Vince Russo's The Brand

When news broke that Roman Reigns was suspended for violating WWE’s Wellness Policy – guess who wasn’t surprised? That’s right! THIS guy, right here! And, I can’t blame him. Not because he owned up to it like a man on social media, but because he has ZERO to be ashamed of.

“But DieHard…athletes who use PEDs ruin and tarnish the sport”….SHUT UP! Sit in the corner and let the grown ups talk!

It’s time to call out the WWE Universe to stand front and center and own up to THEIR flaws and failures. The same fans who think their blogs and keyboard opinions count when they’ve never spent a day in the business. The same fans who have brainwashed creative into thinking that they have to write and appease the “Internet Wrestling Community” to earn their approval. The same fans who attempt to hijack the live and televised events because they feel that their voices in unison is a greater power than the actual powers that be. Yet, while you’re lost in that hazy fog of blurred reality, you fans are still convinced that this business is some sort of democracy made by the people and for the people. Brace yourself for this stiff bitch-slap, because this has been and always will be a dictatorship, ruled by the iron WWE fist named McMahon.

As soon as the news hit, you fans celebrated like they just read the OJ Simpson verdict. Finally, justice has been served! The wrestling gods have awoken from their slumber and brought their wrath upon WWE’s “Golden Boy”. We’re all so damn smart to the business, since the curtain was publicly pulled back in the 90’s to reveal that the great and powerful Oz was nothing more than just a man with a vision. The difference is, the world may have gotten a peek behind the curtain for the big reveal, but very few have actually walked through it.

If you’ve EVER spent a moment behind the curtains, in a locker-room, or having a deep conversation with a pro wrestler…then you know that the greatest accomplishment they’ve ever achieved is hiding from the world who they really are. We see them as heroes, villains, and gladiators. We are in awe at their size, their build and their abilities. We are convinced that they were touched by God himself and blessed with genetic gifts. But beneath all the layers, they are just like us – PEOPLE. They are emotional beings, some more than others. And from experience, regardless of what their “character” portrays on television, they are some of the most paranoid and insecure people you will ever meet.

Truth be told, WWE creative AND the brass, did a piss-poor job in protecting their investment. There is no denying that Roman Reigns was stuffed down our throats too fast and too soon. He was NOT ready to be champion. Sure, he had the looks and the moves, but he wasn’t ready for the pressure of being “THE Guy”. Forget throwing him in the water to see if he could swim…WWE threw him off a cliff to see if he could fly!

There’s more to being a champion than wearing a few pounds of gold around your waist. There’s a responsibility to the engage and connect with the fans so you can control their emotions. There is a responsibility to have global drawing power to profit for your brand and business. There is a responsibility to the boys in the locker room who depend on your name and skill to keep the machine running so they can continue to follow your lead while earning a living. And the list goes on. That’s a lot for one guy to carry, especially when he’s not ready. I don’t give a s*** how big and strong these Samoans grow to be – it’s a tough task no matter who you are, and it only comes with experience.

Yet, for some reason, WWE feels the need to make champions out of anyone and everyone coming out the gate just to get them over. And when you’ve blown your inexperienced load that early in your career, what else do you have left to strive for? When did you earn your stripes on the job and in front of the people? What stories will they have to tell of them watching you fight your way to the top as a contender and into a champion?

Right before Roman won the title at WrestleMania 32, I saw a picture of him backstage on his knees embracing his daughter. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and in my opinion, this one was worth a million. As I stared deep into that photo, I felt the emotion. Not just the bond between a father and his daughter – but of a daughter’s love helping her father get through his toughest times. I could almost hear that little girl’s confused voice through the photo. She’s watched “the machine” build her father up for over a year with the promise of being “THE Guy”. He’s had the blessing of the McMahon’s and Triple H, the confidence of his peers, and the torch passed on to him for generations to come. One day, he would be “THE Guy” to replace John Cena as the (baby)face of the company…. And then, there’s you f***ing fans! You ripped him apart. One day he was cool as balls as part of The Shield, and the next day you’re flinging s*** at him like wild monkeys at the zoo.

I heard that little girl’s voice ask her father, “Daddy, what happened? Why do they hate you?” … And, all Roman could say is, “I don’t know baby…I don’t know”.

Now let’s call a spade a spade – Roman never WON the title. It was given to him, like any other champion in the entire history of the business. And the fans resented him for it. But regardless of what the fans think (or want), the machine is still moving full steam ahead as planned. Roman has to put on his big boy pants and work in front of a hostile crowd booing the s*** out of him – all while playing the babyface! And it gets worse….

The WWE has no time to waste. The bulbs in the spotlight are starting to flicker and now the pressure is on as to when they will dim. The roster is over STACKED with young talent, and arguably the greatest roster in the history of the business. There are so many names who are being primed to have a run with that championship belt. Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Finn Balor – just to name a few. Things didn’t work with Roman – oh well, we gave it a shot for two years, it didn’t work and we’re moving on. That’s how the business operates. And in that capacity, who’s to say if Roman will EVER get another shot to be “THE Guy”?

Apparently, WWE knew of the violation before the Money In The Bank PPV, and chances are creative plans may have been altered to work around his 30-day suspension. I noticed Roman crying ringside after Rollins beat him for the strap – and I have a feeling those tears weren’t because he was selling a storyline. I’m convinced Roman is afraid that WWE may have given up all hope on him and decided it’s time to invest in a different direction, with a different face.

I don’t know what substances Roman failed the policy for. Maybe they were PEDs. Maybe it was something else. Put yourself in his boots and toss the weight of the world over your shoulder for just a minute. Put your mind in a state of frantic confusion knowing that it all depends on you. What would you do night after night to stop the BOOS and be accepted? What would you to keep your spot? What would you do to prove them all wrong? Those BOOS may have pushed Roman – the MAN, not the PERFORMER- over the edge. And it’s ALL YOUR FAULT. Shame on you WWE Universe.

Follow DieHard Derek on Twitter: @DieHardDerekG
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