A The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns Storyline Would Be A Mistake For WWE
Since Payback 2020, Roman Reigns not only has had a vice grip on the Universal Title, he’s had all of Smackdown under his golden fist. With Paul Heyman as the special counsel and his cousins, The Usos both now firmly standing with him, The Bloodline has been nothing but white-hot and there doesn’t seem to be any signs of slowing the train down.
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With Reigns operating on such a high level, the question needs to be begged - who gets the ultimate rub from finally toppling the reigning, defending, incontrovertible, eight million other adjectives that Heyman used to describe the champ? There seem to be some fans clamoring The Rock to make a challenge for the title of Tribal Chief. However, that would be a terrible idea.
The Storyline On Paper Sounds Great
After spending nearly a year atop the Smackdown mountain, Roman Reigns has been an indomitable force. He’s also been a megalomaniacal malcontent, using fear and manipulation to keep his family members in line. Remember “Main Event” Jey Uso didn’t join up willingly, he lost a match to be Roman’s slave. The Tribal Chief then manipulated Jimmy to stand with him after Jey couldn’t take the constant family bickering. I detailed this storyline recently - one possible scenario, NXT developmental talent Simone Johnson could get the same kind of rocket ship strapped to her that her father once did, but it would be to manipulate her and goad The Great One into a match. It’s exactly the multi-faceted storytelling that WWE claims they love to have (imagine Heyman’s promo about “the battle for the Anoa’i Family’s soul!)
In Reality, This Storyline Has Problems
The Brahma Bull is always in phenomenal shape. He would undoubtedly train hard like he always does and find several great technicians to help him get in ring shape. He will at youngest be 49 years old by the time this match would theoretically happen (re: WrestleMania). That’s not to say that he couldn’t go in the ring. But his style was a smash-mouth style mixed in with some sizzle here and there; much like his cousin.
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Sometimes, two similar styles can be a detriment to a having a good match. Look at all of Reigns’ challengers thus far from Jey Uso all the way to Edge - all great technicians. Aside from the story of the Jey Uso match, the rest of Roman’s challengers have been able to craft clinical marvels. The story could carry the match - after all no one thinks the work rate between Rock and Hulk Hogan was anything to write home about. But this is one match where the hype for it and the hype that will help build it might be too great to live up to.
Who Does This Storyline Benefit?
On the legendary podcast with former friend Colt Cabana, CM Punk said when it comes to legends and part-timers going over was “what’s next for him?” What’s next for the guys breaking their tails day in and day out after “Dwayne” comes and collects his payday. There is an entire roster of superstars who have been chomping at the bit for some sort of chance at the tippy top of the card. Meanwhile, Rock is off making Black Adam. Does that mean that Henry Cavill and Zachary Levi get the rub after the defeat of the DC villain? If Rock wins, who does he drop the title to and help get over? If Roman were to win, then seriously is there anyone left as a believable, credible contender? Not the current way the roster is being pushed. Challengers are teed up, Roman Superman Punches them right back down the card (Cesaro) or completely off the show (Daniel Bryan).
There is always a ton of potential when it comes to family drama and there is no bigger non-McMahon family in wrestling than the Samoan dynasty. If you’re a Samoan wrestler, you’re either related or you’re Samoa Joe. There could be several different familial contenders that could get a nice rub from beating Roman. The Rock doesn’t need it and if Roman beats him then The Tribal Chief should just retire. No one else is close to him right now. It’s not hyperbole, no one is operating on the level that he is right now.
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The eventual defeat of Roman needs to come from and up and comer who can shock the world or an old foe coming back to end the reign of terror. As awesome a movie-like story the Samoans could craft, leave The Rock where he is, enjoying being the biggest action star there ever was. Leave Roman where he is, until there is someone worth a damn enough to touch him.
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