Public image of Roman Reigns

File:The Shield Nov 2013.jpg in November 2013]]

While in NXT (the new developmental system) during 2012, Roman Reigns' character was described as a "businessman" who was "always dressed to impress" and viewed himself as "the most valuable commodity in WWE".{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/Roster/Roman-Leakee.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125105817/http://www.fcwwrestling.info/Roster/Roman-Reigns.html|title=Roman Reigns – NXT Profile|archive-date=November 25, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2015|publisher=NXT Wrestling}}

Reigns debuted to the main roster as part of The Shield on November 18, 2012, at Survivor Series. After transferring to WWE's main roster, his character was changed to the "powerhouse" and "heavy hitter" of The Shield, as well as an "exceptional athlete".{{cite web|title=Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns: Who are they and why did they help CM Punk|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2012/dean-ambrose-seth-rollins-and-roman-reigns-who-are-they-and-why-did-they-help-punk-26069706/page-2|publisher=WWE|access-date=December 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107051036/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2012/dean-ambrose-seth-rollins-and-roman-reigns-who-are-they-and-why-did-they-help-punk-26069706/page-2|archive-date=January 7, 2015|url-status=live}} Noted as the least talkative of The Shield members,{{cite web|last1=McKinley|first1=Shane|title=Absurdity Of It All: Everyone This Week: How Miz Acquired Flair's Figure-Four, Why Reigns Remains Silent, Taz Ruins Endorsement Deal, Absurd Mania Picks, And ... I Confess To Oprah|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/absurityofitall/article_67998.shtml|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123140924/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/absurityofitall/article_67998.shtml|archive-date=January 23, 2015|url-status=live}} Reigns' character was tweaked from "the quiet muscle" to being an "ultra-confident" source of leadership with "quiet strength" in mid-2013.{{cite web|title=WWE News: Changes to The Shield evident in post-loss promo (w/Analysis of the group vs. individuals)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71622.shtml|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229221437/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71622.shtml|archive-date=December 29, 2014|url-status=live}} CM Punk alleged in an interview that he was constantly reminded to make Reigns look "really, really strong" despite The Shield being booked to lose to Punk at the 2013 TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs event.{{cite web|title=Punk News: When did C.M. Punk know it was time for him to leave WWE?, Punk captures the moment, shares infamous TLC story, identifies Roman Reigns as the "chosen one|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82106.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207191425/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82106.shtml|archive-date=December 7, 2014|url-status=live}} In 2013, Reigns was voted the Most Improved by Wrestling Observer Newsletter readers.{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 27, 2014|title=Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/35067-jan-27-2014-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2013-annual-awards-issue-best-in-the-world-in-numerous-categories-plus-all-the-news-in-pro-wrestling-and-mma-over-the-past-week-and-more|pages=1–37}}

During the 2014 Royal Rumble match on January 26, the live crowd cheered for Reigns over eventual winner Batista despite Reigns being a villain.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE Royal Rumble PPV results 1/26 (Hour 3): Royal Rumble vs. The Crowd main event match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_75919.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201005455/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_75919.shtml|archive-date=February 1, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=LaBar|first=Justin|title=Royal Rumble's Pittsburgh debut makes memorable weekend|url=http://triblive.com/sports/prowrestling/5486954-74/story|newspaper=TribLive|access-date=January 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419152502/http://triblive.com/sports/prowrestling/5486954-74/story|archive-date=April 19, 2014|url-status=live}} Anoaʻi later acknowledged the reaction as "a cool situation".{{cite web|last1=Caudill|first1=Joshua|title=Roman Reigns Talks 'Royal Rumble,' Injury Return & Haters|url=http://www.craveonline.com/sports/articles/814477-roman-reigns-talks-royal-rumble-injury-return-haters|publisher=CraveOnline|access-date=February 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223095433/http://www.craveonline.com/sports/articles/814477-roman-reigns-talks-royal-rumble-injury-return-haters|archive-date=February 23, 2015|url-status=dead}} In mid-2014, Stone Cold Steve Austin said he saw great potential in Reigns{{cite web|title=Thursday's Ask PWTorch staff: Will Cena get booed at his Hall of Fame induction years from now? What has Roman Reigns done to earn future top star status? Was Jericho supposed to become champion 2001? Cena vs. Bryan?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/askpwtorch/article_77974.shtml|access-date=April 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427080417/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/askpwtorch/article_77974.shtml|archive-date=April 27, 2014|url-status=live}} while David Shoemaker of Grantland wrote that Reigns had "mystery and intensity" as well as "superstar written all over him".{{cite web|last1=Shoemaker|first1=David|title=The Pro Wrestling Draft Board|date=May 2014|url=http://grantland.com/features/wwe-nfl-draft-masked-man-top-prospects-roman-reigns-bray-wyatt-triple-h/|access-date=February 24, 2015|publisher=Grantland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224073453/http://grantland.com/features/wwe-nfl-draft-masked-man-top-prospects-roman-reigns-bray-wyatt-triple-h/|archive-date=February 24, 2015|url-status=live}}

