Seth Rollins Credits WWE’s Pandemic Era For Roman Reigns’ Industry-Changing Heel Turn

Seth Rollins, Jon Moxley and Roman Reigns were a dominant force together in WWE as The Shield. But in the years since, Roman Reigns has become the face of the company. In a recent interview, Rollins shared his belief that both Reigns’ storyline and character came from an unexpected place.

“He really found his groove being ‘The Tribal Chief,’ this mob boss character.” Rollins said on Logan Paul’s podcast “Impaulsive.” Rollins said that Reigns was still very much learning during his time in their famed trio. As a result, post-Shield Reigns struggled to find an identity with Rollins citing Reigns’s lack of experience for his initial floundering in his singles career.

“One of the things that 2020 and 2021 gave us as an organization was an opportunity to do things we may not normally do,” Rollins explained, “because no one was watching TV at the time. We were still doing live shows every single week but we had a chance to play with our characters and take a risk.” Rollins said turning Reigns into a villain likely wouldn’t have happened without the experiments that took place in the WWE ThunderDome during the pandemic.

“It turned into one of the best possible outcomes for him and for the industry,” Rollins gushed. “If you look at the story arc of what The Bloodline and Roman Reigns have been over the past few years, it’s virtually unmatched.”

Rollins stated that being able to further a logical storyline in wrestling is often difficult as plans often change due to fan reaction, and also that he thinks he’s one of the few people that can dethrone the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

Roman Reigns Reveals His REAL Thoughts On AEW

Roman Reigns doesn’t view AEW as competition to WWE.

The current Universal Champ, who is 100% part of the furniture on SmackDown, told Complex that Tony Khan’s outfit wasn’t competition to him “personally”. In fact, whilst Roman is impressed by the hardcore fanbase AEW attracts, he also thinks it’s somewhat of a hindrance.

Reigns believes that All Elite’s rabid followers have built a “ceiling” that’ll stunt company growth. Meanwhile, he says, WWE is “trying to engage the new viewer, while also servicing our hardcore fan base and give compelling stories to fulfil them as well”.

He sees a clear difference between the markets both promotions cater to then.

Roman also thinks it’s “strange” that the audience “is probably the biggest character in [AEW’s] show”, and called All Elite the “new kid on the block”. At the same time, he’d never want to shoot down another avenue for workers to make some cash – that’s something Reigns views as a major positive.

Competition though? Nah, the ‘Tribal Chief’ isn’t buying it. He reckons AEW’s growth is finite and isn’t concerned with much that’s going on in Khan’s organisation.

Becky Lynch Heel Turn Reportedly Inspired By Top WWE Star

New SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch was reportedly inspired by WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns to turn heel.

As we’ve noted, Lynch reportedly asked to be booked as a heel now that she’s back in action for WWE. It’s been reported that Lynch is now set to be the top heel of the blue brand women’s division. She made her surprise return at WWE SummerSlam on Saturday and defeated Bianca Belair in just 26 seconds to win the title, as the replacement for Sasha Banks, who is not cleared to compete.

In an update, people within WWE have reportedly said Lynch was inspired by top heel Reigns, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

It was noted how Lynch became the most popular wrestler in the company and the hottest female Superstar the company has ever seen the last time she tried to go heel. It was also speculated that this could be some sort of personal challenge for The Man as the move doesn’t make much sense from a business standpoint as a truly-loved babyface talent is very rare, and hard to replace.

Lynch is expected to feud with Belair, at least for the rematch. You can click here for a backstage report on the status of Belair’s push.

Lynch will make her return to WWE SmackDown during tonight’s episode, her first blue brand appearance since the October 4, 2019 episode.

Roman Reigns SLAMS CM Punk

Speaking to Ariel Helwani at BT Sport to promote this weekend’s SummerSlam PPV, Roman Reigns has thrown a sprinkling of shade in CM Punk’s direction – and the Head of the Table’s comments have caught the attention of WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley.

After Helwani asked Reigns for this thoughts on part-time stars returning to take the spotlight from some of the full-time guys and gals on the WWE roster, the current Universal Champion threw out Punk’s name and said the Second City Saint was never as good as John Cena or The Rock.

“I do think there’s that strange threshold, but I think those statements are coming from bitter people who possibly thought they were better than they really were. When it comes down to it, CM Punk was not as good or as over as a John Cena, wasn’t as good or as over or moved the needle like The Rock. It just was what it was.”

Of course, Punk was extremely vocal in the past about part-timers returning and hogging the spotlight, particularly when The Rock returned to face John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania 28; a main event the Straight-Edge Superstar thought should’ve been him going up against Cena.

Once Roman’s comments made their way online, the legendary Mick Foley was quick to respond and declare CM Punk as “damn good” and “damn over”.

https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/1428472898445103106?s=20

It’s all subjective whether CM Punk was ever better or more over than John Cena or The Rock, but those comparisons are obviously putting Punk up against two of the best to ever do it – one being the poster child of WWE for 15 years, the other being one of the top three names in company history.

As Foley said, there is no doubting that CM Punk was great, was over, and was responsible for some amazing matches and memories during his WWE career and beyond.

