In 1998, D-Lo Brown suffered a torn pectoral muscle in a match against Dan Severn, yet still continued to wrestle with a padded chest protector. Long after the injury's healing process was through though, Brown still wore the protector as it added impact to his frog splash finishing maneuver. Similarly, though not a heel, Reigns wearing the SWAT gear as a way to a) protect his body and b) combat an opponent's finishing maneuver would be a fun touch. If you're not going to get rid of something that seems superfluous, at least make it into a positive.