After The Shield disbanded for the first time, Reigns, unlike the other former Shield members, retained much of The Shield's aesthetic, including ring attire, a very slightly remixed version of the group's theme music, and ring entrance.{{cite web|last1=Mezzera|first1=Jon|title=6/20 WWE Smackdown Hits & Misses: Ziggler vs. Barrett, Kane vs. Ambrose, MITB Participants Talking and Wrestling|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/hitsandmisses/article_79197.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=July 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626165908/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/hitsandmisses/article_79197.shtml|archive-date=June 26, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/askpwtorch/article_81083.shtml|title=Ask PWTorch All-Stars 10/05: What will the next WWE era be about? Why does Reigns have the old Shield music and should he? Who is Cena's most likely WrestleMania 31 opponent? Should Spike force the ouster of Dixie? Low Ki-Lay Cool?|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=January 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110163106/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/askpwtorch/article_81083.shtml|archive-date=January 10, 2015|url-status=live}} From December 2014 to January 2015, Reigns' positive crowd reactions were diminishing.{{cite web|title=WWE Raw report: Roman Reigns the star of the show as red brand hits Montreal|url=http://www1.skysports.com/other-sports/news/14203/9375634/wwe-raw-report-roman-reigns-the-star-of-the-show-as-red-brand-hits-montreal|website=skysports.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105144022/http://www1.skysports.com/other-sports/news/14203/9375634/wwe-raw-report-roman-reigns-the-star-of-the-show-as-red-brand-hits-montreal|archive-date=November 5, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=Tedesco on why the 9/15 Raw was bad|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/50775-feature-tedesco-on-why-the-9-15-raw-was-bad/|website=wrestleview.com|date=September 16, 2014|access-date=January 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801165858/http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/50775-feature-tedesco-on-why-the-9-15-raw-was-bad|archive-date=August 1, 2015|url-status=live}} Reigns' win of WWE's 2014 Superstar of the Year Slammy Award garnered surprise to the point of accusations of vote-rigging, although both Dave Meltzer and Pro Wrestling Insider alleged the fan vote was legitimate.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=90109|title=Is The Slammy Vote Legitimate, Triple H Reacts To Charlotte's Debut, HHH Talks NXT, David Otunga's WWE Status, New Videos From Triple H And Steph And More|access-date=August 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714021656/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=90109|archive-date=July 14, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Oster|first1=Aaron|title=Pro wrestling roundup (Dec. 11)|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/pro-wrestling/ring-posts-blog/bal-pro-wresting-roundup-20141211-story.html|work=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=February 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224090547/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/pro-wrestling/ring-posts-blog/bal-pro-wresting-roundup-20141211-story.html|archive-date=February 24, 2015|url-status=live}} Writers from the Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter criticized Reigns in 2014 and 2015, for a "very limited" in-ring moveset,{{cite web|title=The case of Roman Reigns|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/askpwtorch/article_80393.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=February 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224090319/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/askpwtorch/article_80393.shtml|archive-date=February 24, 2015|url-status=live}} "forced promo delivery"{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_81907.shtml|title=WWE Interviews: What has upset Roman Reigns?, why was Kane recently "very worried about the future of WWE?," Sheamus points to original content lacking on WWE Network|date=November 21, 2014|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=November 22, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141123210628/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_81907.shtml|archive-date=November 23, 2014|url-status=live}} and a "petulant and annoyed" attitude ill-befitting of a top fan favorite.{{cite web|title=Sunday's Ask PWTorch Staff for 3/22: Does Reigns give off a negative vibe that hurts his popularity|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/askpwtorch/article_84011.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=March 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325190933/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/askpwtorch/article_84011.shtml|archive-date=March 25, 2015|url-status=live}} Fellow professional wrestler Mikey Whipwreck said Reigns was "trying to be like John Cena", who was "very polarizing".{{cite web|title=Former ECW Champion Mikey Whipreck tells Paul Heyman critics from ECW to "get over it" and comments on WWE star Roman Reigns|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?41145|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=March 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402154004/http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?41145|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=live}}

