As part of their work, pro wrestlers have to deal with the audience at times. Especially in a promotion like WWE, where the entrance and exit path of wrestling stars is placed between the viewers. It is also a common sight to see wrestlers interacting with the fans during their entrance or exit in order to acknowledge them. But it’s a less common sight with stars who play a heel gimmick.
When Roman Reigns had such an interaction with a fan, he reacted uniquely. This incident took place at MITB where The Tribal Chief suffered the ignominy of a devastating loss. Let’s dive into the background of the story before seeing how the WWE universe has been perceiving it.
Roman Reigns and his unwanted interaction with WWE fans
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Tribal Chief faced his cousins Jey and Jimmy Uso in a tag team match. Teaming up with Solo Sikoa, the head of the Anoa’i tribe, faced his family members head-on at MITB. However, no good came out of his courage as, after over 1000 days, Reigns was defeated via pinned pinfall. Leaving the ring with Paul Heyman, the wrestler was taking a walk back to the exit. This is when fans saw the open opportunity to touch him.
When a fan patted him on his back, Reigns didn’t react. However, another fan standing in the front row decided to grab hold of The Tribal Chief’s hand. This made Reigns jerk his hand off him. It was ‘unique’ because the wrestling star stayed in Kayfabe while doing so. However, not everyone appreciated what the fan did with Reigns.
As the clip went viral online, a netizen started by criticizing the other fan touching the superstar. The incident also divided the fanbase into two sides. Where one side was against the fan who touched Reigns while the other justified his action.
WWE fans declare a mixed verdict on Reigns’ fan interaction
As the clip showing the interaction between Reigns and a WWE fan went viral, several fans assembled to take sides in the argument. Some supported the idea that a fan shouldn’t touch a wrestler in any way, criticizing the act at MITB. On the other hand, the rest supported the idea that Reigns is probably used to this particular phenomenon and shouldn’t be bothered by it.
Fans just can't keep their hands of Roman Reigns. I get that it's tempting to touch him, but boundaries exist for a reason😭
(Cto) pic.twitter.com/LusyFehbHg— ꜱᴀʀᴀʜ ⁱˢ ᵈᵉᵛᵒᵗᵉᵈ ᵗᵒ ʰᵉʳ ᵗʳⁱᵇᵃˡ ᶜʰⁱᵉᶠ (@RoMoxSquad) July 3, 2023
Seriously, I hate how often fans think they can just touch these celebrities. Not cool, dude.
— tay (@taydaq) July 3, 2023
when a wrestler makes an entrance that invites people to touch them, like when the shield came through the crowd or cena sprinting down and slapping every hand that is out then fair enough
But you wouldn’t just grab some stranger like that in public, don’t do it to wrestlers
— Snyder Cut Fan (@snydercutfan) July 4, 2023
That wasn’t a slight touch. That was a full on grab. That can be considered battery in some cases so he has every right to be pissed off. It’s one thing to Pat on the back. It’s another thing to grab their arm while they’re walking and not let go. That’s how fans get kicked out.
— Tim Gouveia ⚠️ (@FAngZultd) July 4, 2023
These fans believe that there’s an obvious line that a fan should never cross. This belief appears to stem from their belief a star wouldn’t feel comfortable being touched by a fan because they would all be ‘strangers’ to him or her.
I dont think he was actually that bothered by this. He’s in character.
— First Name J0hn (@FirstNameJ0hn) July 3, 2023
Roman literally had an entrance where he walked through the crowd for years I’m sure he has no problem with it
— bigboi (@fat_coop) July 3, 2023
I think as long as it isn’t an assault, it’s just par for the course for what we have seen for decades. It’s part of paying a high price to be seated right there.
— Antonio (@voyavolver1) July 3, 2023
Hot take. I think it’s expected in this setting. I also think Roman is just playing heel here, not genuinely agitated.
— Pro Dreamer (@aflibnush) July 4, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Here are some fans who believe that if the reaction has started off from Reigns’ reaction, then it’s probably nothing serious. They believe that a superstar like Roman Reigns is probably used to all the touching and might not mind it as much.
This is a debate that might go on for a long time unless the companies find out an alternative to the situation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What are your thoughts on the topic? Let us know in the comments below.
WATCH THIS STORY:- “If He Tried That on Patrick Mahomes”: Fans Go Wild After Roman Reigns’ Brutal College Football Highlights Go Viral