10 Biggest WWE Creative Mistakes Of 2019 (So Far)
2. Blowing Roman Reigns' Comeback
The massive outpouring of support that greeted Roman Reigns upon his 25 February return provided WWE's most organically heartwarming moment in years.
Joe Anoa'i had conquered his leukaemia. A disease that could have taken his career (or worse) was beaten into remission, and, as tragic as the situation was, fans had finally connected with his TV character on a human level. Doubters were silenced, cynics were slain, and the fanbase rightly came together in support of an onscreen personality WWE creative had once driven them to despise. He'd never be booed again. The idea was unfathomable.
And yet, WWE f*cked it up. Of course they did.
Buoyed by the pure, raw emotion of Roman's comeback, Fastlane's "final ever" Shield trios match was a triumph. That was Roman's last of 2019. By WrestleMania 35, the bloom had come off the rose to such an extent that Reigns' victory over Drew McIntyre wasn't even greeted with a polite murmur of appreciation. In his big, singles comeback, a tearful Reigns celebrated on his own before an audience 82,000 strong.
Enthusiasm for 'The Big Dog's' has returned as a direct result of rank normalisation and unengaging storylines. Thanks, WWE, for missing the easiest layup you'll have all year.