Roman Reigns On Jimmy Uso’s Recent DUI Arrest

WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns recently spoke with Joseph Staszewski of The New York Post and issued his first public comments on the latest DUI arrest of his cousin, SmackDown Tag Team Champion Jimmy Uso.

As noted, Jimmy was arrested on July 5 for his second DUI charge in two years and his third alcohol-related arrest in two years. You can click here for the latest on the arrest with full details. Uso remained on WWE TV in a top storyline with Reigns, and even won the SmackDown Tag Team Titles with brother Jey Uso a few weeks later.

Reigns told The Post that he loves his family but he does not “condone that kind of be behavior or decision-making.”

Reigns called the arrest “not a great light to be shining” on his family or the company. It was noted that Reigns chose to handle the situation in a positive way. He called the first post-arrest conversation with Jimmy a “mental checkup” to make sure he was OK.

“We’re all human, we’re all cynics, we all make mistakes,” Reigns said. “Instead of what some people might feel you should give up on somebody or maybe turn your back on that type of behavior, that’s one way to do it. But I don’t think that’s the way to push through and gain experience or make progressive movements of becoming a better man or a better human.

“So for me, it was diving into it with great attention, great love and very thorough communication to make sure my family is continually bettering themselves and putting themselves in a position to make better decisions.”

The Usos are set to defend their titles against Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio at WWE SummerSlam on Saturday in Las Vegas. Reigns will headline the pay-per-view by defending his strap against John Cena.

Big E Reveals Who He Wants To Cash In His “Money In The Bank” Contract Against

Two days after winning the Men’s Money in the Bank briefcase at WWE Money in the Bank, Big E sat down with Steve Muehlhausen of DAZN to talk about his victory and his plans with the briefcase. Muehlhausen brought up WWE SummerSlam being in Las Vegas next month and enquired about Big E potentially cashing in on the show, as well as asking who he’d like to cash in on between WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns or WWE Champion Bobby Lashley.

“Those are all great options,” Big E said. “I feel Roman’s the guy though. Roman’s the guy in the industry, and if you want to be remembered, if you want to do something cool, something special, that’s a great way to do it. Roman’s on a tear. This is one of the best runs I can remember. I feel like he’s definitely hitting his stride in a way that he hasn’t before.”

Big E noted that not only is Reigns the top star on SmackDown, but he’s probably the top guy across all brands.

“You can look at the entire scope of the rest of the industry, and you can determine who you think is the number one guy, who you think is the best, who should be at the very top. I think it’s not that difficult to make an argument for Roman being number one across all brands, across all boards. Beating him means that whoever beats him for that title, it’s going to be memorable. It’s going to mean something, and why not me?”

Whoever he chooses Big E will likely have a chance to cash in on both champions. While not yet official, Reigns was challenged by Cena last night on RAW for a match at SummerSlam, while Lashley is expected to wrestle a returning Goldberg at the event.

Roman Reigns Believes He’s The Best Wrestler In The World

Roman Reigns has stated that his current pro wrestling mindset revolves around him and Paul Heyman believing they’re the best in the world at what they do, doing so during an appearance on Cheap Heat.

The WWE Universal Champion and SmackDown standout spoke on taking his performances to a new level as a heel, and the level of preparation that he and Heyman put into their work (h/t Cageside Seats for the transcription):

“Well I think the rare moments, displaying new layers, and elevating the performance every single week, that’s always going to be a staple of what we’re trying to do. But I think what’s made us so special is, you know, the preparation. And that goes individually throughout our careers, Paul [Heyman] and I. Everything that’s had to happen and the journey that we both been on to get to this point in our careers to kind of collide and make this thing happen. But I think it goes with the similar and the very parallel mindset of trying to be the very best every single week.”

Reigns went on, explaining that he wants to go down as being the absolute best in the world, potentially dipping into kayfabe territory as he spoke of “lapping people” in a marathon:

“And this is some stuff I’ve said to Jey [Uso] and Jimmy [Uso] on screen, but I mean, it’s a shoot. It’s for real. This is the only way I want to be remembered is being the hands down, head and shoulders, better than everybody else on the show, everybody else in the world. They’re all trying to catch me. At this point, I feel like within a marathon, we’re lapping people because we put so much preparation, so much thought into the detail, the nuance, and trying to deliver the most sophisticated, not confusing, but very respectful stories as we can.”

Comfortably the most critically acclaimed act in WWE right now, Reigns has held the Universal Championship since Payback 2020, where he defeated Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman after entering a Triple Threat bout in its last few minutes. This came one month after returning from a five-month absence to turn heel at SummerSlam.

Reigns has since acted as something of an overlord figure on SmackDown, looming over everyone else on the brand with his dominant in-ring record. In over 300 days with the show’s top belt, he has notched 12 successful title defences.

Roman Reigns On Potentially Facing John Cena At WWE Summerslam

Appearing on the ACC Network, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns was asked about working during the pandemic and transitioning back into performing in front of fans. Reigns believed being in the Thunder Dome allowed WWE performers to show off new skills and layers to their work.

