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The wrestling world is abuzz following the shocking return of Roman Reigns at the end of SummerSlam. The Big Dog attacked 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman after their Universal Championship match.
Reigns is back and looks better than ever. The Big Dog has immediately staked his claim for a Universal Championship match after he withdrew from his title match at WrestleMania 36 out of concerns to his health due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He seems to have adopted a new attitude and has a visible edge to him, a welcome change from how WWE has booked him in the past. It remains to be seen whether it was a full-blown heel turn, something that the company could have pulled the trigger multiple times in the past. This was a promising start, but there is still quite a way to go before Reigns' return can be called a complete success.
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There are some things WWE must ensure while booking their biggest full-time star, and a couple of mistakes that must be avoided. Here are five things WWE must do with Roman Reigns, following his return at SummerSlam.
#5 Make Roman Reigns the leader of RETRIBUTION
This isn't necessarily a "must" for WWE, but the possible reveal of Roman Reigns as the leader of RETRIBUTION would instantly save the group and make it a force to be reckoned with. SummerSlam was not exactly kind to RETRIBUTION, with it's only mention coming via a video package.
The fact that WWE produced only a package for this group of hooligans at such a big pay-per-view like SummerSlam may have been detrimental to their credibility. But all hope is not lost. If Reigns is at the forefront of the chaos, this angle will definitely be rescued.
Reigns does not need RETRIBUTION, but RETRIBUTION might need him. In his new avatar, Reigns seems to be a 'one-man wrecking crew', with his vicious assault on both The Fiend and Braun Strowman being unassisted.
It would still be cool to see Roman Reigns as the face of carnage, taking over SmackDown every Friday night on FOX. Maybe this is why RETRIBUTION has been more aggressive on the Blue brand.
#4 Change Roman Reigns' entire presentation
Moving on to some of the things WWE really needs to do for Roman Reigns to enjoy a highly successful main event run, the company should alter their presentation of The Big Dog. If his new attitude at SummerSlam is any indication, now is as likely a time as ever for Reigns to have a complete aesthetic makeover.
His failure to change over time has been a constant source of criticism. Reigns looks in great shape physically, so WWE would be very smart if they update his gear to show off more of his impressive physique. He does not need the Shield vest, especially since the group will never get back together.
It is also utterly baffling that Reigns retained everything else of The Shield after their initial break-up in 2014. The Big Dog needs a new theme song, something that will not remind fans of what he used to be (or who he used to team with).
This would eradicate a lot of the stigma towards Roman Reigns, which has happened due to some questionable booking decisions, while making him feel completely fresh and different. This is a new Big Dog, and we need more tangible evidence that he has changed.
#3 Give Roman Reigns the Universal Championship
Immediately upon returning at SummerSlam, Roman Reigns made his intentions very clear. He is going after the Universal Championship, and WWE wasted no time in announcing a triple threat match for the title at Payback. Reigns will face 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman, in what will likely headline this Sunday's pay-per-view.
And expect The Big Dog to pick up right where he left off. He was supposed to win the Universal Title at WrestleMania, so WWE could put it right back on him. Reigns is a huge star and is the correct man to hold SmackDown's world title, especially with the new edge he has to him.
Unfortunately, none of his four WWE or Universal Title reigns have gone beyond 100 days. This will likely change in a few months, as they should build the main event scene around him. Reigns is great in the ring, with the ability to bring other Superstars up to his level.
As long as WWE allows him to elevate his peers who challenge him, Roman Reigns will be a successful Universal Champion.
#2 Do not put Roman Reigns in a one-on-one match against 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt
While a triple threat has been booked for Payback, WWE could still have Roman Reigns face Braun Strowman and 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt in separate Universal Championship matches. The Big Dog could have a program with Strowman and it would likely be really good, much like their intense rivalry in 2017.
But for his own sake, WWE must ensure that Reigns does not face The Fiend in a one-on-one match. He should simply win the Universal title by pinning Strowman and move on. Bray Wyatt's alter-ego has already suffered a bit at the hands of Roman Reigns, with his big title victory being completely overshadowed by The Big Dog's post-match assault.
It is likely that Reigns is set to hold the Universal Title going forward, and rightfully so. But The Fiend should not challenge him to a singles rematch. It would be an absolute disaster, similar to last year's Hell in a Cell Match between Wyatt and Seth Rollins. All of The Big Dog's goodwill with the fans will likely be flushed down the drain if he pins the current Universal Champion at any point.
There are loads of opponents for Roman Reigns to defend his big blue belt against, once he wins it at Payback. Superstars like Matt Riddle and Big E, among others, could be elevated in programs with the Big Dog. Bray Wyatt, on the other hand, would be buried, for the lack of a better term.
#1 Allow Roman Reigns to be himself
Over the past few years, WWE has tried hard in making Roman Reigns their top Superstar in their own way, much like the same way John Cena became the face of the company. And it is fair to say that it did not work too well. At times, Reigns has come across to be far too scripted in his promos, and restricted in his actions.
WWE tried to make him a noble babyface, but it hasn't quite worked out. Right from the lines that were scripted to him in 2015 to the way he won the Royal Rumble instead of Daniel Bryan that year, The Big Dog has been fighting an uphill battle to get the support of the fans for a long time. He is a different kind of Superstar compared to the likes of Cena and Hulk Hogan.
But there has been extended moments of promise. Along with his excellent in-ring work, the best stuff that Roman Reigns does is when he is allowed to be himself. His best promos came when he naturally spoke to the fans about his leukaemia, as Joe Anoa'i. He was just a regular and likable person, who happened to be one of the toughest wrestlers in the world.
Roman Reigns should be given some freedom to build his own character and cut his own promos. He can be so much bigger than WWE has made him so far, and hopefully, the company lets him loose. The Big Dog is one Superstar whose work blooms when he is allowed to be more natural - in the ring and on the mic.
The verve Reigns showed during his show-closing return at SummerSlam might be an indication of him doing things his way - and that doesn't necessarily mean a heel turn. He simply is 'The Guy'. And as long as he is his true and genuine self on screen, Roman Reigns will gain a lot more support from the WWE fans than he already has.
