Roman Reigns as a darker character

[Red Rain]

I've been debating this a few days.
There seems to be a growing trend of not-so-wholesome characters on popular TV today.
Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Mad Men, etc. Could WWE go in this direction, too?

Let's suppose Roman Reigns character drove off being a darker character like The Undertaker.
Undertaker drew #2 in terms of money in both 1997 and 1998.
Taker drew #6 in 1999 (injured). He also drew #7 in 2000 (injuries). He drew #5 in 2001.

The formula is largely based on matches that drew 10,000 fans (and an extra point if topping 20,000, a third point if topping 30,000, etc).

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrestling Observer Newsletter
1908 - Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt

1909 - Frank Gotch

1910 - 1. Great Gama and Stanislaus Zbyszko; 3. Frank Gotch; 4. Dr. Ben Roller

1911 - 1. Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt

1912 - 1. Frank Gotch

1913 - 1. Stanislaus Zbyszko and George Lurich; 3. Frank Gotch

1914 - Unavailable

1915 - 1. Charley Cutler; 2. Joe Stecher

1916 - 1. Joe Stecher; 2. Ed “Strangler” Lewis

1917 - 1. Joe Stecher; 2. Charley Peters, Jim Londos, John Pesek Ad Santel, Wladek Zbyszko; John Olin, Ed “Strangler” Lewis

1918 - 1. Joe Stecher, Ed “Strangler” Lewis and Wladek Zbyszko

1919 - 1. Ed “Strangler” Lewis; 2. Wladek Zbyszko; 3. Joe Stecher and Jim Londos

1920 - 1. Joe Stecher; 2. Jim Londos; 3. Earl Caddock and Ed “Strangler” Lewis; 5. John Pesek

1921 - 1. Ed “Strangler” Lewis; 2. Earl Caddock; 3. Jim Londos, John Pesek and Stanislaus Zbyszko

1922 - 1. Stanislaus Zbyszko; 2. Earl Caddock and Ed “Strangler” Lewis

1923 - 1. Ed “Strangler” Lewis; 2. Jim Londos; 3. Stanislaus Zbyszko and John Pesek

1924 - 1. Ed “Strangler” Lewis and Jim Londos; 3. Toots Mondt and Stanislaus Zbyszko

1925 - 1. Ed “Strangler” Lewis, Joe Stecher, Wayne Munn and Stanislaus Zbyszko

1926 - 1. Jim Londos; 2. Joe Stecher; 3. Ray Steele, John Pesek, Ed “Strangler” Lewis and Jim Browning

1927 - 1. Jim Londos and John Pesek

1928 - 1. Jim Londos; 2. John Pesek and Ed “Strangler” Lewis; 4. Joe Stecher, Dick Shikat, Gus Sonnenberg, Ray Steele

1929 - 1. Gus Sonnenberg; 2. Ed “Strangler” Lewis; 3. Joe Stecher; 4. Jim Londos; 5. Dick Shikat; 6. Stanley Stasiak and Joe Malciewiez

1930 - 1. Dick Shikat and Jim Londos; 3. Gus Sonnenberg and Everett Marshall; 5. Gino Garibaldi, Abe Coleman and Man Mountain Dean; 8. Stanley Stasiak, Karl Pojello, Ed “Strangler” Lewis, Hans Steinke, Ed Don George, Milo Steinborn an Rudy Dusek

1931 - 1. Jim Londos (dominant year, set all-time record for biggest national drawing card); 2. Ray Steele; 3. Jim McMillen and Gus Sonnenberg; 5. Rudy Dusek and Sandor Szabo; 7. Herb Freeman, Pat O’Shocker, Kola Kwariani, George Calza

1932 - 1. Jim Londos (dominant year); 2. Henri DeGlane; 3. Ed “Strangler” Lewis and Dick Shikat; 5. Jack Washburn

1933 - 1. Jim Londos (dominant year); 2. Henri DeGlane; 3. Jim Browning; 4. Ed Don George; 5. Ray Steele and Gus Sonnenberg; 7. Joe Stecher, Dick Shikat and Ed “Strangler” Lewis

1934 - 1. Jim Londos (dominant year, near record breaker); 2. Man Mountain Dean; 3. Dick Shikat; 4. Ed Don George, Ed “Strangler” Lewis, Jim Browning; 6. Joe Savoldi; 7. Joe Stecher and George Zaharias; 9. Everett Marshall, Henri DeGlane, Orville Brown and Gino Garibaldi

1935 - 1. Danno O’Mahoney (dominant year); 2. Jim Londos and Man Mountain Dean; 4. Vincent Lopez; 5. Ed “Strangler” Lewis; 6. Ed Don George; 7. Orville Brown and Gus Sonnenberg; 9. Chief Little Wolf and Ernie Dusek