{{quote box|quote=I don't think I'm headbutting with [hardcore fans], I feel like they are headbutting me. ... One thing that kind of confuses me is that it is a performance, it is a show, there is a storyline. When people start doing the 'He deserves this, He deserves that', really did Brad Pitt deserved {{sic}} to be Achilles in [the film] Troy?|source=Anoa'i in a 2015 interview promoting WrestleMania 31{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Roman Reigns interview - fan criticism, calls Dean & Rollins "journeymen," his promos, more (w/Analysis)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_83823.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=March 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315022836/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_83823.shtml|archive-date=March 15, 2015|url-status=live}} which he main-evented despite fans' rejection|align=right|width=30%}}

{{quote box|quote=What, y'all can't hear me or something? ... This isn't boring, baby, this is real life.|source=Reigns' response to a heckling Chicago crowd during an October 2015 promo on Raw{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=10/12 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review|url=http://prowrestling.net/article.php?44392|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=December 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211110449/http://prowrestling.net/article.php?44392|archive-date=December 11, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}|align=right|width=30%}}

{{quote box|quote=Sometimes, as a former football player, we have to go into that away game and silence the crowd. ... And just let them know I am the man. I'm going to be here for a long time.|source=Anoa'i commenting on crowds booing him en route to 2016's WrestleMania 32,{{cite web|last1=Meola|first1=Andrew|title=WWE superstar Roman Reigns talks WrestleMania 32 and fans' boos|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/wwe-superstar-roman-reigns-on-wrestlemania-32-2016-4|work=Business Insider|access-date=April 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404114212/http://www.businessinsider.com/wwe-superstar-roman-reigns-on-wrestlemania-32-2016-4|archive-date=April 4, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} where Reigns won its main event{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=4/3 WrestleMania 32 PPV Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report on Main PPV|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/03/wm32liveresults/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404040347/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/03/wm32liveresults/|archive-date=April 4, 2016|url-status=live}}|align=right|width=30%}}

