]

What exactly did he accomplish to be considered "too much"? He is in the company for over a year now and he is a one time WWE Tag Team Champion with Seth Rollins. His first WrestleMania match, it's a given it had big stars in them and they went over, but it was a filler so his moment in a big stage was nothing to even remember.

He broke Kane's record, which is fine given that he's being booked as a beast kind of wrestler. He isn't anywhere near a rivalry for the top championship, as he needs to at least break up with The Shield and go on to a solid uppercard feud and maybe, by SummerSlam he can be a Mr. Money In The Bank (hope not) or one serious contender for the world championship. If anything Roman Reigns booking has been one of the most interesting stuff put out by WWE in the past months. It doesn't feel as forced as Ryback's initial push for instance. Also, we don't know if Roman Reigns will be able to get over as a singles star and specially as a babyface. He has been properly booked so no reasons at all to complain.

 

[Darkshadow1234]

I feel the same way at d_henderson1810. They pushing him way too fast, just like a majority of other superstars before their ready.
IWC overrate alot of these wrestlers. Like Roman, bray, fandango and others.
I'm not a fan bray watt. IMO he is one of the worst wrestlers on the roster. And he is mediocre at best.

Reigns is a decent wrestler. But he hasn't broke away from the shield. And came up with his own persona. Let him breath and build.


There is no rush. Like it happen naturally. Build him up first. Like in the old days.
Start from the bottom. Then work your way up.
Too many superstars fail for being pushed way too fast. Example: ryback, bobby lashley, lesnar(left the company after 2 years in the company), fandango, wade and others.

My point is. Slow it down.
Let it happen naturally.
Build him up first.

Pushing someone fast. Doesn't always guaranteed results. IJS.

Whatever happen to building a superstar???

 

[Nate DaMac]

I actually agree with the OP for the most part. Not because he didn't earn it or any other marky bullshit, but because I don't think he's ring ready for a major PPV singles match yet. He has a great offensive moveset but that is only a small part of what it takes. He hasn't had to sell very often as he's usually in multi man matches where he is kept looking strong. He's not going to look overly strong in a match with Triple H (see Lesnar, Brock) so sending him into that situation could be a real detriment to his growth. He's better off starting his singles push against mid carders in 10-15 minute matches, don't send him into the 25-30 minute matches yet.

 

[Zu11y]

If Reigns competes against Triple H, it will be his first one-on-one match against anyone.

Hes actually had a one on one with cm punk in a pretty solid match, but i still agree, he needs time to develop yet, there are much more deserving pushes such as dolph, the usos and maybe titus.

 

[Sheamus' Suntan]

So I'll be the one then....

Reigns is, by far, and has been for the past 6 months now, one of the most entertaining parts of raw. He and the shield have been fantastic. He has had several decent matches and I'm sorry, but if you can book Jericho vs fandango for a match at mania, you can book hhh vs reigns. At least there should be a similar disposition in terms of chemistry.

Also, OP, I think you're a little blinded by the fact that all 3 have been pushed almost equally. Ambrose - 5th longest US title reign ever. Rollins - survived over 30 mins in the rumble, had amazing matches with punk and cena, back to back on raw and SD. Reigns - broke Kane's record and was runner up at rumble.

The three all have taken big career defining moments this year and it'd be foolish to think WWE isn't pushing all 3 members of the shield into a big singles career. In the future I see ambrose taking a role similar to Orton. A career heel (Orton flopped as a face) and multiple time world champ. Rollins will be like a drug free Jeff hardy and reigns will be the "new" next big thing.

I guarantee all 3 have a huge future and being honest, WWE are onto something by giving them all a major push. You don't need to slow burn talent anymore. The modern crowd has little attention span for that. Besides. A match against hhh...is hardly giving reigns a world title match at mania...

 

[enviousdominous]

What I would prefer at WMXXX is a Triple-Threat Match- Ambrose v Rollins v Reigns for the U.S. Title. Reigns should then win it, and have a run as U.S. Champ. Put him in a few PPVs as a solo performer, and have him beat a big name first (like a Randy Orton or Batista) on "Raw" or "Smackdown" or a PPV during this year. Give him an important feud against a top guy. If, by the time 2014 draws to a close, he is swimming along nicely, then build a Wrestlemania program for him. Don't throw him in the deep end and make him a star overnight.

What I assume is happening is that the WWE brass recognizes that they have a guy who is somewhat over with the crowd and also is home-grown with the last name of Anoa'i. It would probably be better to give him a good year to cut his teeth in the mid-card, but I believe that the WWE is trying to make him play catch-up to other rising stars so he can run the main-card around the time that Cena bows out.

