In a recent episode of “Tuesday with The Taskmaster,” former WCW booker Kevin Sullivan delved into the state of Roman Reigns’ championship reign, particularly focusing on the prominent role of interference in the Universal Champion’s title defenses. While Roman Reigns has undeniably excelled in his role as WWE’s top superstar, Sullivan raised a compelling question about whether the constant reliance on interference has become a predictable and overused booking trope.
Roman Reigns, whose reign as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion has spanned over 1,100 days, has seen numerous successful title defenses, thanks to last-minute interferences from his faction, The Bloodline, which includes Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman. While this narrative device has added depth to Reigns’ character and has contributed to riveting storytelling, it has also sparked debates among fans and wrestling experts about whether it has become a crutch.
Sullivan’s critique isn’t a dismissal of the success of Roman Reigns’ championship run. He acknowledged Reigns’ outstanding work as the champion and the magnetic presence he brings to WWE programming. However, Sullivan’s concern is whether WWE’s reliance on interference in virtually every Reigns match has started to wear thin, potentially diminishing the impact of championship bouts.
The debate hinges on the delicate balance between protecting a champion’s credibility and delivering compelling storytelling. While interference has unquestionably played a significant role in elevating Roman Reigns’ character and maintaining the intrigue surrounding his title reign, some fans argue that clean title defenses—where Reigns showcases his dominance without outside help—could provide a fresh perspective and elevate the prestige of the Universal Championship.
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The discussion around interference isn’t exclusive to Roman Reigns but extends to WWE’s broader booking strategy. Interference and outside interference have been recurring themes in WWE programming, and while they can create memorable moments and dramatic tension, there’s a growing sentiment that their predictability might be taking away from the excitement of championship matches.
The wrestling world is curious to see how WWE navigates the next phase of Roman Reigns’ championship reign. As one of the most compelling characters in the company’s history, Reigns’ journey as “The Tribal Chief” has been filled with layers of complexity. The ongoing storyline between Reigns, his allies, and potential challengers continues to captivate audiences.
However, with Sullivan’s critique in mind, WWE might consider exploring new avenues for Roman Reigns. Perhaps it’s time to allow the champion to shine without the crutch of interference, demonstrating his dominance in a way that solidifies his status as one of WWE’s all-time greats. In doing so, WWE can maintain the intrigue and unpredictability while offering fans fresh and exciting narratives within the Universal Championship scene.
Ava’s conclusion, while Roman Reigns’ championship reign is undeniably a remarkable success story, the question posed by Kevin Sullivan raises important considerations about the future of the Universal Championship and how WWE can continue to innovate and captivate its audience. The ongoing saga of “The Tribal Chief” promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines in WWE, and how WWE addresses the issue of interference in Reigns’ matches will be a critical factor in shaping the next chapter of his reign.
