AJ Styles Is Ideal Opponent to Facilitate Roman Reigns Heel Turn

As Roman Reigns descends into darkness, AJ Styles will lead the way, playing Sherpa to the WWE world champion on his journey to villainy.

On Monday's Raw, Styles moved into the No. 1 contender's spot by winning a Fatal 4-Way match. At first glance, it's an odd move sticking such a popular star against a babyface titleholder who has struggled to win over the crowd. The Phenomenal One, though, will be a key catalyst to Reigns' coming heel turn.

It's a turn many thought was coming at WrestleMania but never materialized.

Reigns outlasted Triple H to seize the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. There wasn't the slightest hint of a character change during the bout. Reigns celebrated like a conquering hero despite the audience not receiving him as such.

The foreshadowing to Reigns' turn came one night later. Reigns appeared on Monday's Raw with his newly won title on his shoulder and a self-satisfied grin smeared across his face.

"I'm not a bad guy. I'm not a good guy. I'm the guy," he told fans.

He didn't carry himself like the traditional fan favorite. He can't. Crowds have emphatically rejected WWE's attempt to sell The Big Dog as the next top babyface.

Instead, it appears WWE is going to have Reigns grow more cocky and unlikable en route to harnessing all the hate already being sent his way.

Enter Styles.

As a fresh face with cache among diehard fans, he is a perfect foil for sparking Reigns' move toward heel status. Styles is an Internet darling, a work-rate wrestler, an underdog—in many ways, the opposite of Reigns. Positioning him against Reigns will only serve to highlight their differences.

Philly.com's Vaughn Johnson pointed out how much beating Styles will make fans dislike Reigns more:

That will be pivotal. If fans see Reigns as a beneficiary of the WWE machine, why not make him a part of it? Have him take out the wrestlers the vocal, passionate portion of the audience is most pulling for. Reigns setting fire to the Internet Wrestling Community's heroes will have him flourish as a heel.

It also helps that Styles is such a top-notch performer in the ring. WWE knows the eventual title match between these two will be excellent.

Styles will put on a tremendous showing, leaving every drop of himself on the canvas only to be speared off his feet. Seeing his dreams die at the hands of Reigns will be a powerful moment.

Will Pruett of ProWrestling.net is among those who believe the rivalry has potential:

That smugness is vital. It plays on the existing distaste for Reigns. And it's a trait that will allow the champion's transition to be a natural one.

Now that he stands on the mountaintop, pride will change him. He's sure to look down at a guy like Styles who is smaller than him, who has only recently arrived on the WWE stage.

That hubris paired with the image of him flattening the popular Styles will launch Reigns to his full potential as a heel.