At the 2015 Royal Rumble on January 25, Reigns was booed heavily after his victory despite portraying a heroic character.{{cite web|title=WWE Royal Rumble 2015: Live coverage, results, photos, reaction & more|url=http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/01/wwe_royal_rumble_2015_live_cov.html|access-date=January 26, 2015|work=The Plain Dealer|date=January 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128113921/http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/01/wwe_royal_rumble_2015_live_cov.html|archive-date=January 28, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Schwartz|first1=Nick|title=Daniel Bryan was eliminated early from the Royal Rumble and fans are furious|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/01/wwe-daniel-bryant-royal-rumble-eliminated-reaction|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=January 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150126100348/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/01/wwe-daniel-bryant-royal-rumble-eliminated-reaction|archive-date=January 26, 2015|url-status=live}} In February on WWE Raw, Paul Heyman praised Reigns as better than "any other guy in history", which garnered negative reactions as Heyman implied esteemed wrestling figures, including Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, André the Giant, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock and John Cena, were inferior to Reigns.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=02/23 Powell's WWE Raw Live Review: The build to Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns for WrestleMania 31 resumes|url=https://prowrestling.net/article.php?02-23-Powell-s-WWE-Raw-Live-Review-The-build-to-Brock-Lesnar-and-Roman-Reigns-for-WrestleMania-31-resumes-followup-to-WWE-Fallout-41059|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=September 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927113537/https://prowrestling.net/article.php?02-23-Powell-s-WWE-Raw-Live-Review-The-build-to-Brock-Lesnar-and-Roman-Reigns-for-WrestleMania-31-resumes-followup-to-WWE-Fallout-41059|archive-date=September 27, 2017|url-status=live}} By March, Anoaʻi altered his character's physical appearance by wearing contact lenses in order to have blue eyes.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 3/16|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_83884.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=May 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125357/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_83884.shtml|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Barnett|first1=Jake|title=4/16 Barnett's WWE Smackdown on SyFy Live Review|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?41858|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=May 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819035519/http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?41858|archive-date=August 19, 2016|url-status=live}} From late 2014 to early 2015, various critics raised concerns that Reigns, despite being "not fully ready", was "being pushed too hard, too soon" while WWE tried to make him their next "flagship star", "no matter how fans reacted".{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2015|title=Jan. 26, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2014 awards issue w/ results & Dave's commentary, Conor McGregor, and much more|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|page=30|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/40865}}{{cite web|last1=Shoemaker|first1=David|title=Suspension of Disbelief: WWE Thinks Roman Reigns Is Its Next Big Star, No Matter What Fans Say|date=January 28, 2015|url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wwe-royal-rumble-roman-reigns-boos-the-rock-vince-mcmahon-brock-lesnar-wrestlemania/|access-date=February 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306163247/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wwe-royal-rumble-roman-reigns-boos-the-rock-vince-mcmahon-brock-lesnar-wrestlemania/|archive-date=March 6, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=O'Brien|first1=Matt|title=Making us care about WWE characters in 2015|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/52847|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=February 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224090141/http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/52847|archive-date=February 24, 2015|url-status=live}} Anoaʻi reacted by saying that he only entertained criticism of his wrestling by people that were involved with wrestling, discounting negative opinion by critics that "weren't wrestlers" and who wouldn't understand how to "lock up". Going into WrestleMania in 2015, Dave Meltzer said that Reigns was the least over WrestleMania main eventer ever.{{cite web|last1=Meltzer|first1=Dave|title=Wrestling Observer Radio 3/5: Raw, Smackdown tapings, Ronda Rousey big buyrate, Bill DeMott, your questions and more!|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/112-wrestling-observer/41491|website=f4wonline.com|access-date=March 14, 2015|quote=(57:27 onwards) There's never been someone [less over than Roman Reigns] in a WrestleMania main event, because there never could have been ... No there has never been and they did make a mistake.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402171434/http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/112-wrestling-observer/41491|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=live}} At WrestleMania 31 on March 29, Pro Wrestling Torch described Reigns as needing security for his entrance while receiving "universal boos" and middle fingers.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=WM31 PPV Results 3/29|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84175.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331225800/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84175.shtml|archive-date=March 31, 2015|url-status=live}} Reigns was unable to defeat Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship after Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and pinned Reigns to win the world title.{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-27042102|publisher=WWE|access-date=February 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223062020/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-27042102|archive-date=February 23, 2015|url-status=live}} Rollins received positive reactions for his victory despite being a villain.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=CALDWELL'S WM31 PPV RESULTS 3/29: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of WWE World Title match, Taker's return, Sting vs. Triple H, Cena vs. Rusev, Rock/UFC surprise, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84175.shtml#.VRiyVfmsXbM|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331225800/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84175.shtml#.VRiyVfmsXbM|archive-date=March 31, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_84201.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/30|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 30, 2015|access-date=August 8, 2015|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802012230/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_84201.shtml|archive-date=August 2, 2015|url-status=live}} Despite the fan backlash in early 2015, critics praised Reigns' performances at Fastlane, WrestleMania 31 and Extreme Rules as exceeding expectations{{cite web|url=http://prowrestling.net/article.php?41598|title=Pruett's Pause: WWE WrestleMania 31|date=March 30, 2015|access-date=April 10, 2018|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Com|last=Pruett|first=Will|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824092907/http://prowrestling.net/article.php?41598|archive-date=August 24, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/news/wwe-extreme-rules-roman-reigns-windy-city-heat-20150427|title=WWE 'Extreme Rules' Recap: Roman Reigns' Windy City Heat - Rolling Stone|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 27, 2015|access-date=August 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703221354/http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/news/wwe-extreme-rules-roman-reigns-windy-city-heat-20150427|archive-date=July 3, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://prowrestling.net/article.php?42004|title=Jim Ross comments on Roman Reigns, New Day winning the WWE Tag Team Championship, Sheamus as a heel|date=April 27, 2015|access-date=April 10, 2018|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Com|last=Powell|first=Jason|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305073043/http://prowrestling.net/article.php?42004|archive-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-second-annual-pro-wrestling-draft-board/|title=The Second-Annual Pro Wrestling Draft Board|date=April 29, 2015|access-date=April 10, 2018|work=Grantland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212194019/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-second-annual-pro-wrestling-draft-board/|archive-date=December 12, 2017|url-status=live}} while the negative reactions continued at Money in the Bank and SummerSlam.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/43041|title=- WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's Summerslam Report 8/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Lesnar vs. Taker, Title vs. Title, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87122.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=August 23, 2015|access-date=August 24, 2015|quote=The Shield's music then played to boos since it meant the arrival of Roman Reigns. ... Boos for Reigns, who landed offense ... [The match] was dominated by the Roman Reigns Crowd Angst resurfacing.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904175855/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87122.shtml|archive-date=September 4, 2015|url-status=live}}