1936 - 1. Danno O’Mahoney (dominant year); 2. Yvon Robert; 3. Ed Don George; 4. Everett Marshall, Ali Baba, Rube Wright, Vincent Lopez and Earl McCready

1937 - 1. Jim Londos (dominant year); 2. Everett Marshall; 3. Yvon Robert; 4. Orville Brown

1938 - 1. Jim Londos and Steve Casey; 3. Lou Thesz, Everett Marshall and Bronko Nagurski; 6. Vincent Lopez

1939 - 1. Jim Londos, Vincent Lopez and Dave Levin; 4. Lou Thesz, Everett Marshall, Dean Detton and Mildred Burke

1940 - 1. Jim Londos; 2. Bronko Nagurski and Maurice “French Angel” Tillet; 4. George Zaharias, Lou Thesz, Bill Longson and Ed Don George

1941 - 1. Bill Longson (dominant year); 2. Ed Don George and Wlasislow Talum; 4. Mildred Burke

1942 - 1. Bill Longson (dominant year); 2. Yvon Robert; 3. Maurice “French Angel” Tillet; 4. Lou Thesz and Sandor Szabo

1943 - 1. Bill Longson (dominant year); 2. Bobby Managoff, Swedish Angel and Vic Holbook; 5. Sandor Szabo and Yvon Robert

1944 - 1. Bill Longson (dominant year); 2. Whipper Billy Watson and Sandor Szabo; 4. Swedish Angel and Warren Bockwinkel

1945 - 1. Bill Longson (dominant year); 2. Wlasislow Talum and Bob Wagner

1946 - 1. Bill Longson (dominant year); 2. Buddy Rogers; 3. Yvon Robert and Primo Carnera; 5. Ray Vilmer, Frank Sexton, Wlasislow Talum, Bobby Managoff, Lou Thesz and Jim Londos

1947 - 1. Bill Longson; 2. Frank Sexton; 3. Lou Thesz and Whipper Billy Watson; 5. Gorgeous George; 6. Bob Wagner, Buddy Rogers, Larry Moquin and Bert Assirati

1948 - 1. Gorgeous George; 2. Bill Longson; 3. Enrique Torres; 4. Ernie & Emil Dusek; 6. Babe & Chris Zaharias and Whipper Billy Watson; 8. Maurice “French Angel” Tillet; 9. Sandor Szabo, Frank Sexton, Don Eagle, Manuel Garza, Buddy Rogers, Yvon Robert and Primo Carnera

1949 - 1. Gorgeous George and Whipper Billy Watson; 3. Lou Thesz; 4. Buddy Rogers, Yvon Robert and Don Eagle; 7. Argentina Rocca, Bill Longson and El Santo

1950 - 1. Lou Thesz and Argentina Rocca; 3. Buddy Rogers, Primo Carnera and Gorgeous George; 6. Don Eagle and Yukon Eric; 8. Whipper Billy Watson, Yvon Robert, Nanjo Singh, Bill Longson and Maurice “French Angel” Tillet

1951 - 1. Lou Thesz; 2. Whipper Billy Watson, Buddy Rogers and Great Togo; 5. Bill Longson and Yvon Robert; 7. Argentina Rocca, Yukon Eric, Enrique Llanes and Rikidozan

1952 - 1. Lou Thesz (dominant year); 2. Argentina Rocca and Killer Kowalski; 4. Buddy Rogers Primo Carnera, Verne Gagne and Baron Michele Leone; 8. Bobby Managoff, Pat O’Connor and Mighty Atlas

1953 - 1. Lou Thesz and Blue Demon; 3. El Santo; 4. Killer Kowalski and Verne Gagne; 6. Yvon Robert and Argentina Rocca; 8. Hans Schmidt, Tony Borne, Yukon Eric, Whipper Billy Watson and Al & Tiny Mills

1954 - 1. Argentina Rocca; 2. Verne Gagne, Pat O’Connor and Rikidozan; 5. El Santo; 6. Killer Kowalski, Mike & Ben Sharpe, Masahiko Kimura, Bert Assirati; 10. Whipper Billy Watson, Lou Thesz, Hans Schmidt

1955 - 1. Lou Thesz; 2. Wilbur Snyder; 3. Argentina Rocca and Hans Schmidt; 5. Killer Kowalski, Yukon Eric, Neff Maiava, Buddy Rogers, Emile Czaja and Rikidozan

1956 - 1. Argentina Rocca and Whipper Billy Watson; 3. Lou Thesz; 4. Killer Kowalski, Dr. Jerry Graham and El Santo; 7. Verne Gagne and Wilbur Snyder; 9. Dick the Bruiser, Ivan & Karol Kalmikoff, Reggie (Crusher) & Stan Liswoski; Miguel Perez, Edouard Carpentier, Don Leo Jonathan and Gorgeous George

