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Oh God...why am I doing this?
I swear I'd rather have Asuka kick me into submission...
Well...I wrote it...I may as well just post it...
When It Reigns...
Written by Kirk "Grievous" Williams
Edited by @Jacob Fox
Okay...first off...I have to apologize to all the Roman Reigns fans here on this forum. I will admit I do
enjoy "needling" you guys & laughing at your annoyed responses & statements.
I'm sorry for being an idiot, but I do intend to continue doing it through 2018 and beyond. So my
advice to you would be to dry your eyes, change your diapers & eat some concrete to harden the
fuck up!
Or just ignore me; much like I ignore your boy Roman.
Now that I've pissed you all off, let me actually begin this article for real and state that there are a
lot of positives to mention when discussing Roman Reigns. First, he's a full time professional
company man who gives everything he can to the WWE in and out of the ring. He is a solid in-ring
worker who is capable of putting on great match with a variety of different opponents & no matter
how loud the fans boo him, he truly does not give one flying fuck.
I can respect that.
Yes, you read that correctly.
I respect Roman Reigns and frankly the guy cops way too much hate for the situations the WWE
creative & booking teams have put him in. BUT-and its a huge but, like Naomi's butt-just because I
respect Roman Reigns doesn't mean I have to like or even watch Roman Reigns. And I'm here to
explain to you my fellow WWE forum members just why I...well...Ignore Reigns.
Now, I understand I have pissed off & possibly deeply angered some of you in the past year, since
I've joined this forum, with my outspoken opinion, or simply a lack of opinion on Roman. I thought it
was a time that I explain myself.
Now I just want state for the record that if you like or even love Roman Reigns, then that's cool. It's
your choice to support & worship whoever you want in much the same way I'm free to support &
worship Charlotte (you knew she was going to get a mention at least once in this piece). If you're a
supporter of the Roman Empire & proudly wear the T-Shirt then good for you. I just want you to
understand why I personally have no interest in watching the guy. Like I said, it doesn't have
anything to do with his in-ring work.
You see for me its his character, or more to the point, his lack of character that makes it hard for me
to care or even watch him perform. And before I start I just want to state I am no expert and this is
all personal opinion. Like any other opinion, I'm not right solely based on having an opinion. But I
would like to think no one out there could accuse me of being wrong.
Phase 1: The "Other" Reasons:
I have to be honest and say there are a lot of reasons why a wrestling fan would NOT like Roman Reigns.
However, most of them really aren't his fault.
1. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE pushed him too far too soon.
2. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE audience wanted Daniel Bryan.
3. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE writers gave him some absolutely terrible promos to deliver.
4. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE didn't realize he wasn't ready to deliver those promos.
5. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE edits the audio & visual reactions he gets.
6. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE booked the 2015 Royal Rumble match so fucking terribly.
7. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE has made his "Push" feel so forced & frankly pathetic.
8. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE has him act like a smug dickhead 24/7.
&
9. Its not Roman's fault I cringe every time Michael Cole yells out "Superman Punch!".
Sure I could go over every terrible promo & booking misstep early in his singles run, but I won't.
Frankly, many other people who know far more about wrestling have already commented on all
these "mistakes" and me doing so is pointless.
Its also important to realize that because of the internet those "mistakes" that were made will
always be there. So no matter how good Roman does get going forward, people will always be able
to look back and watch him "stumble" around in the early days of his singles run. As much as the
WWE doesn't want to admit it, wrestling fans have the ability to remember the bad, not just the
good.
I do have to make one superficial complaint to make, though. And that is I hate the way he carries
the Intercontinental title around over his shoulder like its a bag of potatoes. He did the same with
the United States title and frankly, I don't like it. But then I think all Champions should wear their
titles around their waists at every opportunity. That is just my preference though and I have raised
this issue in an older thread I posted...which I can't find to link to. Trust me its here somewhere.
(Okay...I promise...no more Charlotte references)
Now I want to state that none of the above listed reasons are why chose to ignore Roman Reigns.
They all do somewhat contribute in a small way, but they are not the main reason.
Phase 2: Television Shows & Lead Characters
So I've always had a strange relationship with television shows. especially those that run for a few
seasons. You see MOST television shows have a lead or main character. One central focal point
that the story and the other characters revolve or spin around. I understand this from a narrative
standpoint as it's easier to write a story when you have lead character on a quest or journey. The
lead Character will move from point A to B to C and achieve goals D, E & F and we as an audience
get to see this unfold.
