10 Plain Wrong Wrestling Myths Perpetuated By The IWC

8. Roman Reigns Can't Work

John Cena Kevin Owens money in the bank slam
WWE

He's no Daniel Bryan in there, for sure - but he's no Hulk Hogan either.

The perception of Reigns is that he's a Superman character with a basic and dull moveset, a throwback to the old WWE style impeding the acceptance of the independent vanguard currently rallying against what used to be the norm.

But he's deceptively athletic, for a start. His Drive-By and Vaulting Plancha are evidence of his dynamism, but beyond that, he's damn believable out there. His offence is so explosive that it also actually looks like it hurts, which should be the point.

His booking has been undeservedly favourable. The measures WWE have taken to counteract his reaction compound the hatred many feel towards him. By confiscating anti-Reigns signs and muting the microphones at WrestleMania 32, they ensured the opposite of the intended response.

Reigns can work, but his unnatural character arc has set him back. Many fans, however, could do with being more objective. It's not Reigns' fault that WWE chose not to alter his look post-Shield. Some fans seem to perceive Reigns as somehow taking credit for or anointing himself as the brainchild of the Hounds.

It's not real, dammit.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!