Breaking Down How WWE Can Salvage Roman Reigns' Fan Perception

Roman Reigns may have won the 2015 Royal Rumble Battle Royal, but many members of the WWE Universe believe he is not ready to main event WrestleMania 31 against Brock Lesnar.

While the WWE is going forward with the plan it thinks is best for business, the company must shift its focus to Reigns and rebuilding his credibility with the fans who have turned on him.

Ignoring the reaction Reigns received and his perception among fans would be a mistake.

The raucous crowd in Philadelphia turned on Reigns for several reasons. Not only are fans rejecting him due to the fact that he is being booked in a similar fashion to John Cena, but there is also a belief that he is simply too green to be in his position.

In his time as a singles competitor, Reigns has shown weaknesses on the mic and in longer in-ring segments, but he has started making improvements in both aspects of the sport. He is undoubtedly getting better, but his rise to the main event feels forced.

The key now for the WWE is being honest about the situation. The proper booking can get the WWE Universe back on Reigns’ side, but the company must go all-in on the Superstar and execute this storyline to perfection.

One of the biggest issues for Reigns is the promos he was cutting leading into the Royal Rumble. With fairy tales and Looney Tunes references, adult fans feel disconnected from him despite his tough-guy persona. The WWE Universe doesn’t want another Cena.

As seen on Monday’s edition of Raw, Reigns was limited to saying only a few powerful lines that had staying power. Instead of having Reigns talk too much, the WWE should book him to deliver verbal messages sparingly but make every word he says mean something.

That’s where Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman become so important. Heyman is, without a doubt one, of the greatest speakers in wrestling history. He has the ability to sell any Superstar as a top draw, and he will do the same with Reigns. Add the aura Lesnar carries, and Reigns could get the ultimate rub from working with two of the most adult-oriented entertainers in the company.

There will be no joking with Lesnar. Reigns’ tough-guy attitude will be put to the test when standing toe-to-toe with The Beast.

Another smart move to ensure Reigns gets over with the majority of the WWE Universe will be directly interacting with Daniel Bryan. As the wrestler a vocal portion of the fans wanted to see win, Bryan essentially giving his blessing to Reigns would help people get behind him. Whether it’s just a backstage interaction on Raw or an entire segment, Bryan should put Reigns over verbally.

Reigns and Bryan could also continue to interact and work together against The Authority.

With Bryan and The Authority undoubtedly rekindling their feud eventually and Reigns likely to draw the ire of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, having them join forces would be a way for the WWE Universe to come to grips with the realization that Reigns is main eventing WrestleMania. The Authority have been the ultimate heels, and Reigns should be able to get a face reaction against them.

With the Fast Lane pay-per-view scheduled for February, giving Reigns a holdover feud that includes a match before WrestleMania will give him a chance to prove he has the ability in the ring to shine at the biggest show of the year.

While he was involved in a storyline with The Big Show, Reigns would be better off fighting Seth Rollins or someone else who can put on an extended bout. The fans don’t want to see Reigns vs. Big Show, and giving that match to the WWE Universe would add to their distaste for the future world champion.

Regardless of whom Reigns squares off against at Fast Lane, it is imperative the WWE does everything in its power to prove to the fans that he is the right star of the future. Instead of shoving him down the throat of the WWE Universe, booking him to be a tough guy who says little and lets his actions speak for him will help the company salvage his fan perception.

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