5 Reasons why Roman Reigns unleashed a new finisher against Braun Strowman on WWE SmackDown

#4 It's a major departure from Roman Reigns' old character

MESSAGE. SENT.#SmackDown #HAIC @WWERomanReigns @WWEUsos @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/etduJUBAo7

— WWE (@WWE) October 17, 2020

The central narrative in WWE right now is that the current incarnation of Roman Reigns, allied with Paul Heyman, is a very different man from the guy that we're used to seeing. And this was a necessary transformation because Roman Reigns has been the same guy for so very long, and it was time for a change for his character to evolve.

I think we all know The Tribal Chief is about to send Braun the Tank Engine to Raw empty handed #SmackDown

— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKProWrestling) October 17, 2020

Not only does Roman Reigns behave differently right now from the guy we used to know and love (and love to hate), but he also dresses differently because the Shield gear is now gone for good. It took Roman Reigns forever to become a great promo, but now that he is one, he has Paul Heyman doing the bulk of the talking in his case.

And so, as the old Roman Reigns is being erased from our memories, the old moves need to be replaced by new moves as well.

The brand new submission move is part of a sea of changes for The Tribal Chief.