In this WWE Evil: Roman Reigns review, some thoughts on the eighth installment of the newest Peacock series from WWE.
Let’s jump in.
– This is the one I’ve been waiting on in this series. It’s the headliner in my opinion because we’ve already seen detailed looks at the other subjects. Yes, we know Reigns’ story, but this approach is different since the focus is on his character arc.
– Reigns reflects on his memories of watching his father, Sika, wrestle in the WWF. They go a bit deeper into the family legacy, with Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso discussing their relationship as kids.
– After his leukemia diagnosis, Reigns recalls eventually getting to the point where he was in remission, then having to decide what to do with his career. I think he made the right choice.
– We get a stroll through Reigns’ NXT run, where he began to embrace his heel tendencies. Rikishi makes an appearance to lend his thoughts on what makes a good heel.
– And then it’s the creation of The Shield and their debut at Survivor Series 2012. Man, they were so over, and what a great example of what WWE’s capable of with its booking. Speaking of which, Ed Koskey, who is the vice president of WWE creative, explains the intangibles that made Reigns stand out and how it led to the decision to break up the faction.
– White meat babyface Roman time. There was no choice but to address why it didn’t work, so I give them credit for that. It simply wasn’t authentic, and fans knew it. Vince McMahon was so intent on making him the next Hulk Hogan or John Cena, and they address the resentment from the crowd. The tipping point? The 2015 Royal Rumble. That was something. Not even The Rock could stop the boos.
– Reigns defeating The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33 was yet another example of the fans wanting no part of babyface Reigns. Koskey admits Vince wanted to use the same formula he had with Cena. Then it’s the memorable segment on Raw after that WrestleMania where the fans booed Reigns for a good 10 minutes. It’s Roman’s yard now, folks!
– They replay Reigns’ announcement of the return of his leukemia, which is still surreal to watch. We think of pro wrestlers as these invincible, larger-than-life figures, but this was one of those shocking moments that remind you that there’s a real person behind the performer.
– The next chapter is Reigns’ return – remember, from leukemia – and yet the fans still boo the man. Reigns admits it was tough to get that reaction.
– They turn to the pandemic and the wheels spinning in Reigns’ head regarding how he wanted to be portrayed when he came back. Jey puts it best in that Reigns had a different vibe as soon as he speared The Fiend at SummerSlam. If it wasn’t clear then, it certainly was when he aligned with Paul Heyman.
– Again, Koskey is really good at pushing the tiny details with Reigns’ character. He got fed up with the disrespect, so he decided to start wrecking dudes. It makes complete sense.
– The family dynamic with Reigns going after Jey is also discussed. That’s another part of the evolution of Reigns’ character that has been very well done.
– Cena narrating the SummerSlam 2021 sequence is kind of funny since he’s the one who lost to Reigns.
– Heyman and Jimmy Smith do a great job pushing the motivations of Reigns’ actions. He doesn’t understand why he doesn’t get the love all the other greats have gotten. So, what does he do? He takes out the frustration on all those who doubt him.
– And they finish up the documentary with a tease of a potential match with The Rock.
BLAKE’S TAKE ON WWE EVIL: ROMAN REIGNS
This was easily the best episode of the WWE Evil series. The character arc of Reigns has been what many thought Cena’s character arc should’ve been during his run on top. Of course, the difference is the Reigns character eventually snapped and decided to do things his way.
Reigns has had a long Universal title reign, and many think it’s come at the expense all the top babyfaces in WWE. To an extent, I think there’s something to that idea. But then again, I still find Reigns to be the most compelling character in WWE, so I’m fine with a historically long run to establish his dominance. No matter which side you’re on, this is a great character study on the biggest star in the business.
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