I think that the WWE erred in how they set up the Shield's title runs. It should have been Roman Reigns who won the U.S. Title, and Ambrose and Rollins as the Tag-Team Champions. Ambrose is a mid-carder at best, whereas Reigns would have had six months as U.S. Champion already, and his progress could be assessed more. He would have got his solo matches, by defending the U.S. Title on PPV. But coming from being part of a stable, to fighting Triple H at Wrestlemania is a huge step, not one to be taken lightly.

I think the big question is whether or not Kofi would have been willing to lose the US title to a green horn like Reigns. I realize that it's not always up to them, but I'm of the belief that Kofi vs Ambrose was a better match than Kofi vs Reigns would have been. Given that the WWE has become enamored with Reigns as a singles competitor, it would have been a better idea in hindsight. No matter what your opinion of him may be, Ambrose has a bigger resume of more potent accolades than any other member of The Shield and most of the WWE roster for that matter.

Remember Wade Barrett? He was pushed into the main event four months after debuting with Nexus? Barrett had all the makings of a star, but was thrown in the deep end too early, and sank. Now his career is reduced to telling us bad news. He had the potential to be a killer heel and multi-time champion, but it won't happen now, because WWE gave him too much, too soon.

I think Wade's push was wrecked more by the WWE's mishandling of his character and less due to his inability to hang with the big dogs. Wade shouldn't have needed an infectious catchphrase or a high-spot finisher to earn his way into the top-card, but he needed something like those things to have any kind of staying power at the top. If you couldn't take the spot-light away from Cena and Orton, you were finished before you even got started. Not to mention the fact that Vince was way the Hell into Miz at the time, and Miz could only stay on top if he was going to share the main event with Cena.

I wouldn't compare Wade to Reigns too much, I think that there were more unfortunate factors beyond Wade's control when there was any hint that he might be their next top heel. Right now the WWE seems to realize that John Cena should probably not be given the main event for EVERY WWE event.

Alberto Del Rio is another example. He was fighting for the WWE Title at Wrestlemania six months after joining the WWE, and having proven nothing at that stage. He has never been well recieved as a result, maybe because it was felt he never EARNT his spot. Ditto with Sheamus, who won the title three months after debuting.

I agree completely that Berto was pushed too far too soon. He's one of HHH's boys, as is Sheamus, so go figure that they were pushed to the stars before they had a chance to be taken seriously. I have to disagree slightly with the comparison, just trying to keep the debate going. Del Rio's finishing move is an armbar, his special move is a super-kick to a conveniently kneeling opponent. They're not nearly as impressive as the superman punch and the spear. I think Sheamus' staying power is note-worthy, I see a lot more people mark out for him at live events than they do for Del Rio, which really isn't saying much.

Alternatively, you accept guys like C.M. Punk and Daniel Bryan as champion. They were kept from the title until two or three years in.Why do you want Bryan as champ so much? Because you feel that he has EARNT it.He has PROVEN himself! If he was only in the company six months, would you be so vocal to put the WWE Title on him at Wrestlemania XXX?

I'm of the belief that Daniel Bryan wouldn't have accepted a run as champion if it was only a few months after his exposure on NXT. After giving years of his blood and soul to ROH he allowed Austin Aries to beat him clean three times in a row, I think he's as concerned about continuity as you are. Good example though, if Reigns had more time to bond with the crowd it could only enhance the potential of a title run for him.

I believe in keeping competitors hungry. Dangle the carrot, but only let them taste it down the track, after they have proven themselves. Reigns hasn't proven himself as a one-on-one guy yet, so let's test him first, Triple H take the year off Wrestlemania (doesn't he have enough to do), and have Reigns win the U.S. Title, and then show us what he has. If he is that good, then winning the Rumble and main-eventing Wrestlemania in twelve months, instead of now, will only enhance his standing and not cause the character to be "burnt out".

I agree 100%; the best champions in my opinion were the ones who gave the crowd the impression that their chants and demands were answered, I also doubt that HHH recognizes just how little a match with him really means in the long run. Sure, he's playing the over-bearing authoritarian now and I suppose the crowd might dig seeing Reigns put on a barn burner against him. Even then, HHH's spots look older than he does and beating him doesn't carry the same level of pride that it did back in 2002.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I can't really see how it's "too much, too soon" when you consider that Reigns, in the grand scheme of things, hasn't done a whole helluva lot to distinguish himself as being "better" than the other members of the group. Sure, he eliminated most of the opposing team at Survivor Series and has the most eliminations of any single Royal Rumble match. But I haven't seen them do anything with Reigns suggesting that he's "the next big thing" or whatever buzz term you wanna throw out there.