“I think with the pandemic and working through quarantine and being within this bubble of the Thunder Dome, it’s allowed us to showcase some different skills,” Reigns said. “Showcase some different layers of our performance. Also I think it showed our resiliency as a product. The WWE product, everything that we do, our big mantra for our is putting smiles on people’s faces. And I think we’re in a time now where that’s more important than ever. You know, just to provide that escapism for people, and bring some happiness an positivity for people who are struggling through hard times.”

Reigns was also asked about WWE heading to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for WWE Summerslam this August. The Universal Champ is very excited to work in the stadium and in front of a full audience again.

“It’s going to be great,” Reigns said. “With WrestleMania being in Tampa Bay in Raymond James Stadium, we weren’t at full capacity obviously. We were still dealing with the restrictions and stuff like that. So for us to be able to come back and bring Summerslam into Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and hopefully pack that place out, it’s going to just be a really, just a good time. Just a good experience and a good vibe for our fans and our performers alike. I think everybody is super excited about it. And to have a great location like Las Vegas and an awesome, brand new stadium in Allegiant Stadium, it’s a recipe for success for sure.”

Though it isn’t official, rumors are swirling that Reigns will be taking on WWE legend turned movie star John Cena at Summerslam. Reigns welcomes the challenge, as long as Cena is ready to get smashed.

“If John wants to get smashed, then he knows where I’m at,” Reigns said. “When it comes to whooping people’s ass, I do not discriminate. Luchadores, mat wrestlers, legends, Hollywood superstars, anybody. Anybody can get it.”

The Undertaker Has Major Praise For Top WWE Superstar

WWE Legend The Undertaker recently spoke with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated and had major praise for WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

Reigns is currently in the middle of his strongest run yet, and his recent performances have caught the attention of fans and wrestlers, including The Undertaker. The Dead Man said he’s so proud of where The Head of The Table is at, and revealed what he said to Reigns and Jey Uso at the Survivor Series pay-per-view back in November, where Taker had his “Final Farewell” segment.

“I’m so proud of where he is,” Taker said of Reigns. “The night of Survivor Series [in November], I went up to Roman and Jey and said, ‘This is the most compelling story that we’ve done in a while.’ And where he’s been able to take it, it’s so good.

“It’s not forced. Roman is hitting on all cylinders.”

Taker also had praise for Paul Heyman for his recent work with Reigns. Taker has a history with Heyman that goes back to their time together in WCW.

“Obviously, Paul Heyman is the perfect mouthpiece,” Taker said. “He’s there whenever it’s needed, and he adds so much. They work so well together.”

Taker teamed with Reigns for a No Holds Barred win over Drew McIntyre and Shane McMahon at Extreme Rules 2019. They also teamed with Braun Strowman for a win over Kevin Owens, Elias and King Baron Corbin at the July 7, 2018 WWE live event at MSG. There was also an April 2013 RAW from the UK where The Shield defeated Taker, Kane and Daniel Bryan in six-man action. Regarding one-on-one action, WrestleMania 33 in 2017 saw Reigns defeat Taker in a No Holds Barred match.

Taker praised Reigns as a great heel and said he wishes he had it in him to work a program with Reigns now as it would be something special.

“I think he’s a great heel—coldhearted, calculated,” Taker said. “There is a compelling backstory and you still feel the tension when Roman appears. Like I said, I’m really proud of him. I wish I had the gas in the tank to work a program with him now. It would definitely be something special.”

CM Punk Calls Roman Reigns “Far And Away The Best Guy” WWE Has Right Now

As a special guest on the Wrestling Perspective Podcast, CM Punk spoke about Roman Reigns and his current run as WWE Universal Champion.

Punk praised Reigns, saying he believes that Reigns is the best wrestler in the WWE, although it took WWE too long to get to this point him. Punk noted organic stories are the best in wrestling and that’s what you’re getting right now with Reigns.

“A lot of the times the best stuff you also just got to go with the flow with it,” Punk said. “I’ll use Roman Reigns as an example because if we’re talking about good stuff, if the WWE does anything good, this is the one thing they’re doing right right now is Roman Reigns. His character work, his in-ring stuff, it’s all great.

“But I feel like classic WWE, they’re always 5 years, 10 years late. This is something that they should’ve done originally because they tried so hard to get this guy over as a baby face and they gave him x amount of [WrestleMania] main events and said this is the guy, this is the guy and he never really had his moments until now.”

WWE is reportedly working to have John Cena face Roman Reigns at this year’s SummerSlam pay-per-view which on Saturday, August 21st. Punk continued to talk about Reigns and his struggle throughout his first run with WWE, saying that he might have needed to experience the ups and the downs to get to this point in his career.

“Maybe he needed that adversity and that backlash to finally be this guy but this is the one thing they’re doing right,” Punk said. “What can you say bad about what Roman Reigns is doing right now? He’s far and away the best guy they have. When you talk about storylines, in-ring work and all that stuff, right now he’s the total package. For the first time in his career, and I’m not being mean to Roman Reigns, I just feel like he’s finally where they pushed him to be, it just took a minute.”

Punk recently took to Twitter to criticize WWE, which was on the same that the company released several big names.