10 Reasons Why Roman Reigns' WWE Heel Turn Has Been So Successful
9. Getting Rid Of The Shield
This was essential to establishing Reigns as a new man.
For too long, it felt like he was tethered to the memory of The Shield, possibly in some inane attempt by creative to make fans like him. Whilst Ambrose and Rollins moved on with new gear and theme music, Reigns stayed with the same song and look for years.
Rollins and Ambrose were able to cut their own path, with varying success for sure, but they still stepped away from the looming shadow of The Shield. Reigns never did, and it always felt like he was holding on to the past. It stunted his character completely.
There isn't even a scrap of The Shield with the 'Tribal Chief'. With his new, powerful entrance theme and showing off his impressive physique, Roman Reigns looks like a completely different person. Instead of trying to still be a rogue badass, he is now a well groomed, confident leader who exudes menace.
His gimmick is wrapped up in his lineage, his family, and the respect he commands for carrying the company on his capable shoulders. The Shield is gone. Buried. And in doing so, Roman has elevated himself to the Head of the Table and it oozes credibility.