When I look at The Shield as a group, I don't see that any of them have really set the bar of excellence above the others. I mean that in a good way because all three have been excellent in their respective roles. There are all sorts of reports on how high officials are on Reigns and all that, which probably have a good deal of truth to them, but he hasn't been elevated so much that people are saying that he no longer needs The Shield or that Ambrose & Rollins are dead weight dragging him down. My only complaint about the whole aspect of the group is that WWE hasn't had Dean Ambrose defend the US title in over 3 months, but that's got to do with management instead of any shortcomings with Ambrose's abilities. I'm a fan of all three Shield members and I think they all have the potential to be top singles stars.

A prime example of too much, too soon, in my opinion, would be the Brock Lesnar push of 2002. It didn't seem like it at the time and I know hindsight is always 20/20, but that's how it turned out to be. Lesnar won his first WWE Championship, if I'm not mistaken 3 months to the day he debuted on WWE television. It did seem as though it was justified at the time, given Lesnar's ability and how over he was, but he was gone about 18 months later. If WWE puts the title on Reigns in a month or so after he's on his own, without really being given time to establish himself on his own, then I MIGHT be able to go with the idea of it being too much, too soon.

 

[THTRobtaylor]

It seems to me they have learned a bit... This situation is exactly the same as Nash back in 94... he had a massive short push and got the belt far too quickly. We hadn't had time to get used to him, much less comfortable as a face and suddenly he was carrying the company.

WWE WILL push Reigns to the World title, his relationship to The Rock guarantees it so they can get a match between them. But I think they are smart enough now to realise him actually dominating his way there won't work.. he'll need to lose some matches along the way to big names like Triple H, Taker, maybe even Jericho before he is "ready". By working with all these guys on the way, he will be far better equipped than Nash (or indeed Brock) were. He can easily hold the US title for a year and have that as his major push and it be adequate for now.

The danger is if they are leading him to believe he will get the "rocket to the moon", he should be very wary as they rarely if ever have worked... he need only ask the several family members who got them...2 of them aren't around anymore sadly (Yoko and Umaga) so hopefully Rock is advising him well.

 

[kumarjtk]

Roman Reigns debuts in survivor series 2012. Now he is 16 months run in wwe. Its enough for his main event push. Sheamus and del rio are debuted as a main eventers. Batista also fued with HHH after he split from evolution at that time he is a one time tag team champion. RR similar to batista. So its not too much or sooner.

If he fights against HHH then he became a main eventer and top face. Win or loss is not important for Reigns. Its good for his main event push.

Right now wwe heavily thinks daniel bryan push bcoz of punk walk out. The only solution is put bryan in wwe Title at wm. So put reigns in daniel bryan spot against hhh is good move.

 

[b50willis]

I have to admit that i definitely prefer the slow burn for the build of guys sending guys to the top too quick seems to send them back to the mid card just as fast. What they are doing with Bryan should to a certain extent be the blue print for building baby faces, stringing out fan favourites just gets them more over and over every week.

Austin and Rocky were built that way as was Golderg and now Daniel Bryan even Cena to begin with thats how the biggest stars are built historically.

 

[Mongoose McQueen]

Nope. Roman Reigns is the future of the WWE. The WWE are in desperate need of another top face and why not Reigns? facing a top guy like Triple H will elevate him considerably if HHH puts him over.

 

[JoeFromTomsRiver]

Considering the how many guys they've hot-shotted into main event feuds within a few months of their debut over the past few years (Sheamus, Del Rio, Ryback, as someone else already pointed out), I don't see how Reigns can even be considered being in the "too much too soon" category.

The Shield debuted well over a year ago and he hasn't even broken off on his own yet. And when he breaks out, we don't even know what they're going to do with him. Everyone thinks its a foregone conclusion that he will be WWE champ before the year is out, and I tend to agree. But "too much too soon"? Not by recent standards.

 

[Mustang Sally]

If anything, Reigns' split from the Shield is taking longer than it should, probably because Creative needs to time the event to WM30, which was too far in the future at the time they decided Reigns was going to be the one to make a significant impact as a single.

Not that it hasn't been entertaining; this byplay between Reigns and Dean Ambrose has been fun to watch.....that business last week with Reigns handing the finishing sequence of their match to Ambrose rather than waiting for Dean to take it from him, was terrific. When the ultimate split comes, it's going to be really something.

Still, if they want Roman to get underway as a single, the Shield blow-up has to occur before WM, I would think. To get it done, WWE has a two-pronged program to get through......and for that to happen, Roman Reigns has to make his move.

It's not too much.....it's not too soon.....in fact, it seems to be developing too slowly due to timing issues with WM30.

 

[SinCityBlitz]

If anything, Reigns' split from the Shield is taking longer than it should, probably because Creative needs to time the event to WM30, which was too far in the future at the time they decided Reigns was going to be the one to make a significant impact as a single.