1957 - 1. Lou Thesz; 2. Argentina Rocca; 3. Gene Kiniski; 4. Killer Kowalski and Edouard Carpentier; 6. Rikidozan; 7. Miguel Perez; 8. Whipper Billy Watson; 9. Hans Schmidt and Bobo Brazil

1958 - 1. Argentina Rocca & Miguel Perez (dominant year); 2. Killer Kowalski; 3. Edouard Carpentier; 4. Dr. Jerry Graham; 5. Fabulous Kangaroos and Eddie Graham; 7. Don Leo Jonathan, Pat O’Connor, The Sheik, Wild Bull Curry, Tony Borne and Black Shadow

1959 - 1. Argentina Rocca & Miguel Perez (dominant year); 2. Dick the Bruiser, Dr. Jerry & Eddie Graham, and Killer Kowalski; 5. Johnny Valentine; 6. Buddy Rogers and Wilbur Snyder; 8. Lord Athol Layton, Hans Schmidt, Angelo Poffo, Yukon Eric, Whipper Billy Watson, Gene Kiniski, Gorgeous George, The Sheik, Edouard Carpentier, Roy & Ray Shire (Ray Stevens)

1960 - 1. Buddy Rogers; 2. Argentina Rocca; 3. Dick the Bruiser, Bearcat Wright and Pat O’Connor; 6. Eddie Graham, Sweet Daddy Siki and Killer Kowalski; 9. Bruno Sammartino; 10. Cowboy Bob Ellis, Gene Kiniski and Yukon Eric

1961 - 1. Buddy Rogers (dominant year, set all-time record for biggest single year draw); 2. Argentina Rocca; 3. Johnny Valentine; 4. Pat O’Connor; 5. Bob Orton; 6. The Fabulous Kangaroos, Dick the Bruiser, Argentina Apollo; 9. Cowboy Bob Ellis, Ray Stevens, Fred Blassie and Rikidozan

1962 - 1. Buddy Rogers (dominant year); 2. Ray Stevens; 3. Johnny Valentine; 4. Bobo Brazil; 5. Cowboy Bob Ellis and Pepper Gomez; 7. Fred Blassie, Rikidozan and The Crusher; 10. Wilbur Snyder, Lou Thesz, Johnny Barend and Killer Kowalski

1963 - 1. Bruno Sammartino; 2. Buddy Rogers (should be noted Rogers’ last match of the year was May 17 due to heart problems, was on the way to a dominant year, and he still ended up finishing a close second) and Lou Thesz; 4. Killer Kowalski and Freddie Blassie; 6. The Destroyer; 7. Bobo Brazil and Hans Mortier; 9. Ray Stevens, Edouard Carpentier, Bearcat Wright and Gorilla Monsoon

1964 - 1. Bruno Sammartino (dominant year); 2. Fritz Von Erich; 3. Lou Thesz; 4. Dick the Bruiser; 5. Freddie Blassie and Gene Kiniski; 7. Ray Stevens, Johnny Valentine, Giant Baba, Waldo Von Erich and Gorilla Monsoon

1965 - 1. Bruno Sammartino (dominant year); 2. Cowboy Bill Watts; 3. Fritz Von Erich, Dick the Bruiser, Bill Miller; 6. Lou Thesz, Johnny Valentine, Kinji Shibuya, Toyonobori, Rene Guajardo, Karloff Lagarde, Ray Mendoza

1966 - 1. Lou Thesz; 2. Gene Kiniski; 3. Bruno Sammartino; 4. Fritz Von Erich; 5. Dick the Bruiser; 6. Giant Baba and Johnny Valentine; 8. Ernie Ladd (an impressive total since Ladd only wrestled during the pro football off-season as he was an AFL star player at this point in time), Dory Funk Jr., The Crusher

1967 - 1. Bruno Sammartino; 2. Gene Kiniski; 3. Giant Baba; 4. Mark Lewin; 5. Gorilla Monsoon; 6. The Crusher, Johnny Valentine, Edouard Carpentier, Verne Gagne, Ray Stevens and Toru Tanaka

1968 - 1. Bruno Sammartino; 2. Lou Thesz; 3. Gene Kiniski, Dara Singh, Bobo Brazil and Dick the Bruiser; 7. The Crusher; 8. Giant Baba, Freddie Blassie, Ray Stevens and Mil Mascaras

1969 - 1. The Sheik (dominant year); 2. Bruno Sammartino and Dory Funk Jr.; 4. Ray Stevens; 5. Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon; 7. Ivan Koloff and Bobo Brazil; 9. Jacques Rougeau Sr., Dick the Bruiser and Gene Kiniski

