10 Reasons Why Roman Reigns Topped PWI's Top 500 Wrestlers 2022

6. Adding An Unhinged Layer

Roman Reigns Sami Zayn
WWE

Go back and re-watch Roman's skit with Sami Zayn on the 19 August episode of SmackDown. That, ladies and gents, showed a headliner who's so comfortable in his own skin that he doesn't mind getting a little silly when the moment calls for it. The segment also showed off something else that's become apparent.

Reigns knows the importance of adding extra layers.

It's clear he gets a kick out of Sami's comedic timing, but Roman also knows when to turn on the charm as a character and play master manipulator. His already-stunning persona has been bolstered by this. The way Reigns smiled a fake smile in Zayn's face, then scowled when he left the room, was excellent character work.

The best workers have timing, and they've got natural instincts for when to do certain things. The unhinged side to Roman's guise, one which fears the collapse of an empire he's built brick-by-brick, is stunning to watch.

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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.