Not that it hasn't been entertaining; this byplay between Reigns and Dean Ambrose has been fun to watch.....that business last week with Reigns handing the finishing sequence of their match to Ambrose rather than waiting for Dean to take it from him, was terrific. When the ultimate split comes, it's going to be really something.

Still, if they want Roman to get underway as a single, the Shield blow-up has to occur before WM, I would think. To get it done, WWE has a two-pronged program to get through......and for that to happen, Roman Reigns has to make his move.

It's not too much.....it's not too soon.....in fact, it seems to be developing too slowly due to timing issues with WM30.

I couldn't agree with this more.

Like you said the Roman's face turn needs to happen before Mania because that is going to be his launching pad. A clean win over Hunter and he is off. I think turning him at the EC is the prefect scenario. It gives them enough time to build up a match for WM.

 

[Reflection]

Not at all... "Too far, too soon" would be applicable for wrestlers like Alberto Del Rio and Sheamus, who were handed the WWE Championship before they could fully exhibit their abilities or faced actual main event superstars; and also for Ryback, who was put into the WWE title picture much earlier than he should have been.
Roman Reigns on the other hand, is quite popular among the fans as a badass, having powerbombed, speared and superman punched many top main eventers and part timers, and also eliminating 12 superstars in the Royal Rumble match. However, the only title he has held so far is the tag team title, and it doesn't seem like there are any plans to promote him to the WWE/WHC picture in the near future. Never for a moment, he feels like someone that is being shoved down my throat. Instead, he comes off as someone that has risen from the shadow of his more popular teammates and has become the most prominent face of the team right now, and a genuine future star that WWE can count on.

 

[Logisticalbooker86]

I have to agree with Smark Madden here. In addition, a portion of the audience is so antsy to see new faces in the main event that there has never been a better time to strap a rocket on someone's back and see how far they can fly.

Creative just needs to make sure it is the right person. Once the Roman Reigns push truly gets hot, do NOT cut his legs out like they have done to other performers as of late. Reigns is not Ryback, and he can be a legitimate main eventer for a long time.

 

[ASKane]

Roman Reigns has had 15 months on the main roster has had a good run as a tag team wrestler as well as having a win over Punk and DQ loss to Bryan in 15+ minute Raw main events. He has beaten Henry at a stage in his career where he rarely losses. He has good wrestling abilities and just needs a good face singles run with the US title to get him ready for the main event scene. I would do this by letting him win the title off Ambrose in a Shield member triple threat at Mania and then win the MITB while still US champ and have him lose the US title in a multi man match where he isn't pinned and cash in on the same PPV and have a good run with the title or keep the US title plans and have him win the Rumble instead

 

[d_henderson1810]

People here are saying that Reigns has been around 16 months, so it's time. But so have Ambrose and Rollins. They debuted the same night, and have been inseperable for those sixteen months. Yet Ambrose nor Rollins are being talked about the same way.

I actually think Seth Rollins has just as much to offer as Roman Reigns. Someone here said that he could be a "clean version of Jeff Hardy". Well, Jeff Hardy was white-hot over before he left WWE.

I could see Rollins being as big as Reigns. Reigns gets the advantage because of size and heritage, but Rollins puts on better matches for mine, and could build a real fanbase. I can see the same people who enjoy Punk and Bryan's matches appreciating Rollins' work as well.

I would like to see Reigns fight solo for a while first. Let's see if he has it. Like I said, if he is a star, you can wait a year, and he will still be able to star. In fact, push all three individually, and let's see what they offer.

 

[JoeFromTomsRiver]

I actually think Seth Rollins has just as much to offer as Roman Reigns. Someone here said that he could be a "clean version of Jeff Hardy". Well, Jeff Hardy was white-hot over before he left WWE.

I could see Rollins being as big as Reigns. Reigns gets the advantage because of size and heritage, but Rollins puts on better matches for mine, and could build a real fanbase. I can see the same people who enjoy Punk and Bryan's matches appreciating Rollins' work as well.

Listen, it comes down to the thing some wrestling fans get all worked up about, and its size/overall appearance. Some fans almost hold it against someone if they're big, thinking that they have an unfair advantage or something, so they put their support behind a small guy who has busted his ass more.

Reigns looks like a guy that you would want on your side and not want to make an enemy of. I'm sure Rollins can hold his own, and I'll never question what someone is capable of in a real fight, & he might kick Reigns' ass in a shoot for all I know.

But Reigns looks the part. Rollins is a better worker, but he better be at his size. Reigns has the overall package (needs some more help w/ mic work but getting better) that the WWE looks for, and I can't fault them for ranking him ahead of his Shield teammates.