Let's Be Honest, WWE's Roman Reigns Needs a Character Refresh

Roman Reigns is back on top as WWE's preeminent anti-hero, but The Tribal Chief could definitely use a change of direction. 

After two years, the second-generation Superstar is a world champion again, and Raw has been better when he's on TV. Reigns is undoubtedly a box-office draw and the most popular character in the company. 

His current feud with Jacob Fatu has cemented his cousin as the next big Samoan star. Their exchanges in the lead-up to Backlash were tremendous, and the two delivered a strong main event last Saturday. 

However, the Acknowledgment Ceremony from the latest episode of Raw was more of the same material we've seen for the past six years. Yes, Fatu looks like a credible threat, but the powerbomb through the commentary desk spot and Bloodline lore is so repetitive.

Now that Reigns is back on television every week, WWE has to find some fresh ways to use him, and his character must evolve. 

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It

When Reigns returned at SummerSlam in 2020, he finally turned heel and kicked off the most successful run of his career. As The Tribal Chief, he produced his most compelling character work to date, and the Bloodline saga was a home run.

The storyline created many memorable moments and helped WWE skyrocket to its most lucrative period since the Attitude era. So, it's no wonder the company has tried to recapture some of that magic again on Netflix.

The 40-year-old has softened a bit since his loss to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40. His journey back to the top has humbled him a bit, but in some ways, he's just as arrogant and narcissistic as ever. 

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This was apparent during his feud with CM Punk and when he initially dismissed Fatu's claim to a title shot. Although he has become a fan favorite for the first time as a single competitor, he's still acting like the well-known antagonist who demanded validation.

There are slight differences. Without Paul Heyman acting as his wise man, Reigns treats The Usos as his trusted advisors instead of his lackeys. That has been a welcome change over the last few weeks that justifies their reunion.

The world heavyweight champion is also less stoic and brooding. Nevertheless, he still defaults to his selfish tendencies, avoids accountability, and attempts to manipulate his family when they challenge him.

Striking The Right Balance 

Too often, the best villains lose their edge and appeal when they turn babyface. So, it's remarkable that Reigns has maintained much of what made him cool as a protagonist. 

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Obviously, no one wants to see him become a milquetoast babyface like "The Big Dog" persona again. That would be a step backward. His current arc also adds more fuel to Seth Rollins' motivation to dethrone him and reclaim the mantle he established.

After all, Rollins told everyone that Reigns hadn't changed, and he was ultimately right about his former stablemate. Still, it would be nice to see some character development, because attention to small details and continuity is what made The Bloodline so engaging. 

The issue is that WWE stopped taking risks with him and stayed in cruise control once it found something that worked. Reigns hasn't done anything new in years. He never even addressed his mistakes as The Tribal Chief or apologized for his actions.

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So much so that he and Fatu have blurred the lines between heel and face in their feud. Reigns only appears to be the good guy to some fans because he is getting the loudest reactions, and most viewers don't want to root against him.

Nonetheless, Fatu is far from a clear-cut bad guy because his motives are so relatable, and his cousin keeps trying to diminish them. In fact, Reigns comes off like a pompous corporate champion who's trying to keep an underdog from getting a fair shot. 

The nuance to his character that used to make him so intriguing has lost some of its luster. It would be refreshing if he at least seemed conflicted about their confrontation or the burden of holding a world title. 

The best characters eventually grow and face new challenges. Reigns is overdue for a transformation and fresh stories that force him out of his comfort zone again.