The problem I have had with a lot of television shows I've watched in the past is that I don't find the
lead characters interesting or engaging. Sure they might be the lead or main character but
that doesn't mean they are the lead or main character to me personally.
For example lets look Dragonball Z:
I don't find Goku or his 2 sons very interesting. In fact apart from the immense amount of power he
has, I really don't care for Goku at all. I always found characters like Vegeta & Piccolo more
engaging & interesting. Even the world threatening villains like Cell & Majin Buu were far interesting
as characters to me than Goku.
A second example of this would be from Attack on Titan. This series gives you 3 lead/main
characters and I really only find one of them interesting... or one and half I guess. You have Eren,
Mikasa & Armin. Frankly Armin is the only one I find interesting. Eren is annoying most of time &
Mikasa is just the silent warrior who is awesome because one of the leads had to be. Eren has an
interesting "form" (Trying not to spoil this for those who haven't seen it) but I only really care about
him when he's in that form. It's the side or supporting characters like Sasha (Potato Girl) & the Titan
obsessed Hanji Zoe that actually make me want to continue to read the manga & watch the anime.
Hell, the Titan Shifters as characters as more interesting than the 3 lead/main characters. But that's
just my opinion.
Game of Thrones is another show that fits this example. Most of my favorite characters are
secondary characters that get far less screen time than the leads in the show.
Basically what I'm trying to say is that just because there is a main character on a television show,
that doesn't mean they are the main character to me personally.
There is a reason why I now call SmackDown the "Becky & Charlotte Show" in my weekly opinionated recaps.
Phase 3: Location, Location, Location
So as most of you know I live in Australia and Australia is a very interesting place. The term "multicultural"
gets thrown around a lot in Australia but I'll let you in on a little secret. Australia has no "real"
culture.
Basically anyone of any race or creed (with enough money) can move to Australia, set up shop and
live their own life the way they want to.
In the 35 years of my life so far, I have met people from all over the world who have moved to and
made a life for themselves in Australia.
If you look at a world map for a moment you will see that to the North & East of Australia there are
a few island nations. New Zealand is the main one (Lord of the Rings fans). There is also Tonga,
Papua New Guinea (Where my Father is currently working and there are still cannibal tribes in the
Highlands of PNG) and of course Samoa. So by living in Queensland for 35 years, I have met
many, many "Islanders" from these countries of all shapes & sizes.
Phase 4: My Points So Far:
1). Just because a TV show has an assigned main/lead character doesn't mean they will be the
main/lead character to me.
2). I've met many, many people who look just like Roman Reigns, so his appearance & "hook" of
being a big tough Samoan means nothing to me personally.
Phase 5: My MAIN Problem with Roman Reigns:
If you look at RAW as a television show-which I'm pretty sure the WWE does when they put it
together and air it- Roman Reigns is meant to be the lead/main character. The WWE positions him
that way. He gets a lot of promo time, backstage spots & interviews and generally always a match
on the card. That match usually takes place during the 2nd hour because the WWE knows their
numbers go down during the 3rd hour. They are trying to make sure he is seen on television at the
peak time. This would be all well and good if Roman Reigns had any character.
I find the character of "Big Samoan Man who can beat anyone" extremely boring and the truth is
there is a guy who plays that role better than Roman on the RAW roster. His name is Samoa Joe.
You see being a face, heel or tweener for Roman doesn't really matter. He will just act the same
way no matter what his disposition is. I mean he attempted to murder Braun Strowman. Then he
came out the next night, still the same old Roman. Frankly, the "Same Old Roman" just doesn't cut
it for me.
In comparison, at least the Rock was engaging in his delivery. At least Stone Cold Steve Austin
was fighting against "the Man." At least Hulk Hogan earnestly told his fans to eat their vitamins and
so forth. Even John Cena, who I will admit I have seen very little of, has energy & charisma. What
does Roman Reigns actually have as a character besides a great win/loss record and the shopping
list of titles he's won?
Somebody tell me why they find Roman Reigns engaging as the main character on the television
show known as RAW. You see, to me, Roman Reigns is nothing more than large Samoan guy who
beats people up because he's paid to do so. This is much like every second nightclub bouncer
you'll meet in my very home town.
On a quick sidebar, while the recent Shield reunion has been fun for a lot of fans, I wasn't around
for their original introduction/run/break up. I am therefore not effected by nostalgia. I actually have
to state that I believe it is a desperate last ditch effort by the WWE to get those cheers they so
desperately want for their future face of the company.
