Triple H on Roman Reigns’ Potential WWE Heel Turn: ‘We’re Just Presenting Him to You in a Different Way’

Triple H spoke to Sports Illustrated about the possibility of Roman Reigns turning heel, a response that may disappoint those looking for a change in attitude.

Triple H is one of the top decision-makers in WWE, as well as a performer on Raw. He doesn’t wrestle often and won’t appear every week like he used to, but still has a meaningful presence. This has remained during the build to WrestleMania 33, where he’ll face Seth Rollins.

Part of the Game’s backstage decisions potentially involves that of Roman Reigns. Fans have looked for a heel turn out of the three-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion for around two years. However, this hasn’t happened yet.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Triple H spoke about the reaction to Reigns and if the WWE will turn him heel. His comments could upset those who want a change in attitude out of the former Shield man:

"“People can look at Roman Reigns and say, ‘The failed attempt that is Roman Reigns,’ but Roman Reigns sells tickets,” said Levesque. “Roman Reigns gets one of the loudest reactions every night, whether that reaction is a boo or whether that reaction is a cheer. The fans who say, ‘I don’t understand why they don’t turn Roman Reigns heel!’ Isn’t he already?“If you believe what you believe, and you’re saying, ‘How can they not turn him heel? There is 70 percent of the crowd booing him out of the building!’ If that’s your belief, then isn’t he already the biggest heel we have? If 70 percent of that crowd is booing him, then he’s a heel. We’re just presenting him to you in a different way that makes you hate him.”"

This sounds like what the commentators have said on Raw for well over a year, likely something that was pushed from Triple H and Vince McMahon. That then gets heard by the three-plus million (on a good night) of viewers watching, and leads to the polarizing reactions for WWE’s Next John Cena.

If Reigns defeats The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33, there’s no doubt it will be the most heat he’s ever received, or rivaling the 2015 Royal Rumble match. WWE trying to keep him as a good guy has a possibility of crumbling to pieces on the Raw after the show, which could get ugly, especially with the crowds that are notorious for their reactions and chants.

Next: Is Roman Reigns Worthy of Retiring Undertaker at WrestleMania 33?

WWE is toeing a fine line with Reigns and the fans, which was all over Triple H’s interview. They may be going with the idea of “any reaction is a positive,” but how long can that last?