1970 - 1. The Sheik; 2. Bruno Sammartino; 3. Freddie Blassie; 4. Dory Funk Jr.; 5. The Crusher, Mad Dog Vachon and Pat Patterson; 8. Ray Stevens; 9. Gene Kiniski, Dick the Bruiser, Verne Gagne

1971 - 1. The Sheik; 2. Pedro Morales; 3. Freddie Blassie; 4. John Tolos; 5. Dory Funk Jr.; 6. Mil Mascaras; 7. Tiger Jeet Singh; 8. Tex McKenzie, The Crusher, Black Gordman, Bruno Sammartino, Luke Graham & Tarzan Tyler

1972 - 1. The Sheik; 2. Pedro Morales; 3. Ernie Ladd; 4. Dory Funk Jr., Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher, Bruno Sammartino and Pampero Firpo; 8. John Tolos; 9. Killer Kowalski; 10. Black Gordman, Blackjack Lanza, Mil Mascaras and Ray Stevens

1973 - 1. The Sheik; 2. Pedro Morales; 3. Dick the Bruiser; 4. Ernie Ladd; 5. Bruno Sammartino; 6. The Crusher; 7. Johnny Valentine; 8. Dory Funk Jr. and Superstar Billy Graham; 10. Harley Race and Jack Brisco

1974 - 1. Bruno Sammartino; 2. The Sheik; 3. Jerry Lawler; 4. Jack Brisco; 5. Andre the Giant and Valiant Brothers; 7. Chief Jay Strongbow, Don Leo Jonathan; 9. Killer Kowalski, Dick the Bruiser and Jackie Fargo

1975 - 1. Bruno Sammartino (dominant year); 2. Spyros Arion; 3. Jack Brisco; 4. Mongolian Stomper; 5. Andre the Giant; 6. Jerry Lawler; 7. Ivan Koloff; 8. Dick the Bruiser, The Crusher, Robert Fuller, Perro Aguayo

1976 - 1. Bruno Sammartino (dominant year); 2. Antonio Inoki; 3. Superstar Billy Graham; 4. Terry Funk, Ivan Koloff and Stan Hansen; 7. Andre the Giant; 8. Jerry Lawler; 9. Ric Flair and Nick Bockwinkel

1977 - 1. Superstar Billy Graham; 2. Bruno Sammartino; 3. Harley Race and Jerry Lawler; 5. Ken Patera; 6. Dusty Rhodes; 7. The Sheik and Mil Mascaras; 9. Gene & Ole Anderson and Bill Dundee

1978 - 1. Superstar Billy Graham ; 2. Bob Backlund; 3. Dusty Rhodes; 4. Harley Race; 5. Bruno Sammartino; 6. Ric Flair and Andre the Giant; 8. Canek, Ernie Ladd and Ivan Koloff

1979 - 1. Bob Backlund; 2. Harley Race; 3. Ric Flair; 4. Andre the Giant; 5. Bruno Sammartino, Ricky Steamboat and Pat Patterson; 8. Peter Maivia, Ivan Koloff, Nick Bockwinkel and Dusty Rhodes

1980 - 1. Bob Backlund; 2. Bruno Sammartino; 3. Larry Zbyszko; 4. Harley Race and Ken Patera; 6. Andre the Giant; 7. Hulk Hogan; 8. Antonio Inoki; 9. Ric Flair and Stan Hansen

1981 - 1. Bob Backlund (dominant year); 2. Andre the Giant; 3. Ric Flair and Stan Hansen; 5. Hulk Hogan; 6. Sgt. Slaughter; 7. Killer Khan and Nick Bockwinkel; 9. Jerry Blackwell, Harley Race and Dusty Rhodes

1982 - 1. Bob Backlund (breaks Rogers record for most big gates in one year); 2. Ric Flair; 3. Hulk Hogan; 4. Nick Bockwinkel; 5. Jimmy Snuka; 6. Perro Aguayo, Sgt. Slaughter, Roddy Piper and Superstar Billy Graham; 10. Andre the Giant, Junkyard Dog and Ken Patera

1983 - 1. Ric Flair; 2. Bob Backlund; 3. Harley Race; 4. Don Muraco; 5. Sgt. Slaughter; 6. Hulk Hogan; 7. Andre the Giant; 8. Jimmy Snuka; 9. Ricky Steamboat and John Studd

1984 - 1. Hulk Hogan (set all-time record for most big gates in one year); 2. Ric Flair; 3. Antonio Inoki; 4. Iron Sheik; 5. Kerry Von Erich; 6. Andre the Giant; 7. Paul Orndorff and Road Warriors; 9. Junkyard Dog; 10. Nick Bockwinkel and Canek

