As the classic line goes, Dont hate the player, hate the game. Roman Reigns is not the problem, WWE in general is the problem. We are in an era where fan backlash against the company is the most vociferous it has ever been. For a couple of years there has been a WWE versus the world (or rather, Universe, if you prefer) vibe, with hardcore fans opposed to everything the company tries that is not exactly what they want at that given moment. WWE does not - and never has - booked to the whims of the fans. Even when they pushed Daniel Bryan to the main event of WrestleMania XXX and allowed him his big moment, it took C.M. Punk walking out and ruining the Mania card, and a number of fan sabotages of live events too big to ignore before they changed their minds. If things had gone WWEs way, Bryan would have been a heel member of the Wyatt Family, a reimagining of Spike Dudley in his ill-fated run as the mastermind of the Dudley Boyz, working with Sheamus in Santa Clara. They do what they want to do, they are frustratingly stubborn, and Roman Reigns has become the embodiment of that mentality through no fault of his own. It stems from him winning the Royal Rumble last year instead of Daniel Bryan, a decision which caused fans to views Reigns as the hand-picked assassin of a corporation that ignores their wants and needs. The attitude became that if Reigns is who WWE have picked, then he immediately represents everything that they do not want. Every time anyone on the roster whom the vocal minority approve of gets beat or is denied a key spot, Reigns takes the brunt. All he is really guilty of is being popular with Vince McMahon, and of not being Daniel Bryan. Yes, the perception that he is being forced down fans throats is accurate, but that is not his fault. He deserves his opportunity as much as anyone else. Would it really be any different if it was someone the fans approved of in that spot instead, getting booked in such an obvious and drab manner? They would engender resentment too. Hell, it happened with Hulk Hogan back in the early-90s. It was the same with John Cena, and believe it or not, there was a time when everyone loved John Cena. Fans are finicky.
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.
