An idea for Roman Reigns

[Mr. Nerfect]

I had a random idea whilst thinking about the WrestleMania XXX card before, namely how The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family could go down at Elimination Chamber. This got me thinking about an idea that I haven't seen suggested anywhere else.

The WWE is clearly building Roman Reigns up to be a huge deal. And it seems to be going quite well. The WWE wants Reigns to eventually turn face, but the question is when and how. Right now the WWE seems to be in a stage where the WWE is building the credibility of Reigns -- to the point where the audience wants to get behind him as a solo star.

But what if the WWE could keep this going through WrestleMania, build future match-ups and yet not blow their load with Reigns whilst also making him a force to be reckoned with? What if the WWE could keep Reigns' star on the rise, give him main event exposure, yet keep people sitting on the edge of their seat waiting for that face turn? How could this be done?

What if Dean Ambrose's apparent insecurities with Reigns led to him selling out his "brother" to Bray Wyatt at Elimination Chamber?

Think about it: Defeat of The Shield is not merely enough for Bray Wyatt, and his character has been searching for monsters. Earlier this year there were clearly plans for a top babyface to join The Wyatt Family and be the guy that the fans were dying to see break free and turn against the master. Daniel Bryan was put into that role, but he was just too over for it at the time. Roman Reigns, however, is in the process of getting over. He could be perfect as the badass that people want to see break the shackles and cut loose, but disappointingly reaffirms his loyalty to the sinister Bray Wyatt and his mission.

Roman Reigns would become Bray Wyatt's "ultimate weapon." He'd have the powerhouse of The Shield, "The Punisher," and a man that can stand toe-to-toe with anyone in the WWE on any day, and he's backed by Harper & Rowan -- monsters in their own right. Can you just imagine Bray cackling with Reigns by his side. Reigns could even adapt Rowan's line as his own occasionally -- "Run." Perhaps he could even say "Believe in The Family."

John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt has been heavily rumored for WrestleMania XXX, and on-air movements were made towards this storyline, with it seemingly being delayed only for the Elimination Chamber. But whilst Wyatt is a fascinating character, his ring chemisty with John Cena remains untested. Perhaps Bray Wyatt could send Roman Reigns into battle against John Cena instead? Perhaps Roman Reigns could actually defeat John Cena at WrestleMania? I'm sure The Wyatt Family could get involved to back him and Bray up.

This would also add heat to Dean Ambrose. He's not only jealous of Reigns, but he sold him out, arguably just out of spite. It's quite the epic act of betrayal, and it's one that Seth Rollins might not take too lightly. Whilst Reigns is not an issue for Ambrose (whose ensuring that Bray Wyatt takes Reigns captive could also be seen as an act of cowardice -- avoiding confronting Reigns over his intended betrayal), Rollins would be free to take exception to Ambrose, disagree with his treachery and Ambrose trying to crawl back to Rollins ("we were the real stars of The Shield"), who goes to battle for his former partner and his friend, Roman Reigns. Heading into WrestleMania, Rollins could even team occasionally with Cena to do battle with members of The Wyatt Family, and at WrestleMania XXX, Rollins can get his shot at Dean Ambrose, who has hidden behind Bray Wyatt and his monsters for so long.

How long Reigns remains in The Wyatt Family is anyone's guess, but it could be a prolonged thing. Rollins could try and snap Reigns out of it, only for them to have a feud. There could be a moment where Reigns seems like he is about to snap out of it, only for Bray to sick Harper & Rowan on him, leading to a Handicap Match where The Family manage to beat Reigns and he remains subservant. Or maybe Reigns even manages to sneak out the win, but still remains aligned with The Family. Perhaps The Rock could even return later in the year (depending on how his health is doing and how he is doing film schedule-wise) and try to remind Reigns of the family that really matters. If they could keep this going until WrestleMania 31, Reigns vs. The Rock could be a huge match that is the catalyst to Reigns' huge face turn. But that's a long time to build an angle.

Or it could end as early as at WrestleMania itself. Reigns beats Cena and then The Wyatt Family look to take Cena as their own and begin a beat-down of him, only for Reigns to turn on The Family and take them out to (presumably) a massive pop, even from the smarky fans.

[Anybody Thrilla]

How does Ambrose just 'sell him out'? Why would Reigns do what Bray Wyatt said?

[Anybody Thrilla]

I'm generally against anyone else joining the Wyatts unless it's somebody who hasn't been on main TV yet.

[Kingofdaswing]

Reigns is still a year maybe two away from being a top star in this company. He is far too green as a WWE performer.