Its actually kind of sad when you really think it. They couldn't get Roman over no matter how hard
they tried & no matter what they did. Eventually all they could do was team Roman back up with his
two buddies from back in the day when the crowds actually liked & cheered him. From what I've
read, apparently it's working. But it ain't going to work on me.
Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins are two performers who actually have evolved as characters after
the Shield broke up. They are reduced to wearing their old gear and regressing as characters just
so they can make Roman look good. The WWE has bent its product to near breaking point to get
Roman over and they finally, desperately enacted the only option left to them. And me personally, I
find it pathetic, forced & fucking sad.
Phase 6: The Greater Problem
Now in reality, again this isn't really Roman's fault. I'm sure he simply takes his orders and does
what he's told. Again I want to state that I respect Roman as a performer & a worker and I'd much
rather see him as the Universal Champion than a part timer. But the real problem lies with the
WWE creative. Everything is so over-scripted & restricted that most of the performers on the main
roster aren't really given anything to work with as characters.
This affects most of their performers, apart from those who can somehow can make the dialogue
they're given & the situations they're placed in seem natural & normal. There aren't that many of
these on the main roster. The Miz & Alexa Bliss are the two best examples I can give you.
I want the WWE to be engaging television. While the quality of wrestling has never been better, the
quality of characters & character development is in my opinion is near non-existent. That needs to
change. Not just for Roman, but for every single one of their performers.
In Conclusion:
I don't watch Roman Reigns because I find him boring & underdeveloped as a character. I
personally don't think someone so boring & underdeveloped should be the lead/main character
on a TV show. I want to watch engaging (or at least people I find sexy as) characters when I
watch television.
That's why I wish Jacob Fox was on television.
Wait...where did that line come from?
+++
I want to thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope it has shed some light on my views &
opinions as far as Roman Reigns is concerned. Just know that I do hope one day the WWE will cut
the leash they have on the "Big Dog" and actually allow him to develop as a character...and then
maybe...just maybe I'll start paying him some attention.
So...with that said...have a great Christmas...and I'll see you all around the traps...
Believe That.
I swear I'd rather have Asuka kick me into submission...
Well...I wrote it...I may as well just post it...
When It Reigns...
Written by Kirk "Grievous" Williams
Edited by @Jacob Fox
Okay...first off...I have to apologize to all the Roman Reigns fans here on this forum. I will admit I do
enjoy "needling" you guys & laughing at your annoyed responses & statements.
I'm sorry for being an idiot, but I do intend to continue doing it through 2018 and beyond. So my
advice to you would be to dry your eyes, change your diapers & eat some concrete to harden the
fuck up!
Or just ignore me; much like I ignore your boy Roman.
Now that I've pissed you all off, let me actually begin this article for real and state that there are a
lot of positives to mention when discussing Roman Reigns. First, he's a full time professional
company man who gives everything he can to the WWE in and out of the ring. He is a solid in-ring
worker who is capable of putting on great match with a variety of different opponents & no matter
how loud the fans boo him, he truly does not give one flying fuck.
I can respect that.
Yes, you read that correctly.
I respect Roman Reigns and frankly the guy cops way too much hate for the situations the WWE
creative & booking teams have put him in. BUT-and its a huge but, like Naomi's butt-just because I
respect Roman Reigns doesn't mean I have to like or even watch Roman Reigns. And I'm here to
explain to you my fellow WWE forum members just why I...well...Ignore Reigns.
Now, I understand I have pissed off & possibly deeply angered some of you in the past year, since
I've joined this forum, with my outspoken opinion, or simply a lack of opinion on Roman. I thought it
was a time that I explain myself.
Now I just want state for the record that if you like or even love Roman Reigns, then that's cool. It's
your choice to support & worship whoever you want in much the same way I'm free to support &
worship Charlotte (you knew she was going to get a mention at least once in this piece). If you're a
supporter of the Roman Empire & proudly wear the T-Shirt then good for you. I just want you to
understand why I personally have no interest in watching the guy. Like I said, it doesn't have
anything to do with his in-ring work.
You see for me its his character, or more to the point, his lack of character that makes it hard for me
to care or even watch him perform. And before I start I just want to state I am no expert and this is
all personal opinion. Like any other opinion, I'm not right solely based on having an opinion. But I
would like to think no one out there could accuse me of being wrong.
