10 Reasons Why Roman Reigns Topped PWI's Top 500 Wrestlers 2022

10. The Acid Test In Front Of Fans

Much was made of WWE's promo style during the 'ThunderDome Era'. Without crowds there to chant things like, "What?!" or generally distract, several workers came into their own and started to show off personalities that were previously hidden.

Roman Reigns was one of those workers, but successfully performing a new persona in front of fans will always be wrestling's acid test. WWE welcomed people back to ringside for the 17 July 2021 SmackDown, and it was there that Roman confirmed his status as the most must-see superstar in the biz.

He refused to pander to the masses despite many showing support. Instead, Reigns briefly paused during a six man tag (with The Usos vs. Edge and The Mysterios) to bask in the spotlight and look like hot sh*t doing it. These were peak era John Cena/Steve Austin/Hulk Hogan levels of noise.

PWI's decision-makers must've been watching with a keen eye. Roman had passed the ultimate test.