I would like to see him break away from The Shield, have a good long run with the IC Strap, and see where he is then with his character. A nice slow burn, if he can handle it and stay relevant, than it'll be his time to be a top guy.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I want the Shield to stay together for their entire WWE careers.

[Innovator]

I want 1000 Wyatt Family members surrounding the entire arena at Wrestlemania, for the Shield to arrive to the ring via helicopter and fight all of them off.

[whiteyford]

I want the Shield to stay together for their entire WWE careers.

I just don't see why they have to be split for Reigns to get a push.

[Rammsteinmad]

Agreed. Let Reigns be a breakout star whilst still being a part of the Shield. It's incredible how the Shield have been around now for a year and a half, and have not at any point during their tenure "lost steam". They've constantly been main-eventing or heavily featured in storylines, and they're still going strong today.

[Shisen Kopf]

Undertaker should join the Wyatt's and Sting should join the Shield to really get interest for their Rasslemania match.

[Hanso Amore]

How has there been 10 posts in this thread and no one went to the "he should snap and become a badass submission machine" well

[Anybody Thrilla]

Because we're evolving as a people.

[XL]

How does Ambrose just 'sell him out'? Why would Reigns do what Bray Wyatt said?

I'm guessing Ambrose walks out on Reigns, allowing Rowan and Harper to beat him down/Bray finish him off. They then carry him away to be "reprogrammed".

[Heyman]

Roman Reigns joining the Wyatt's and playing second fiddle to Bray would be an astronomically terrible move for Reigns.

It would damage Reigns' credibility in terms of moving up to the main-events. Atleast in the short-term.

If it was up to me, I'd continue Shield/Wyatt's all the way to Wrestlemania.........and have The Shield split up at Mania.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I'm guessing Ambrose walks out on Reigns, allowing Rowan and Harper to beat him down/Bray finish him off. They then carry him away to be "reprogrammed".

Hmmm. Can't say that I love it.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Roman Reigns joining the Wyatt's and playing second fiddle to Bray would be an astronomically terrible move for Reigns.

It would damage Reigns' credibility in terms of moving up to the main-events. Atleast in the short-term.

If it was up to me, I'd continue Shield/Wyatt's all the way to Wrestlemania.........and have The Shield split up at Mania XXXX, maybe.

There you go.

[whiteyford]

Agreed. Let Reigns be a breakout star whilst still being a part of the Shield. It's incredible how the Shield have been around now for a year and a half, and have not at any point during their tenure "lost steam". They've constantly been main-eventing or heavily featured in storylines, and they're still going strong today.

I said it in another thread but they never split up the Horsemen if someone other than Flair got a singles push, they could keep the Shield together and even turn Reigns face without having to split them.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm guessing Ambrose walks out on Reigns, allowing Rowan and Harper to beat him down/Bray finish him off. They then carry him away to be "reprogrammed".

Essentially this. Reigns could be setting up for a Spear when Ambrose runs in, puts him in a headlock and drags him into the middle of the ring where he drills with him with his finishing move. Ambrose then marches to the back, looking either satisfied with himself or even conflicted (depending on where they want to take his character), and Bray then hits Sister Abigail on Reigns, becomes only the second person to pin in him his career, and then has Harper & Rowan carry him to the back.

Roman Reigns joining the Wyatt's and playing second fiddle to Bray would be an astronomically terrible move for Reigns.

It would damage Reigns' credibility in terms of moving up to the main-events. Atleast in the short-term.

If it was up to me, I'd continue Shield/Wyatt's all the way to Wrestlemania.........and have The Shield split up at Mania.

Agreed. Reigns wouldn't be playing second-fiddle to anyone though. Reigns would be the most credible force in The Shield (baring in mind that Harper, Rowan and Bray himself are not booked any weaker by the company after this point), and would be going against John Cena at WrestleMania XXX. He would then defeat John Cena at WrestleMania. Wyatt is there to be a mouthpiece and to be a figure that the WWE Universe can't wait seeing Reigns snap and pummel.

[Bad News Gertner]

Bring him along slowly. They fucked up Ryback rushing him. Reigns needs to develop his mic skills more and I don't want a "mouthpiece" with him. Have him cut promos in NXT and just keep working on it. There's something great here. No need to over complicate it. They need to get the U.S or IC belt on him and put him in feuds where he has mic time and just go from there. He shouldn't be challenging for the World Title for a while. I wouldn't have him go for it until the next Royal Rumble. Have him mow through people at a steady pace and climax it with winning next years Rumble and go from there. Just get him comfortable on the mic before anything starts. Patience for fuck sakes WWE. They haave more than enough upper card guys to keep Reigns busy. Have him do shit with Sheamus and guys like that.

[Shadrick]

Bring him along slowly. They fucked up Ryback rushing him. Reigns needs to develop his mic skills more and I don't want a "mouthpiece" with him. Have him cut promos in NXT and just keep working on it. There's something great here. No need to over complicate it. They need to get the U.S or IC belt on him and put him in feuds where he has mic time and just go from there. He shouldn't be challenging for the World Title for a while. I wouldn't have him go for it until the next Royal Rumble. Have him mow through people at a steady pace and climax it with winning next years Rumble and go from there. Just get him comfortable on the mic before anything starts. Patience for fuck sakes WWE. They haave more than enough upper card guys to keep Reigns busy. Have him do shit with Sheamus and guys like that.

You once called him a vanilla midget.


WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU GERTNER?!

[Bad News Gertner]

He's still got to develop mic skills before escaping that. He was atrocious on the mic when I first heard him. One of the worst I've heard. It's my same issue with Cesaro: impressive as hell in the ring, but if you are going to be a main event guy you have to be able to go out on your own and cut promos. Eventually Cesaro is going to have to break from Zeb and work on his own, and Cesaro at times sounds like he's reading from a script. Wrestling skills can only take you so far. Bryan broke through not because of his wrestling but because he developed a character that connected with the audience. Also, I HATE the spear as a finisher. It's so meh.

[Shadrick]

So does having good mic skills negate someone being a vanilla midget?

[Shisen Kopf]

He could bring back tatanka and team with him

[Shadrick]

SHISEN.

TATANKA IS IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN. DO NOT DISRESPECT HIM.

[KIRA]

I want the Shield to stay together for their entire WWE careers.

100 agree

[Bad News Gertner]

So does having good mic skills negate someone being a vanilla midget?

Yes because that's why they are in the first place.

[Shisen Kopf]

SHISEN.

TATANKA IS IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN. DO NOT DISRESPECT HIM.

That is true. I apologize to Tatanka and his injuness

[#1-norm-fan]

Bring him along slowly. They fucked up Ryback rushing him. Reigns needs to develop his mic skills more and I don't want a "mouthpiece" with him.

Why not? At least for starters as a way to help get him fully entrenched as a legit main eventer, Paul Heyman managing Roman Reigns as he is booked as an unstoppable force would be perfect.

[#1-norm-fan]

And they didn't fuck up Ryback by rushing him. They fucked him up by suddenly jobbing him out for no apparent reason and willingly killing his aura.

[Bad News Gertner]

Because here's what happens every fucking time they do this: their managers become a crutch. Ziggler was with Vickie for too long and it didn't allow him to develop. Cesaro is falling into the same thing. They aren't given the mic time needed to develop. Some are naturals, some need time to work on it. Guys like Reigns need to be on that mic every week and not have someone do it for them.

On breaks id hve Reigns go to the Performance Center and do that Presentation class.

[Bad News Gertner]

And they didn't fuck up Ryback by rushing him. They fucked him up by suddenly jobbing him out for no apparent reason and willingly killing his aura.

He went from Jinder Mahal straight to Punk. Totally bypassed his thing that he was starting with Miz where he could have become U.S champ and got involved in a real feud. Remember, his first actual feud was with Punk and he had only been there since the Smackdown after Wrestlemania.

[Shadrick]

Yes because that's why they are in the first place.

So Punk and Bryan are no longer vanilla midgets? *strokes chin*

[Heyman]

Wyatt is there to be a mouthpiece and to be a figure that the WWE Universe can't wait seeing Reigns snap and pummel.

So in this scenario, Bray would play second fiddle to Reigns? (i.e. be the mouth piece).

If that's the case, then this isn't a good scenario either imo.

Neither Roman nor Bray should be playing second fiddle to ANYONE moving forward in the immediate future..............which now leads me to my next thread.

[Damian Rey]

Agree 100% with Gertner. Reigns needs to branch out on the mic on his own. For some guys, like Lesnar, having a constant mouth piece might work. But even Lesnar had to get comfortable enough on the mic to make his face turn work.

I also don't see the need for the Shield to break up at Mania. They have been so ridiculously successful that there's no storyline reason for it. They constantly win. Why would you want to break up? They should just slow burn Reigns as the main guy and let the group self destruct naturally. Reigns has only been on this recent push for a few months. No need to overnight it.

[Damian Rey]

He went from Jinder Mahal straight to Punk. Totally bypassed his thing that he was starting with Miz where he could have become U.S champ and got involved in a real feud. Remember, his first actual feud was with Punk and he had only been there since the Smackdown after Wrestlemania.

Agree again! Cena being hurt put them in a corner, and having Ryback involved made things worse. Realistically, Ryback should be just now be entering main event status. Instead, he's been forced to take something that is nothing, and turn it into Rybaxel.

[Shisen Kopf]

Luther Reigns was better. Maybe Roman can learn from his older identical twin brother.

[Bad News Gertner]

So Punk and Bryan are no longer vanilla midgets? *strokes chin*

Lol half right.

[#1-norm-fan]

Lol half right.

So sad hearing Gertner say this.

I'll fight the anti-Bryan as champ battle alone. IDGAF.

[Mr. Nerfect]

So in this scenario, Bray would play second fiddle to Reigns? (i.e. be the mouth piece).

If that's the case, then this isn't a good scenario either imo.

Neither Roman nor Bray should be playing second fiddle to ANYONE moving forward in the immediate future..............which now leads me to my next thread.

Bray would do a fair bit of the talking for Reigns (not all), but Bray would still be getting a push in his own right. I'd probably have Wyatt win a Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania or something.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Sorry pal. This is just a bad idea.

[CSL]

So does having good mic skills negate someone being a vanilla midget?

well the clue to the answer is in the first word of "vanilla midget"

[Shadrick]

well the clue to the answer is in the first word of "vanilla midget"

My point in asking Gertner that was that he still calls Punk and Brian vanilla midgets, but they both have shown exceptional mic skills, so...

[Bad News Gertner]

Punk bores the fuck out of me.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I love Daniel Bryan. I do. However, the only time I was impressed with him on the mic was during his feud with Michael Cole on NXT.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I still stand behind this idea. I think it's a way to keep building Roman Reigns, making the fans want the face turn, milk tensions between Dean Ambrose and Reigns, and Bray Wyatt and Reigns for that matter, for all they're worth. It also elevates Reigns by putting Cena in his crosshairs, and it allows Bray Wyatt and his faction to become even more powerful. It even allows Seth Rollins time to shine, as he takes issue with Ambrose's betrayal and shows dedication to the actual ideal of justice that The Shield were meant to be all about.

Don't get me wrong -- I'm excited about the likely Triple Threat Match between Reigns, Ambrose & Rollins at WrestleMania as much as the next guy -- but I am slightly worried that Rollins & Ambrose might be sort of sacrificed at the alter of Roman. I'm sure that the idea is to make all three look good, as they have their entire WWE run so far, but without The Shield intact, it might not be as easy for all three to tread water. They'll each have their different things going on. This storyline sets Reigns, Ambrose & Rollins off on distinct paths from day one.

[Bad News Gertner]

Lol oh oh Noid's on the loose. I bet he's making a mad dash to the "wrestlers you liked that others didn't.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I've got to be honest, I love Daniel Bryan more than I love CM Punk. I was all behind the idea of Triple H vs. Bryan at WrestleMania (and I'd still like to see it), but I'm starting to think they should just put the World Title on Bryan at Elimination Chamber and have Orton and Batista both sent against Bryan by Triple H, who possibly plays guest enforcer in the match or something (or even adds himself to it as a twist -- claiming that if you want a job done right, you have to do it yourself).

[Mr. Nerfect]

Lol oh oh Noid's on the loose. I bet he's making a mad dash to the "wrestlers you liked that others didn't.

I've actually got no real interest in that thread for whatever reason. :-\ Is it good?

[Bad News Gertner]

Lol I'm waiting for you to reel off half the WWE roster between 2000-2007

[Bad News Gertner]

Agree 100% with Gertner. Reigns needs to branch out on the mic on his own. For some guys, like Lesnar, having a constant mouth piece might work. But even Lesnar had to get comfortable enough on the mic to make his face turn work.

I also don't see the need for the Shield to break up at Mania. They have been so ridiculously successful that there's no storyline reason for it. They constantly win. Why would you want to break up? They should just slow burn Reigns as the main guy and let the group self destruct naturally. Reigns has only been on this recent push for a few months. No need to overnight it.

It's just a difference in taste. I enjoy the personality aspect of wrestling more than ring skills. Always have. Thats why my fav's have always been wrestlers with huge persoanlities like. Hogan, JBL, Heath Slater. To me, the match is the icing on the cake. Give me a wrestler with a personality who can cut a promo with average mic skills and I'd rather see that than a wrestling machine with average personality and average mic skills.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Now probably isn't the best time to suggest my Triple H vs. Cesaro WrestleMania XXX feud template is it?

[Bad News Gertner]

I wouldn't expect nothing less from you Noid lol

[Flash Funk]

Now probably isn't the best time to suggest my Triple H vs. Cesaro WrestleMania XXX feud template is it?

I'm already excited Noid. In fact, do us a favor and book the entire road to WrestleMania.

[#1-norm-fan]

Lol I'm waiting for you to reel off half the WWE roster between 2000-2007

"Kenzo Suzuki should have been a bigger deal. Here's what I would have done..."

[#1-norm-fan]

I love Daniel Bryan. I do. However, the only time I was impressed with him on the mic was during his feud with Michael Cole on NXT.

I've thought he's held his own a few times since then. That was the first time I've heard even the biggest Bryan mark call his mic skills "exceptional" though.

[XL]

I'd have Reigns win the IC strap and then kind of have a "Cold War" with Ambrose around who is the better champion with them, y'know, defending the belts regularly and trying to one up each other by beating bigger/better competition. Eventually Ambrose would snap and either cost Reigns his belt or challenge him to a Unification Match.

[Damian Rey]

The only problem with that, XL, is it's highly unlikely both belts would be consistently defended simultaneously. I'd love to see both belts get a ton of pub weekly, but it's likely not going to happen.

I think Reigns is going to get the Batista treatment, where he steam rolls people in a short singles run, gains some momentum, and gets the push into the main event. Personally, I'd love for him to go over Cena clean when it happens. Cena is really the only guy capable of making anyone at this point. Roman clearly has a bright future planned for him. Cena putting him over when the time is right would be best.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I am looking forward to the likely Triple Threat between the Shield members. It'll be interesting to see how they all tweak their personas, what they do with their looks and what sort of theme music they get. Each could really be a big deal in their own way. Hell, they already are big deals.

[Heyman]

I just don't see why they have to be split for Reigns to get a push.

I was thinking about this last night.

I think the best thing that the WWE could do, is keep Roman Reigns the exact same way as he is now.........whether he's with The Shield, or without The Shield. Period.

Same look, same entrance, same badass personna. Period.

[whiteyford]

I don't want them to turn him face, I think it's inevitable but I hope they just go with the crowd and don't water his gimmick down like Sheamus when they turned him face. Having the Shield in his corner, even just in the background, gives him something different, the same for Ambrose and Rollins, treat them like a modern day Horsemen rather than splitting them up for the sake of a quick feud.

[Jura]

Ramen Rains

[Curd]

Any excuse to read meticulous booking is fine by me.

[Curd]

Don't get me wrong -- I'm excited about the likely Triple Threat Match between Reigns, Ambrose & Rollins at WrestleMania as much as the next guy -- but I am slightly worried that Rollins & Ambrose might be sort of sacrificed at the altar of Roman.

On Saturnalia, no less.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I'd have Reigns win the IC strap and then kind of have a "Cold War" with Ambrose around who is the better champion with them, y'know, defending the belts regularly and trying to one up each other by beating bigger/better competition. Eventually Ambrose would snap and either cost Reigns his belt or challenge him to a Unification Match.

This is a much better idea than whatever anyone else has said.

[Heyman]

Agreed with the above.

Excellent idea XL. :cool:

[Tom Guycott]

How has there been [edit: wayyy over "10"] posts in this thread and no one went to the "he should snap and become a badass submission machine" well

Because this is the path destined for Seth Rollins.

I don't want them to turn him face, I think it's inevitable but I hope they just go with the crowd and don't water his gimmick down like Sheamus when they turned him face. Having the Shield in his corner, even just in the background, gives him something different, the same for Ambrose and Rollins, treat them like a modern day Horsemen rather than splitting them up for the sake of a quick feud.

That. 100%. I made the Horsemen analogy somewhere before. Don't feel like looking for it at the moment... but yeah, if the Shield does break up, they should do it amicably. They should go their separate ways but still have eachothers backs, like with the Reigns/Wyatt match (even though they're still pulling the "where was Ambrose" tease). I like that they still believe in their cause in being unified over individual egos even with the friction between Roman and Dean with Rollins playing the voice of reason.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I thought about Roman Reigns winning the Intercontinental Title back when he was having stand-offs with Big E at the start of the year. I think that would be great, and could lead into the storylines that we are likely to get for WrestleMania XXX anyway -- but with more of a journey.