7 Most Insane Things Happening In Wrestling Right Now (March 10)

5. Roman Reigns Is Going Full John Cena

Reigns Trainers
WWE.com

At Fastlane, WWE persisted with the Roman Reigns-as-top-babyface push, irrespective of the fact that he's the company's top heel. How much that actually matters is up for debate - but a certain aesthetic choice rather hammered a dubious point home.

The vocal, adult portion of the fanbase has rejected Reigns because his contrived underdog act - in which he sells suspiciously early purely to create a platform for his comebacks - is too reminiscent of John Cena's, itself a continuation of Hulk Hogan's.

WWE has done little to differentiate the two performers. Reigns reloads his arm as if it's a gun. Cena waves his hand across his face as a cloak of invisibility. John Cena says cutting edge comedic jibes such as "Baloney, fudge and mustard!" Reigns' temper tantrums seem him moan "Sufferin' succotash!". You'd think WWE would do everything possible to contrast the two, and for a while they did. Reigns was meant to be edgy because he wore all black - but in his match opposite Braun Strowman on Sunday, he only went and donned a pair of trainers.

What next? Is Reigns going to pull on a pair of jorts, a cap and an expensive selection of colourful t-shirts? He's already nicked Cena's

promos. Crazier still, Reigns is mooted to resume hostilities with Brock Lesnar in the summer. That lusted after heel turn probably isn't forthcoming. WWE isn't entirely detached from its audience, but RAW is still abysmal viewing. The flagship TV product would be much, much hotter if the Reigns character was freshened up.

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!