Public image of Roman Reigns
Ascendency of American professional wrestler Roman Reigns / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Professional wrestler Roman Reigns (Joe Anoaʻi) is a focal point of extensive press coverage, with public attitudes towards him fluctuating at various points throughout his career.
Reigns debuted on the WWE main roster in November 2012 (having performed in its developmental system since 2010) as part of a faction called "The Shield" and was well-received by critics. Support began to dwindle upon Reigns's transition to a heroic main event singles act in 2014, largely due to his perceived forced push. This would manifest itself in Reigns main eventing four consecutive editions of WWE's premier annual pay-per-view event, WrestleMania, while being booed in all four appearances.[1]
Wrestling journalists have offered both praise and criticism for Reigns, noting both his talent and WWE's apparent attempts to conceal fan hostility towards him. David Shoemaker of Grantland wrote in 2016 that Reigns was the company's "most despised wrestler" in over 25 years.[2] Fans have taken issue with Reigns over various reasons: his perceived special treatment, real-life demeanor, wrestling moveset, speaking skills and character presentation.[3] After Reigns was suspended for drug use, Yahoo! Sports pondered whether he is "the biggest failure in professional wrestling history".[4] In 2016, Reigns was voted the Most Overrated by Wrestling Observer Newsletter readers[5] as well as the Most Hated Wrestler of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated readers, a first for a heroic character since the award was devised in 1972.[6][7] Into 2017, WWE continued trying to establish Reigns as a megastar despite audience rejection.[8] Pro Wrestling Torch critics, including editor Wade Keller, have said that company chairman Vince McMahon is engaged in a "war on fans".[9]
Anoaʻi himself has suggested that there is jealousy from fans over his "major success",[10] mocked those who question if he deserves his fictional role,[11] discounted critiques from non-wrestlers,[12] and declared that he will not change to appease his critics.[13] Retired wrestler and Anoaʻi's childhood idol Bret Hart stated that he believes WWE themselves have "ruined" the Reigns character by utilizing bad storytelling and poor writing, and blames the company's leaders primarily for Anoaʻi failing to reach his potential.[14][15][16]
Anoa'i saw an improved reception from critics and fans from summer 2020 when he turned heel and took on the "Tribal Chief" persona, leading the Bloodline faction. By 2023, wrestling media sentiment turned positive toward Reigns again, with his work with The Bloodline and Sami Zayn receiving general acclaim, despite the length and finish of his matches being drawn out.[17][18][19]