Back in 1997, the then-WWF were aching to make Rocky Maivia an accepted babyface. Sadly for the company, fans just weren't having any of it. Rebelling against the idea that someone be forced down their collective throats, the audience refused to embrace Rocky. This, rather bizarrely, led to a situation during which Maivia morphed into The Rock. Only then did fans take to him. That could be a viable path for Roman Reigns. Heels are deemed much cooler than babyfaces in the modern era, that hasn't changed since the late-1990's. Using some manipulation, WWE could play the long game with Reigns and eventually have their wish of installing the man as their hand-picked top good guy. Before then, he'd have to turn rogue and regain some of his lost cool factor. Being a villain worked for The Rock, and he didn't really have to change all that much when he did turn back to the babyface side. There are lessons to be learned from history, and this is one of them. Even John Cena had to play heel before turning face once again. It could work for Roman Reigns, although it would require some extreme patience from Vince McMahon and company.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