1985 - 1 Hulk Hogan (set all-time record for most big gates in one year); 2. Ric Flair; 3. Roddy Piper; 4. Paul Orndorff and Road Warriors; 5. Andre the Giant; 6. John Studd; 7. Bob Orton Jr.; 8. Randy Savage and Antonio Inoki; 10. Kevin & Kerry Von Erich

1986 - 1. Hulk Hogan (set all-time record for most big gates in one year); 2. Ric Flair and Paul Orndorff; 4. Road Warriors; 5. Randy Savage; 6. Dusty Rhodes and Nikita Koloff; 7. Roddy Piper and King Kong Bundy; 9. Midnight Express and Tito Santana

1987 - 1. Hulk Hogan (dominant year); 2. Ric Flair; 3. Randy Savage; 4. Kamala; 5. Road Warriors; 6. Dusty Rhodes and One Man Gang; 8. Andre the Giant and Antonio Inoki; 10. Harley Race and Carlos Colon

1988 - 1. Hulk Hogan; 2. Randy Savage; 3. Ric Flair and Andre the Giant; 5. Ted DiBiase; 6. Lex Luger; 7. Big Bossman; 8. Tully Blanchard; 9. Road Warriors, Dusty Rhodes and Carlos Colon

1989 - 1. Hulk Hogan; 2. Randy Savage; 3. Big Bossman; 4. Ultimate Warrior; 5. Big Van Vader; 6. Akira Maeda; 7. Antonio Inoki; 8. Andre the Giant, Carlos Colon and Rick Rude

1990 - 1. Hulk Hogan; 2. Ultimate Warrior; 3. Stan Hansen; 4. Mr. Perfect; 5. Riki Choshu; 6. Konnan and Rick Rude; 8. Big Van Vader, Perro Aguayo and Earthquake

1991 - 1. Hulk Hogan; 2. Ric Flair; 3. Konnan; 4. Perro Aguayo; 5. Sgt. Slaughter; 6. Ultimate Warrior; 7. Tatsumi Fujinami; 8. Undertaker, Genichiro Tenryu and Canek

1992 - 1. Ric Flair; 2. Konnan; 3. Hulk Hogan and Sid Vicious; 5. Cien Caras; 6. Bret Hart; 7. Randy Savage; 8. Vampiro; 9. Davey Boy Smith; 10. Perro Aguayo

1993 - 1. Konnan; 2. Cien Caras; 3. Perro Aguayo; 4. Genichiro Tenryu; 5. Mascara Ano 2000 and El Hijo del Santo; 7. Keiji Muto; 8. Riki Choshu, Love Machine, Octagon and Tatsumi Fujinami (Bret Hart was No. 1 in the United States)

1994 - 1. Konnan; 2. Bret Hart; 3. Shinya Hashimoto; 4. Nobuhiko Takada and Perro Aguayo; 6. Genichiro Tenryu; 7. Antonio Inoki, Owen Hart and Love Machine; 10. Cien Caras, Keiji Muto and Atsushi Onita

1995 - 1. Shinya Hashimoto; 2. Ric Flair; 3. Antonio Inoki; 4. Konnan and Keiji Muto; 6. Perro Aguayo; 7. Masahiro Chono; 8. Mitsuharu Misawa and Cien Caras; 10. Nobuhiko Takada and Diesel

1996 - 1. Nobuhiko Takada; 2. Shawn Michaels; 3. Shinya Hashimoto; 4. Bret Hart; 5. Keiji Muto; 6. Diesel; 7. Ric Flair, Kenta Kobashi, Toshiaki Kawada, Akira Taue, Vader, Genichiro Tenryu, El Hijo del Santo and Riki Choshu

1997 - 1. Shinya Hashimoto; 2. Undertaker; 3. Shawn Michaels; 4. Bret Hart; 5. Naoya Ogawa; 6. Lex Luger and Keiji Muto; 8. Steve Austin; 9. Hulk Hogan; 10. Riki Choshu, Kevin Nash and Mick Foley

1998 - 1. Steve Austin (set all-time record for most big gates in one year); 2. Undertaker; 3. Kane; 4. Mick Foley; 5. The Rock; 6. Bill Goldberg; 7. Hulk Hogan; 8. HHH; 9. Sting; 10. Randy Savage

1999 - 1. The Rock (set all-time record for most big gates in one year); 2. Steve Austin; 3. HHH; 4. Big Show; 5. Kane; 6. Undertaker; 7. Keiji Muto; 8. Bill Goldberg; 9. Ric Flair; 10. Kevin Nash

2000 - 1. The Rock (set all-time record for most big gates in one year); 2. HHH; 3. Kurt Angle; 4. Kane and Chris Benoit; 6. X-Pac; 7. Undertaker; 8. Road Dogg; 9. Naoya Ogawa; 10. Kensuke Sasaki and Chris Jericho