Phase 1: The "Other" Reasons:
I have to be honest and say there are a lot of reasons why a wrestling fan would NOT like Roman Reigns.
However, most of them really aren't his fault.
1. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE pushed him too far too soon.
2. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE audience wanted Daniel Bryan.
3. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE writers gave him some absolutely terrible promos to deliver.
4. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE didn't realize he wasn't ready to deliver those promos.
5. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE edits the audio & visual reactions he gets.
6. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE booked the 2015 Royal Rumble match so fucking terribly.
7. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE has made his "Push" feel so forced & frankly pathetic.
8. Its not Roman's fault that the WWE has him act like a smug dickhead 24/7.
&
9. Its not Roman's fault I cringe every time Michael Cole yells out "Superman Punch!".
Sure I could go over every terrible promo & booking misstep early in his singles run, but I won't.
Frankly, many other people who know far more about wrestling have already commented on all
these "mistakes" and me doing so is pointless.
Its also important to realize that because of the internet those "mistakes" that were made will
always be there. So no matter how good Roman does get going forward, people will always be able
to look back and watch him "stumble" around in the early days of his singles run. As much as the
WWE doesn't want to admit it, wrestling fans have the ability to remember the bad, not just the
good.
I do have to make one superficial complaint to make, though. And that is I hate the way he carries
the Intercontinental title around over his shoulder like its a bag of potatoes. He did the same with
the United States title and frankly, I don't like it. But then I think all Champions should wear their
titles around their waists at every opportunity. That is just my preference though and I have raised
this issue in an older thread I posted...which I can't find to link to. Trust me its here somewhere.
(Okay...I promise...no more Charlotte references)
Now I want to state that none of the above listed reasons are why chose to ignore Roman Reigns.
They all do somewhat contribute in a small way, but they are not the main reason.
Phase 2: Television Shows & Lead Characters
So I've always had a strange relationship with television shows. especially those that run for a few
seasons. You see MOST television shows have a lead or main character. One central focal point
that the story and the other characters revolve or spin around. I understand this from a narrative
standpoint as it's easier to write a story when you have lead character on a quest or journey. The
lead Character will move from point A to B to C and achieve goals D, E & F and we as an audience
get to see this unfold.
The problem I have had with a lot of television shows I've watched in the past is that I don't find the
lead characters interesting or engaging. Sure they might be the lead or main character but
that doesn't mean they are the lead or main character to me personally.
For example lets look Dragonball Z:
I don't find Goku or his 2 sons very interesting. In fact apart from the immense amount of power he
has, I really don't care for Goku at all. I always found characters like Vegeta & Piccolo more
engaging & interesting. Even the world threatening villains like Cell & Majin Buu were far interesting
as characters to me than Goku.
A second example of this would be from Attack on Titan. This series gives you 3 lead/main
characters and I really only find one of them interesting... or one and half I guess. You have Eren,
Mikasa & Armin. Frankly Armin is the only one I find interesting. Eren is annoying most of time &
Mikasa is just the silent warrior who is awesome because one of the leads had to be. Eren has an
interesting "form" (Trying not to spoil this for those who haven't seen it) but I only really care about
him when he's in that form. It's the side or supporting characters like Sasha (Potato Girl) & the Titan
obsessed Hanji Zoe that actually make me want to continue to read the manga & watch the anime.
Hell, the Titan Shifters as characters as more interesting than the 3 lead/main characters. But that's
just my opinion.
Game of Thrones is another show that fits this example. Most of my favorite characters are
secondary characters that get far less screen time than the leads in the show.
Basically what I'm trying to say is that just because there is a main character on a television show,
that doesn't mean they are the main character to me personally.
There is a reason why I now call SmackDown the "Becky & Charlotte Show" in my weekly opinionated recaps.
Phase 3: Location, Location, Location
So as most of you know I live in Australia and Australia is a very interesting place. The term "multicultural"
gets thrown around a lot in Australia but I'll let you in on a little secret. Australia has no "real"
culture.
Basically anyone of any race or creed (with enough money) can move to Australia, set up shop and
live their own life the way they want to.
In the 35 years of my life so far, I have met people from all over the world who have moved to and
made a life for themselves in Australia.
