10 WWE Wrestlers Who Get Way Too Much Criticism

While John Cena takes a backseat, Roman Reign has inherited much of his hatred. He might not be competing for the Universal Title at the moment, but Reigns is still very much “The Guy", and the focal point of WWE’s immediate future. Fans rejected him as a babyface a long time ago, but WWE have shown no sign of swaying course, and he’ll likely remain in a similar position for the rest of his career.

It’s easy to understand why fans boo Reigns. He wasn’t a particularly great wrestler when he debuted, and he still looks incredibly uncomfortable on the microphone. Furthermore, his success as WWE’s “top babyface” came at a time when fans were clamouring for Daniel Bryan to ascend to said position, and the old bias still holds sway.

Almost none of this is Roman Reigns' fault, however. He has been forced into a role that doesn't suit him at all, and if he was allowed to perform in a way that does (fewer scripted promos, more all-round badassery), he'd be far more popular. Like him or not, Reigns has developed into a strong all-around wrestler who excels against the right opponent, but his divisiveness has rendered some blind to this.

Roman Reigns is a direct product of the business' failings. He was pushed too far, too soon, and asked to play a sassy underdog quality that only emphasises his weaknesses and buries his strengths beneath a pile of "sufferin' succotash, son". This is well outside his comfort zone, and only Vince McMahon doesn't realise it.