2001 - 1. Steve Austin; 2. The Rock; 3. Kurt Angle; 4. HHH; 5. Undertaker; 6. Chris Jericho; 7. Kane; 8. Kensuke Sasaki, Chris Benoit and Keiji Muto

2002 -1. The Rock; 2. Bob Sapp; 3. HHH; 4. Hulk Hogan; 5. Chris Jericho; 6. Steve Austin; 7. Kazushi Sakuraba; 8. Brock Lesnar; 9. Yuji Nagata and Mirko Cro Cop

2003 - 1. Brock Lesnar; 2. HHH; 3. Kazushi Sakuraba; 4. Big Show and Kurt Angle; 6. Yuji Nagata, Hulk Hogan, Kenta Kobashi, Masahiro Chono, Bill Goldberg, Shawn Michaels and Wanderlei Silva

2004 - 1. HHH; 2. Chris Benoit; 3. Bob Sapp and Eddie Guerrero; 5. Shawn Michaels; 6. La Parka; 7. Randy Orton, Ric Flair and Kenta Kobashi; 10. Shinsuke Nakamura, Cibernetico and Perro Aguayo Jr.

2005 - 1. Kenta Kobashi; 2. HHH; 3. Mistico and Ultimo Guerrero; 5. Atlantis, John Cena and Batista; 8. Rey Bucanero and Cibernetico; 10. Kurt Angle and El Hijo del Santo

2006 - 1. Mistico; 2. Perro Aguayo Jr. and Dr. Wagner Jr.; 4. Atlantis and Black Warrior; 6. John Cena and Negro Casas; 8. Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero; 9. La Parka, Konnan and Muerte Cibernetico (Mesias)

2007 - 1. John Cena; 2. Mistico; 3. Batista; 4. Randy Orton and Perro Aguayo Jr; 6. Ultimo Guerrero; 7. Dr. Wagner Jr.; 8. Cibernetico; 9. Hector Garza and Great Khali

2008 - 1. Mistico; 2. HHH; 3. Perro Aguayo Jr.; 4. Ultimo Guerrero and Hector Garza; 6. Cibernetico; 7. Zorro and Shocker; 9. Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho

From ABA Taker, to Big Evil and to Dead Man, Calaway maintained his distance.
Reigns seems to be of the same mold.

Being childish worked for John Cena, but does society want a post 9/11 hero anymore?

 

[Dolph'sZiggler]

Crow Reigns

 

[Red Rain]

Crow Reigns

If Cena turned heel (ala Hogan) claiming to be he kid's hero of the wrestling business, rejecting Roman Reigns (and others in the process) that would be interesting.
Cena could claim his accolades, emphasize how he saved the wresting business after the AE and run amok until Reigns shows up again.

I'm not in favor of a 'Crow' Reigns, because Reigns and Undertaker seem more similar.
I do believe society is growing darker in terms of their taste, but not in terms of being distasteful.
Reigns couldn't completely bite Sting or Undertaker's style but he could uniform himself into a very similar mold.

 

[Jacob Fox]

I think it could work. But I've been saying an anti hero type has been needed for a while. Reigns has that sort of look about him and I think it can translate, although I can't say for sure what that character would be like.

 

[Red Rain]

I think it could work. But I've been saying an anti hero type has been needed for a while. Reigns has that sort of look about him and I think it can translate, although I can't say for sure what that character would be like.

Exactly. I simply chose the Undertaker as a template. The long hair, the tattoos and the lack of extroversion makes Taker a likely comparison.
Of all the Taker incarnations, each of them seem viable (even the Biker gimmick) but it would take a significant writing process to make a him a 'dead man'.

Undertaker was primarily a babyface, hence the comparison. Laziness won't make Reigns a profitable babyface. However, if he's just a career heel, then my bet is off on the dark character altogether

 

[ShaRpY HaRdY]

It's an interesting concept, I can see it working out not sure how exactly I would do it, Undertaker is a decent mold but I think there's a better way to do a "darker" version of the Roman Reigns character and have it work.

 

[The GOAT]

I can easily picture Reigns as a dark, Satanic-like figure. Imagine Reigns sporting an all black vest and pants (eh, not much different from what he does now), the tattoo of a small pentagram on his forehead (and/or a pentagram necklace around his neck) and his dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. That would have been a perfect fit for the Ministry of Darkness back in the day. He might run the risk of being too similar to Bray Wyatt today depending on how they handled the presentation of it though, but then they successfully made Kane stand out enough on his own back in the day in spite of his similarities to Taker.

However, I think Reigns being a new Diesel/Big Sexy type of character would be a lot more natural for him and there's direct comparisons to be made between them as well - good looks, long black hair, the whole laid-back "don't give a fuck, I know I'm cool" factor, size (Nash was quite a bit taller, but Reigns still has an imposing look to him), etc.