If you look at a world map for a moment you will see that to the North & East of Australia there are
a few island nations. New Zealand is the main one (Lord of the Rings fans). There is also Tonga,
Papua New Guinea (Where my Father is currently working and there are still cannibal tribes in the
Highlands of PNG) and of course Samoa. So by living in Queensland for 35 years, I have met
many, many "Islanders" from these countries of all shapes & sizes.
Phase 4: My Points So Far:
1). Just because a TV show has an assigned main/lead character doesn't mean they will be the
main/lead character to me.
2). I've met many, many people who look just like Roman Reigns, so his appearance & "hook" of
being a big tough Samoan means nothing to me personally.
Phase 5: My MAIN Problem with Roman Reigns:
If you look at RAW as a television show-which I'm pretty sure the WWE does when they put it
together and air it- Roman Reigns is meant to be the lead/main character. The WWE positions him
that way. He gets a lot of promo time, backstage spots & interviews and generally always a match
on the card. That match usually takes place during the 2nd hour because the WWE knows their
numbers go down during the 3rd hour. They are trying to make sure he is seen on television at the
peak time. This would be all well and good if Roman Reigns had any character.
I find the character of "Big Samoan Man who can beat anyone" extremely boring and the truth is
there is a guy who plays that role better than Roman on the RAW roster. His name is Samoa Joe.
You see being a face, heel or tweener for Roman doesn't really matter. He will just act the same
way no matter what his disposition is. I mean he attempted to murder Braun Strowman. Then he
came out the next night, still the same old Roman. Frankly, the "Same Old Roman" just doesn't cut
it for me.
In comparison, at least the Rock was engaging in his delivery. At least Stone Cold Steve Austin
was fighting against "the Man." At least Hulk Hogan earnestly told his fans to eat their vitamins and
so forth. Even John Cena, who I will admit I have seen very little of, has energy & charisma. What
does Roman Reigns actually have as a character besides a great win/loss record and the shopping
list of titles he's won?
Somebody tell me why they find Roman Reigns engaging as the main character on the television
show known as RAW. You see, to me, Roman Reigns is nothing more than large Samoan guy who
beats people up because he's paid to do so. This is much like every second nightclub bouncer
you'll meet in my very home town.
On a quick sidebar, while the recent Shield reunion has been fun for a lot of fans, I wasn't around
for their original introduction/run/break up. I am therefore not effected by nostalgia. I actually have
to state that I believe it is a desperate last ditch effort by the WWE to get those cheers they so
desperately want for their future face of the company.
Its actually kind of sad when you really think it. They couldn't get Roman over no matter how hard
they tried & no matter what they did. Eventually all they could do was team Roman back up with his
two buddies from back in the day when the crowds actually liked & cheered him. From what I've
read, apparently it's working. But it ain't going to work on me.
Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins are two performers who actually have evolved as characters after
the Shield broke up. They are reduced to wearing their old gear and regressing as characters just
so they can make Roman look good. The WWE has bent its product to near breaking point to get
Roman over and they finally, desperately enacted the only option left to them. And me personally, I
find it pathetic, forced & fucking sad.
Phase 6: The Greater Problem
Now in reality, again this isn't really Roman's fault. I'm sure he simply takes his orders and does
what he's told. Again I want to state that I respect Roman as a performer & a worker and I'd much
rather see him as the Universal Champion than a part timer. But the real problem lies with the
WWE creative. Everything is so over-scripted & restricted that most of the performers on the main
roster aren't really given anything to work with as characters.
This affects most of their performers, apart from those who can somehow can make the dialogue
they're given & the situations they're placed in seem natural & normal. There aren't that many of
these on the main roster. The Miz & Alexa Bliss are the two best examples I can give you.
I want the WWE to be engaging television. While the quality of wrestling has never been better, the
quality of characters & character development is in my opinion is near non-existent. That needs to
change. Not just for Roman, but for every single one of their performers.
In Conclusion:
I don't watch Roman Reigns because I find him boring & underdeveloped as a character. I
personally don't think someone so boring & underdeveloped should be the lead/main character
on a TV show. I want to watch engaging (or at least people I find sexy as) characters when I
watch television.
That's why I wish Jacob Fox was on television.
Wait...where did that line come from?
+++
I want to thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope it has shed some light on my views &
opinions as far as Roman Reigns is concerned. Just know that I do hope one day the WWE will cut
the leash they have on the "Big Dog" and actually allow him to develop as a character...and then
maybe...just maybe I'll start paying him some attention.
So...with that said...have a great Christmas...and I'll see you all around the traps...
Believe That.
Last edited:
