“Fans Were Already Booing”: Ex-WWE Star Claims Vince McMahon Was “Hesitant” About ‘Heel’ Roman Reigns

A wrestler’s persona is an important part of their character build-up. The right persona is essential for any wrestler’s success, as eagle-eyed fans are quick to pounce on any slip-ups. Roman Reigns is a top-draw talent for WWE currently, as whatever the Tribal Chief touches turns to gold. He is the leader of the most prominent heel factions of the promotion currently and fans are in love with his current persona.

However, this wasn’t always the case. A former WWE Superstar has revealed that Vince McMahon was quite apprehensive about changing Reigns’ persona to a heel.

Matt Hardy, in his ‘The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy’ podcast talked about Reigns’ impact on the company and his switch to the bad side. Speaking on Reigns’ persona change, Hardy said (H/T: TJR WRESTLING), “I honestly believe the biggest difference in being successful as a top draw as a heel nowadays is the fans because they just understand better.”

On Vince’s hesitance to turn Reigns heel, he said, “I remember Vince was so hesitant for so many years to turn Roman into a heel. Roman as the top babyface, which he was being pushed and promoted as during that time.”

“I knew whenever they decided to turn him heel, because fans were already booing, they were ready and it was gonna be easy to do, and all it was gonna do ultimately was make him into a much bigger star,” said the current AEW wrestler.

Roman Reigns was always bound for success

The Big Dog made his debut in 2014 with the notorious faction Shield. Reigns would catch the eyes of the fans with his brute force and carnage that he brought along. Reigns was looked up as a future Main Eventer by the promotion after the faction split up. He got a major push and was pitted against WWE legends such as John Cena and The Undertaker. 

He was impressive in his ring work and held up his own. However, his babyface persona failed to connect with the fans. The WWE Universe would constantly go on to boo the wrestler, to the surprise of Vince McMahon. 

Reigns: The switch to the bad side

Former WWE chairman Vince McMahon’s reluctance to change Reigns’ persona has never stayed hidden. But Mr. McMahon finally succumbed to fans’ demands as The Head of The Table would finally be allowed to turn heel when he returned in 2020.

Read More: “Anybody But Blood”: WWE Legend Ric Flair Gives a Stern Warning to Roman Reigns

He would waste little time, winning the Universal Championship, and would go on to beat WWE Champion Brock Lesnar in a winner takes all match at WrestleMania 38. Unifying the titles to become the undisputed WWE Universal Champion. He has now held the Universal Championship for a record of 790 days and counting.

Roman Reigns has finally won the fans to his side, albeit as a heel, and is living up to his potential. The WWE management might have taken their time to change Reigns’ persona, but they are sure reaping the benefits now. The fans have got their wish fulfilled and are finally acknowledging their Tribal Chief. 

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