10 Reasons Why You’re Watching WWE Wrong

7. Why Can't The Heels Win?

roman reigns braun strowman
WWE.com

Because they're heels, is the short answer.

This point feeds directly from the last because this complaint reared its head during the first act of the Roman Reigns Vs. Braun Strowman feud prior to WrestleMania 33. Conventional wisdom dictated that the momentum was with Strowman, and that WWE should have called an audible. But those dissenters did not take into account the fact that Reigns was a month away from retiring the Undertaker. Even if he wasn't, he was still booked against him on the grandest stage. And if Strowman had defeated Reigns, wouldn't that classify as dreaded 50/50 booking?

The heels don't win* because WWE storylines are and broadly always have been a black and white morality play. Good triumphs over evil. It's simplistic, but then WWE appeals and markets itself to the broadest audience possible. A heel exists to put over the babyface - the act people theoretically pay to watch - just when it is thought that all hope is lost. It's reductive, but then so is WWE.

That's why Roman Reigns defeated Braun Strowman at Fastlane. Even if he loses on Sunday, he will be redeemed ahead of WrestleMania 34, at which he is pencilled in to challenge for Brock Lesnar's Universal Title.

*Stephanie McMahon excepted.

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!