John Cena vs. Roman Reigns: Too Soon or Genius Booking?

Everyone knew John Cena vs. Roman Reigns was going to come sooner or later. But all fans were surprised this week on Raw with a memorable confrontation.

One thing is for sure, and that was many fans were not expecting the two men to cross paths this early. Survivor Series is two months off whereas WrestleMania is seven months away. But last week on Raw, there was tension brewing between the two men before they were interrupted by Samoa Joe and the Miz. Initially, one could let the thought pass as a tease for WrestleMania season with nothing more.

Now that Samoa Joe is out of action with a knee injury, the company may have had no choice but to pull the trigger on this potential classic. I say potential, because whether you love or hate either talent, everyone knows that the company will go above and beyond to promote this match. Both men are more than capable to steal the show in addition to the concentration that will be given.

When the match was announced on WWE.com, little did everyone know it was the calm before the storm. It felt premature that the company would break the news of a match of this magnitude on their site hours before Raw would go live. After the Cena and Reigns segment aired, the joke’s on us, and if anything else, fans love a good confrontation.

That is exactly what happened on this week’s Raw. Before we all knew it, there is a contract signing for the match at No Mercy in several weeks. During the segment both Cena and Reigns verbally berated each other, taking shots below the belt so to speak. Many wondered if the promo was unscripted based on both men addressing the elephants in the arena (room).

Cena and Reigns each made very valid points. They touched on those assumptions that fans always talk about with one another. That was the same idea that was the basis of CM Punk’s infamous “Pipebomb” in 2011 followed with AJ Lee’s “Pipebombshell” in 2013. Another fun fact about fans is we all love some juicy gossip, right? Judging from reactions on social media and in general, the fans want more of what WWE is trying to sell.

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Cena clearly won that battle, however, he is seasoned when it comes to borderline scathing promos. He’s definitely a warrior when it comes to the negativity and hate against him to which no one can fault him for that. Reigns was tested in his worst subject (talking about promos here) and faltered when he seemed to forget what he was supposed to say. Cena took advantage of that and exposed Reigns in front of millions. After being exposed, Reigns was dissected as Cena continuously embarrassed him. That moment cements the idea among fans that this feud can make or break Reigns.

It was as if fans applauded Cena for speaking their language. Many feel that Reigns can’t carry the burden of being the top star of the company. But Reigns also spoke of how fans feel about Cena too. Which is why it creates an interesting dynamic going into No Mercy. Even though this came literally out of nowhere, it started with a bang.

It comes to a point here; maybe the company is onto something after all. Without a doubt, Cena is one of the top superstars in WWE’s history. There is no question that Cena’s popularity rivals Stone Cold Steve Austin’s – or Hulk Hogan’s for that matter. It is also apparent that Cena is stepping away from the spotlight as the company continues on in its new era. There is no secret that Reigns is the chosen one to lead the new era.

He has the tools to succeed in today’s WWE, but it seems like an impossible battle to fight given what I said earlier. Talking is his biggest flaw, and it’s not so much that he can’t do it – it’s more of the material he recites isn’t him. Reigns comes across so much better as a heel because his confidence rides on the edge of cocky and conceited. It’s apparent in his interviews, and he has the look of a bad ass dude. Even on Raw, his aggression came out as he aired his grievances on Cena.

While it is a big match for sure, there has got to be some kind of payoff further down the road. This match isn’t a one and done deal, I promise you that. There will be more to come especially on a bigger stage. With a big main event as John Cena vs. Roman Reigns, No Mercy must deliver an ending of epic proportions. Fans won’t accept nothing less.

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