Sports Media

Roman Reigns is the most overrated WWE Champion in recent history

Faden Cloete / Professional Wrestling, WWE / November 1, 2023

(Credit: WWE.com)

Roman Reigns is the most overrated WWE Champion in recent history

The Tribal Chief gimmick might have reinvented Roman Reigns, but he’s still one of the most boring characters on screen.

Alongside Seth Rollins and Jon Moxley (Dean Ambrose), Roman Reigns made his WWE main roster debut during 2012’s Survivor Series as The Shield. The stable would quickly dominate and become a fan-favorite group before all three men went their separate ways in 2014. However, the stable fell apart due to friction between Rollins and Ambrose, leaving Reigns to pick a side and simply be the third wheel in the story.

Somehow, WWE believed they could convince fans that Roman Reigns was the next big thing, despite Dean Ambrose becoming the rebellious hero. This led to one of the most panned times during Reigns’ career, where he established himself as “The Big Dog.” Even a feud with John Cena couldn’t elevate the star, nor did his multiple World Championship reigns. Roman often fumbled his way through promos, and like Adam Copeland (Edge), Batista, Goldberg, and Rhyno: his finisher was (and still is) also The Spear.

Roman Reigns used to protect his fist with a cushion pad during his Big Dog entrances 👊 pic.twitter.com/3J5mDXlZHk
— WrestlingWorldCC (@WrestlingWCC) September 20, 2023

Roman Reigns as The Tribal Chief is the first time he’s ever resonated with fans

Fast forward to 2020 and Roman Reigns finally found his feet with The Tribal Chief character. With more tattoos, a fuller beard, and a new attitude, the star finally got over with fans. But, a heel shouldn’t be over with fans? Despite being a bully and dominating his way through the roster, Reigns is more over today than he has ever been in his WWE career, even when he was a babyface. The Bloodline storyline has also helped his cousins, The Usos, to elevate themselves in the process.

Out of his 11 years with WWE as Roman Reigns, The Tribal Chief has only been successful for two years. While his bout with leukemia has likely affected the span of his career, he already has plans to retire by 24 if he “wanted to.” Currently, it seems like his reign might just pass Hulk Hogan’s – who by 38, which is how old Reigns is now, achieved far more as a global superstar and pro wrestler. Compared to many of the other names in pro wrestling who ever held the WWE World Championship, Reigns simply falls short. If his career ends within the next few years, he couldn’t possibly be the John Cena, The Rock, or Hulk Hogan of his generation.