One of the biggest criticisms of WWE in general is about how samey the product has become. Its been the same guys on top for years because WWE doesnt create new stars, which is proven every WrestleMania when the part-timers are wheeled out to run through their routines and pop a buyrate. If WWE could truly build new talent then there would be no need to desperately turn to guest appearances from The Rock or one-off matches from a 46-year old non-wrestler to save the show. WWE should be commended for recognising that the top of their card is in need of a boost and that they are trying to do something about it. While Reigns might not be everyones first choice, consider the other options. I am not talking favourites of hardcore fans like Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn or AJ Styles, all of whom WWE will always see as indie darlings and will refuse to push because of that stigma. No, I am talking about the other options from a WWE perspective. If they werent pushing Reigns, who would they push? Who would Vince McMahon turn to? History would suggest that if he didnt go back to the long-dry Big Show and Kane well, he would turn to his monster fascination of the week, someone like Braun Strowman or Sheamus. Vince likes big guys, he will push big guys exclusively above all others. Reigns is the best of the beef, so to speak, by some distance. We should be thankful he is the man in the spot ahead of some of the other, frankly terrifying, prospects.
The author of the highly acclaimed 'Titan' book series, James Dixon has been involved in the wrestling business for 25 years as a fan, wrestler, promoter, agent, and writer. James spent several years wrestling on the British independent circuit, but now prefers to write about the bumps and bruises rather than take any of them. His past in-ring experience does however give a uniquely more "insider" perspective on things, though he readily admits to still being a "mark" at heart.
James is the Chief Editor and writer at historyofwrestling.co.uk and is responsible for the best-selling titles Titan Sinking, Titan Shattered, and Titan Screwed, as well as the Complete WWF Video Guide series, and the Raw Files series.