 

[ShaRpY HaRdY]

I can easily picture Reigns as a dark, Satanic-like figure. Imagine Reigns sporting an all black vest and pants (eh, not much different from what he does now), the tattoo of a small pentagram on his forehead (and/or a pentagram necklace around his neck) and his dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. That would have been a perfect fit for the Ministry of Darkness back in the day. He might run the risk of being too similar to Bray Wyatt today depending on how they handled the presentation of it though, but then they successfully made Kane stand out enough on his own back in the day in spite of his similarities to Taker.

However, I think Reigns being a new Diesel/Big Sexy type of character would be a lot more natural for him and there's direct comparisons to be made between them as well - good looks, long black hair, the whole laid-back "don't give a fuck, I know I'm cool" factor, size (Nash was quite a bit taller, but Reigns still has an imposing look to him), etc.

This would work out a whole lot better if I had to decide between the two character styles.

 

[C.M. Shaddix]

Give the man a new theme song and attire that's dark then we'll see how it goes. Keep the crowd entrance.

 

[u_cant_c_me]

Give the man a new theme song and attire that's dark then we'll see how it goes. Keep the crowd entrance.

I agree with u

 

[Red Rain]

I can easily picture Reigns as a dark, Satanic-like figure. Imagine Reigns sporting an all black vest and pants (eh, not much different from what he does now), the tattoo of a small pentagram on his forehead (and/or a pentagram necklace around his neck) and his dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. That would have been a perfect fit for the Ministry of Darkness back in the day. He might run the risk of being too similar to Bray Wyatt today depending on how they handled the presentation of it though, but then they successfully made Kane stand out enough on his own back in the day in spite of his similarities to Taker.

However, I think Reigns being a new Diesel/Big Sexy type of character would be a lot more natural for him and there's direct comparisons to be made between them as well - good looks, long black hair, the whole laid-back "don't give a fuck, I know I'm cool" factor, size (Nash was quite a bit taller, but Reigns still has an imposing look to him), etc.

WWE alluded to Reigns and Wyatt being natural rivals dating back to the Shield/Wyatts feud.
Diesel was boring. People don't want boring, they want ingenuity. Besides, the Diesel gimmick failed whereas the Taker gimmick(s) thrived.

However, if Reigns went forward with the Diesel gimmick supplementing with a womanizer type of role would be fitting. Have him be a guy who 'just can't keep his hand out of the cooker jar', so to speak.

 

[The GOAT]

WWE alluded to Reigns and Wyatt being natural rivals dating back to the Shield/Wyatts feud.
Diesel was boring. People don't want boring, they want ingenuity. Besides, the Diesel gimmick failed whereas the Taker gimmick(s) thrived.

However, if Reigns went forward with the Diesel gimmick supplementing with a womanizer type of role would be fitting. Have him be a guy who 'just can't keep his hand out of the cooker jar', so to speak.

Diesel was over like rover until they softened him up and made him a vanilla face after he won the championship. Same thing they're still guilty of doing with people to this day. Plus 1995 was a very dry and disastrous year in terms of creative, so the failure of that isn't all on him. He was one of the most over stars in WCW in 1998 as Big Sexy when he was allowed to be himself.

The Undertaker gimmick has thrived, but it's also one of the most unique gimmicks in history and a lot harder to pull off successfully than the charming, suave, bad-ass type of character, the latter of which, again, I feel would be more natural for Reigns. It's pretty much a huge part of his genuine personality from what I've seen.

If Reigns did "cross over to the dark side" though, it'd be interesting if Bray Wyatt was the one who pushed him to that point. For all his talking, Wyatt has yet to actually corrupt anyone's mind successfully, and since actions speak louder than words, it's be a compelling road to travel by having him be the one to turn Reigns into someone of his ilk. It'd be fitting too, considering their history dating back to The Shield/Wyatt Family rivalry, the first match between the two groups which was won by Bray after he pinned Reigns, which I believe marked the first time in history Roman Reigns had ever been pinned since coming to the main roster.

 

[Dolph'sZiggler]

Diesel was over like rover until they softened him up and made him a vanilla face after he won the championship. Same thing they're still guilty of doing with people to this day. Plus 1995 was a very dry and disastrous year in terms of creative, so the failure of that isn't all on him. He was one of the most over stars in WCW in 1998 as Big Sexy when he was allowed to be himself.

The Undertaker gimmick has thrived, but it's also one of the most unique gimmicks in history and a lot harder to pull off successfully than the charming, suave, bad-ass type of character, the latter of which, again, I feel would be more natural for Reigns. It's pretty much a huge part of his genuine personality from what I've seen.

