How MJF Succeeded Where Roman Reigns Failed

This was always inevitable. It always happens; people gravitate towards stars more than they gravitate towards heroes. Ric Flair was too over to make his otherwise incredible 1989 programme with Ricky Steamboat perfect.

AEW and MJF both sensed this, and settled on the idea to tease an MJF face turn with the idea that, when he once more revealed himself to be a snake, the spurned resentment would drive the heat. It didn't work - initially - because, improbably, since he is such a born heel, his babyface character worked without betraying who he is. He presented himself as your mate who's a bit of a d*ckhead, who's very harsh when they banter you off, but is so funny and charismatic that you enjoy their company regardless. He turned at Full Gear, with the help of William Regal, and the fans cheered him for defeating and f*cking over AEW's honest, reliable folk hero and awesome merchant of violence. Jon Moxley, who might well be the wrestler of the year, didn't deserve that - but it wasn't personal. The fans didn't hate him - they simply loved MJF - and it was ominous. If they were going to cheer him at the expense of Mox, there was a risk that they'd cheer him over everybody.

The heel turn was considered wrongheaded and impossible because it is impossible.

Roman Reigns spent six years of his career in the wrong role. Vince McMahon didn't merely force him down your throat; it was such a painful failure and miserable experience that he dislocated your jaw to better facilitate the digestion of what, ultimately and fittingly, were magic beans.

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