10 Things That’d RUIN WWE’s 2024

2. Roman Reigns Flops As Babyface Again

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WWE.com

2016-2019 showed up what had become clear for around a year or two before that: Roman Reigns was always going to be rejected by WWE fans as the next John Cena-style babyface. Vince McMahon ignored the obvious and continued trying to make Roman a smiling superhero, but live crowds rebelled and Reigns himself got miserable before reinventing himself.

That inspired 2020 change revived his career and turned Roman into a true force. He hasn't looked back since. Most fully expect Reigns to return as a babyface following his WrestleMania 40 implosion vs. Cody Rhodes though. The 'Tribal Chief' was humbled, but also has to contend with wrestling back control from a mutinous Solo Sikoa and pals.

To do that, he'll need to tweak the formula yet again, and that's always risky. It'd be an utter nightmare for WWE (and Reigns too) if he tanked as a face yet again. Were people only starting to cheer him because his heel character was so good? We're about to find out.

It's equal parts exciting/terrifying.

Contributor

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.