10 Booking Steps For Roman Reigns' WWE Return
Next time Reigns gets near that WWE Title he needs to be more menacing...
The announcement that Roman Reigns had been suspended for 30 days by WWE on June 21, 2016 rocked the entire wrestling world. There's no doubting that it has also hurt the build towards a promised Triple Threat Match featuring Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose at the upcoming Battleground pay-per-view too.
Reigns has been completely absent from television since his suspension, leaving the workload with his former buddies in The Shield to hype the bout. Once he returns, WWE must look to do something other than repeatedly bash their creative heads against the nearest brick wall with Reigns, he's an obvious talent who deserves better.
It's been almost cringeworthy at times to see Reigns cast as a superhero-like good guy, contrasting mightily with the thundering boos that accompany his entrance routines. There's no getting around it, the bulk of fans just do not like Roman, but that doesn't mean they can't grow to respect him.
Laid out here are booking steps for the return of Reigns onto WWE television. Let's look at how the promotion can rescue someone they hope to be part of the main event mix for years to come...
10. Announced As A Raw Talent During WWE Draft
Unfortunately for him, Roman Reigns won't be present when WWE present the Draft on the live SmackDown broadcast on July 19. Currently on the sidelines serving a suspension for violating the Wellness Policy, Reigns can't even be in attendance, but that doesn't mean he can't play a key role.
WWE must think carefully about which shows they delegate talent to. It makes sense that things will be equal, but there's a great chance at least one of Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar and John Cena will be drafted to Raw. After all, as a three-hour program Raw arguably needs some more performers than SmackDown at first.
During the WWE Draft, Reigns should be used as a top pick for Raw. Shane McMahon would be booed for taking Roman to SmackDown, and given he's the babyface authority figure it'd be wise for him to avoid that.
Stephanie McMahon doesn't have that problem, and she could hint at what's to come by saying the fans don't get to dictate what she'll be doing on the Monday night show.