Roman Reigns’ Stellar WWE Journey and Sheamus’ Insights
In the vast world of WWE, Roman Reigns stands tall as the reigning WWE Undisputed Universal Champion, undoubtedly the pinnacle of professional wrestling. Beyond his dominance in the ring, his perks as a top-tier star are equally striking. His annual contract alone commands a staggering $5,000,000, a testament to his significance. Surprisingly, his in-ring appearances have been relatively scarce in 2023, with just 9 matches leading up to SummerSlam. Recently, a former champion provided illuminating thoughts on the ascendancy of the Tribal Chief within the company.
Rewind to 2020, after years of portraying the valiant hero, Reigns undertook a remarkable transformation, embracing his Tribal Chief persona as a heel. This shift resonated instantaneously with the audience, propelling Reigns into an unprecedented level of stardom almost overnight. Amidst this fanfare, the question emerges: What does the individual who once bested Reigns in 2015 think about this meteoric rise?
Sheamus, a fixture in WWE since his 2009 debut and a four-time World Heavyweight Champion, adds his perspective to the discourse. As the first Irish WWE champion and among the elite few, including Edge, to claim victory in King of the Ring, Royal Rumble, and Money in the Bank, Sheamus boasts an illustrious career. However, even with his accomplishments, he acknowledges the undeniable allure of Reigns’ status within the industry.
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In a conversation with the Daily Mail, Sheamus delves into Reigns’ exceptional trajectory. He underscores how Reigns, as a marquee attraction, competes only a handful of times each year, an aspect that amplifies his aura as a major star. This stands in stark contrast to mid-carders like Sheamus, who wrestle more frequently. The rarity of Reigns’ appearances adds to the anticipation, as his matches are often reserved for pivotal storylines and character-driven narratives.
Notably, Sheamus comments on the shift in perception of Reigns over time. During Reigns’ earlier run as a babyface facing off against Goldberg, the level of intrigue paled in comparison to his post-covid WWE return. It was during this period that the audience began to truly engage with Reigns. Sheamus himself experienced a similar phenomenon, gaining renewed attention during his return within the confines of the empty Thunderdome arena, which showcased his tenacity and physical prowess.
Addressing Reigns’ pivotal heel turn, Sheamus reflects on the time when Reigns was perceived to be pushed onto fans without much room for authenticity. Yet, upon his resurgence as the Tribal Chief, Reigns exhibited a newfound vigor and captivated the audience’s hearts. This transformation not only rekindled Reigns’ own passion for the craft but also solidified his bond with the fans.
Reigns’ recent victory against his cousin Jey Uso at SummerSlam, with the assistance of Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso, maintained the compelling Bloodline narrative. This storyline witnessed Jimmy’s return, and in a stunning twist, his betrayal of his own brother. This development continues to be a focal point in WWE’s current landscape.
Sheamus acknowledges the privileges that stars like Reigns enjoy within the company. However, he also presents a pertinent observation. While commending WWE’s approach with Reigns, Sheamus highlights an area of potential growth. He draws attention to the Bloodline storyline, which dominated a substantial portion of a recent episode held at Madison Square Garden. While Reigns undoubtedly capitalizes on these opportunities, Sheamus underscores the need for balance, noting that other wrestlers on the roster yearn for more time to showcase their unique narratives.
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In this candid discussion, Sheamus’ insights add depth to the narrative of Reigns’ prominence and shed light on the intricacies of being a central figure in the WWE universe.
