Examining How WWE Can Improve the Roman Reigns-Big Show Feud

It’s time for WWE bookers to face a bleak truth: The current Roman Reigns-Big Show feud is rather abysmal.

However, that shouldn’t suggest that the angle is entirely beyond saving. In fact, if WWE plays its cards right, it can still get something out of this storyline and aid the careers of both guys.

It’s not hard to tell what has gone wrong with the angle so far. Reigns is being horrendously booked as a babyface. His promos—particularly his Jack and the Beanstalk-themed one on Monday’s Raw—have been absolutely dreadful.  

Credit: WWE.com

The bookers have him out there telling jokes that make even John Cena’s insufferable, childish ones look like smart, highbrow humor. It’s cringe-worthy.

It’s hard to believe this is the same company that managed to make "Stone Cold" Steve Austin a massive success in the ‘90s. It’s like Vince McMahon has forgotten how to make a good, popular babyface.

Things with Big Show aren’t much better. The giant has turned so many times over the years, few wrestling fans care about his current character direction. After 15 years in the company, he may have done everything he can possibly do.

Fans aren’t too keen on the angle either, unsurprisingly, judging by social media:

But believe it or not, WWE can make things a whole lot better.

Most importantly, the writing crew has to drop these awful promos from Reigns. In fact, the bookers should keep his talking to the bare minimum. WWE's attempt to make the former Shield member some witty, catchphrase-saying mic man is the main thing holding him back.

Ideally, Reigns should be a monster babyface in the Goldberg mold. He should be booked to blast through everyone in his path—and largely let his actions do the talking.     

Credit: WWE.com

Big Show, too, should be scripted to get back to his roots as a character. McMahon needs to try to make him the angry, frightening monster he was in 1999 and 2000. It will serve to make him more compelling. Anything to keep the focus off his 563 heel turns or muddled character direction.

Crucially, WWE also has to keep this program short. It really should be nothing except time-filler until the Royal Rumble—where presumably this feud will culminate in a Big Show-Reigns confrontation in the 30-man Battle Royal, with Reigns tossing out his enemy.

This rivalry simply isn’t suited for a long-term angle—it’s just not that interesting. There isn’t terribly much chemistry between the pair, nor have their in-ring exchanges been that great. The WWE writers' acceptance of this and decision to keep the program mercifully short are the first steps toward salvaging it.