If Reigns did "cross over to the dark side" though, it'd be interesting if Bray Wyatt was the one who pushed him to that point. For all his talking, Wyatt has yet to actually corrupt anyone's mind successfully, and since actions speak louder than words, it's be a compelling road to travel by having him be the one to turn Reigns into someone of his ilk. It'd be fitting too, considering their history dating back to The Shield/Wyatt Family rivalry, the first match between the two groups which was won by Bray after he pinned Reigns, which I believe marked the first time in history Roman Reigns had ever been pinned since coming to the main roster.

Its 2015 and people are still hating on Kevin Nash? People seriously need to get over it.

 

[Red Rain]

Diesel was over like rover until they softened him up and made him a vanilla face after he won the championship. Same thing they're still guilty of doing with people to this day. Plus 1995 was a very dry and disastrous year in terms of creative, so the failure of that isn't all on him. He was one of the most over stars in WCW in 1998 as Big Sexy when he was allowed to be himself.

The Undertaker gimmick has thrived, but it's also one of the most unique gimmicks in history and a lot harder to pull off successfully than the charming, suave, bad-ass type of character, the latter of which, again, I feel would be more natural for Reigns. It's pretty much a huge part of his genuine personality from what I've seen.

If Reigns did "cross over to the dark side" though, it'd be interesting if Bray Wyatt was the one who pushed him to that point. For all his talking, Wyatt has yet to actually corrupt anyone's mind successfully, and since actions speak louder than words, it's be a compelling road to travel by having him be the one to turn Reigns into someone of his ilk. It'd be fitting too, considering their history dating back to The Shield/Wyatt Family rivalry, the first match between the two groups which was won by Bray after he pinned Reigns, which I believe marked the first time in history Roman Reigns had ever been pinned since coming to the main roster.

Being over doesn't equal money, brother. Diesel never made WWE a dime.
If I were making this argument to Vince I would be using dollars and cents, not being over. The Taker character is complex but was well worth the investment, just like Reigns is.
Kevin Nash and Joe Anoa'i (Reigns) seem nothing alike to me. Anoa'i personality is way more quiet and reserved the way Mark Calaway is.
WWE originally wanted Orton to be the next Rock. It didn't work because Orton and Dwayne Johnson are nothing alike despite both being blue chippers.
Watch Nash, Anoa'i (Reigns) and Calaway (Taker) being interviewed, you'll see clearly that Nash is far more outspoken than the other two.

I see similarities between Diesel and Reigns but Reigns isn't nearly as 'persuasive' as Kevin Nash is. Diesel failed because it didn't fit Nash. Nash was above it. The Diesel gimmick was and is garbage.

 

[The GOAT]

Being over doesn't equal money, brother. Diesel never made WWE a dime.
If I were making this argument to Vince I would be using dollars and cents, not being over. The Taker character is complex but was well worth the investment, just like Reigns is.
Kevin Nash and Joe Anoa'i (Reigns) seem nothing alike to me. Anoa'i personality is way more quiet and reserved the way Mark Calaway is.
WWE originally wanted Orton to be the next Rock. It didn't work because Orton and Dwayne Johnson are nothing alike despite both being blue chippers.
Watch Nash, Anoa'i (Reigns) and Calaway (Taker) being interviewed, you'll see clearly that Nash is far more outspoken than the other two.

I see similarities between Diesel and Reigns but Reigns isn't nearly as 'persuasive' as Kevin Nash is. Diesel failed because it didn't fit Nash. Nash was above it. The Diesel gimmick was and is garbage.

Being over is a big indicator that someone has the potential to draw money since it means the audience likes you. It doesn't mean you will, of course, but a person's overness with the crowd is a tangible factor worth mentioning.

I've already pointed out reasons why Diesel failing to draw as champion doesn't completely rest on him. By comparison, how much money did the Undertaker draw? He's a legend and what I'd consider on a personal level to be one of the greatest of all-time, but he isn't some great draw by himself either. The stats you posted on him in the OP are garbage. Drawing money when you're working with mega-stars like Austin or Rock or when the whole promotion and, hell, the whole industry is on fire is hardly proof that you yourself are putting asses in the seats. This is kind of a nonsensical point to argue anyway since Reigns/Nash wouldn't be 100% alike and what the audience was drawn to in 1995 and what they're drawn to two decades later (along with all the other elements and components that determine why something or someone draws or not, i.e. 1995 being a disastrous year creatively, whereas modern-day WWE having a brand name that's almost as strong as it's ever been) don't compute.

Two people don't have to be carbon copies of one another for a fair comparison to be made. Nash was just the closest equivalent to make with him. Nash was more outgoing, but he still had that swagger and look about him that projected an image of coolness even when he wasn't speaking. Twas my point. To quote myself from earlier, I think Reigns being a "charming, suave, bad-ass type of character" would be best for him.

Check out his short excerpt from this promo:





His line at 3:04 in the second video was awesome.