In an ideal world for the WWE, the fans would be exploding out of their seats into a chorus of cheers as soon as Roman Reigns’ music hits the PA system and he walks onto the stage with the Universal Championship draped over his shoulder.
Sadly for the company, though, the WWE Universe hasn’t made it easy as they simply refuse to embrace The Big Dog like the WWE wants them to.
NEGATIVE REACTION
However, you can’t blame the fans entirely as providing Reigns with opportunity after opportunity - such as four straight WrestleMania main events - explains why fans will get tired of this act.
Perhaps this is why the WWE pulled the plug on the former Shield member leaving New Orleans with the Universal Championship by defeating Brock Lesnar, along with the fact that The Beast retained the title at the Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia last week.
Based on the controversial finish we saw, it seems quite clear that a rematch is on the cards, making it Reigns’ third attempt at trying to snatch the gold from Lesnar. However, that still might not be the way to get Reigns the cheers the WWE wants.
One legend who knows a thing or two about getting a brilliant babyface reaction is Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat. When he spoke to Sportskeeda, Steamboat revealed exactly what went wrong between Reigns and his relationship with the WWE fans - the fact that he came into the WWE in the shadow of The Rock.
THE ROCK
According to Pop Culture, he said: “I think in the very, very beginning, he almost appeared like a shadow of The Rock.
“Maybe that started the ball rolling on him being disliked by fans.
“Whether you are liked or disliked, either/or is required to make a match. You got guys that are booed and you got guys that are cheered. You hook the two of them up and there’s the match.
“It’s just a matter of time before something happens. Something special on TV or on pay-per-view and Roman Reigns is going to be cheered. The longer he is booed, when they make the switch, the better off he’ll be.”
Just like his cousin, Reigns does have what it takes to become the biggest star in the company, as well as the face. However, The Rock’s career reached new heights thanks to his incredible run as a heel and the same formula could help Reigns reach that level of success too.
Obviously, coming into the WWE where it’s public that you’re a relative of The Rock cranks up the pressure a notch or two anyway, especially if the company think you’ll be the face of the organisation.
You can’t blame The Rock for this as he just oozed charisma the fans couldn’t help but get drawn to, but a change is certainly needed to help Reigns come close to what his cousin could achieve.
What do you make of Ricky Steamboat’s thoughts on Roman Reigns not connecting with the WWE audience? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.