How Good Was Babyface Roman Reigns Actually?

8. In-Ring Ability

Roman is exactly what WWE wants from its superstars in the ring. This is a company that demands its own in-house brand of wrestling, so much so that when outsiders join the company it takes them a period of time to adjust. If you watch Jacob Fatu when he arrived in WWE compared to his work now, then you can see that evolution happening in real time.

Reigns was born into WWE’s system as a pro wrestler. His moves are exciting and built for 2K video games and WrestleMania main events. If this seems like a knock on his art in any way, it isn’t. He is literally the perfect WWE superstar when it comes to the work he does in the ring.

All of his iconic moves were forged during this part of his career and in his time at FCW, NXT, and as part of The Shield. As the 'Tribal Chief', his spear feels a lot more impactful, his power over his emotions means the pacing of his matches is better, and he sells everything with the cinematic feel that he has made his forte. That doesn't detract from the fact that Roman has always been able to go in the ring. He’s an incredible athlete, and his signature moves and finishers are perfect for a man his size.

The “OOOOH-AAAAAH!” before hitting his spear is the definition of iconic. He may not sell cocking his fist like it’s a pump-action shotgun, and punching the ground like he’s Goku about to go Super Saiyan as much these days, but these are essential elements that make him the perfect WWE wrestler. Selling this in NJPW or AEW might not have the same effect, but in WWE, where your in-ring work is designed to make you seem like a larger-than-life superhero, Roman Reigns is one of the standout talents of his generation.

8/10