10 Most Disappointing WWE Matches Of 2016 (So Far)
7. Roman Reigns Vs. Triple H - WWE WrestleMania 32
It could be argued that expectations weren't in place to render this a disappointment, but Reigns has a stellar match-quality record on PPV - since 2015, at least. His Extreme Rules '15 Last Man Standing Match against The Big Show, of all people, was a blinder.
It was therefore reasonable to hope that he'd manage something special with Triple H, who, when he's in the mood, is extremely adept at putting over a comparatively limited opponent. His WrestleMania record, though inconsistent, has seen him give the rub in defeat by and victory over Batista and Sheamus respectively.
The omens here, however, looked bad from the start. Greeted by an inevitable chorus of boos, Reigns seemed to pout on the entrance ramp. Rather than use the reaction to launch into a more aggressive side than we're used to, he simply walked through his rehearsed sequences without acknowledging or incorporating the crowd's response to his advantage.
A great wrestler is able to gauge and manipulate the will of the crowd. That's why they call them 'workers'.
This match does deserve bonus points for the decision to have Reigns spear the sh*t out of Stephanie McMahon, who had that coming for absolutely ages. That it was Roman who did it, though, nullified the catharsis a little.