File:WWE Raw 2015-03-30 19-52-48 ILCE-6000 3569 DxO (18668262608).jpg

In late 2015, critics described WWE presenting Reigns' character as a "hard-luck underdog" chasing the world title,{{cite web|last1=Konuka|first1=Alfred|title=Ranking Each WWE Title Tournament Entrant: Should Top-Seeded Roman Reigns Be On Upset Alert?|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2015/11/09/ranking-each-wwe-title-tournament-entrant-should-top-seeded-roman-reigns-be-on-upset-alert/|website=Forbes|access-date=November 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124234316/http://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2015/11/09/ranking-each-wwe-title-tournament-entrant-should-top-seeded-roman-reigns-be-on-upset-alert/|archive-date=November 24, 2015|url-status=live}} with WWE having "spent an overwhelming amount of time" on Reigns, "bending over backwards to create new obstacles for him to overcome ... at the expense of almost everyone else on the roster".{{cite magazine|last1=Montgomery|first1=James|title=WWE Raw': Sheamus 5:15 Says This Show Just Whipped Your Ass|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/news/wwe-raw-sheamus-5-15-says-this-show-just-whipped-your-ass-20151201|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 2015|access-date=December 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203195858/http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/news/wwe-raw-sheamus-5-15-says-this-show-just-whipped-your-ass-20151201|archive-date=December 3, 2015|url-status=live}} In November 2015, Reigns received a "mixed, at best" reaction upon winning and losing his first WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the 2015 Survivor Series event after Sheamus, another villainous character, cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to defeat Reigns, a move made to try and get Reigns over with the crowd,{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=11/22 Survivor Series Results – Caldwell's Complete PPV Report ongoing-report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2015/11/22/1122-survivor-series-live-results-caldwells-ongoing-report/|website=PWTorch.com|date=November 23, 2015|access-date=November 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123083638/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2015/11/22/1122-survivor-series-live-results-caldwells-ongoing-report/|archive-date=November 23, 2015|url-status=live}} and a positive reaction on winning his second world title at the Raw after TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 14,{{cite magazine|last1=Hamlin|first1=Jeff|title=WWE Raw live results 12-14: Will the Authority punish Roman Reigns?|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-raw-live-results-12-14-will-authority-punish-roman-reigns-203751|magazine=Wrestling Observer|access-date=December 15, 2015}} although a WrestleView writer reflected that "it's been downhill ever since" for Reigns from then until March 2016.{{cite web|title=3/21 RAW: Sad show two weeks before Mania|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/59308-3-21-raw-sad-show-two-weeks-before-mania/|access-date=March 25, 2016|website=WrestleView.com|date=March 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427114849/http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/59308-3-21-raw-sad-show-two-weeks-before-mania/|archive-date=April 27, 2016|url-status=live}} In 2015 and 2016, WWE has reportedly taken several measures to hide fans' disapproval of Reigns, including confiscating anti-Reigns fan signs,{{cite web|title=WWE/TapOut deal, WWE HOFer selling ring, Aguayo benefit shirt, another Stephanie McMahon interview, and more|url=http://www2.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/wed-update-wwetapout-deal-wwe-hofer-selling-ring-aguayo-benefit-shirt-another|website=f4wonline.com|date=March 25, 2015|access-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803102310/http://www2.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/wed-update-wwetapout-deal-wwe-hofer-selling-ring-aguayo-benefit-shirt-another|archive-date=August 3, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=4/6 WWE Superstars spoilers, anti Roman Reigns signs confiscated by security|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?4-6-WWE-Superstars-spoilers-anti-Roman-Reigns-signs-confiscated-by-security-41704|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413101623/http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?4-6-WWE-Superstars-spoilers-anti-Roman-Reigns-signs-confiscated-by-security-41704|archive-date=April 13, 2015|url-status=live}} editing out anti-Reigns fan signs for photos on their website,{{cite web|last1=Thomas|first1=Jeremy|title=WWE Edits Anti-Roman Reigns Sign In Photo on WWE.com|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-edits-anti-roman-reigns-sign-in-photo-on-wwe-com/|access-date=May 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504101605/http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-edits-anti-roman-reigns-sign-in-photo-on-wwe-com/|archive-date=May 4, 2016|url-status=live}} muting hostile crowds (including at WrestleMania 32){{cite episode|title=Steve Austin & Wade Keller Review WWE's Fastlane PPV|series=The Steve Austin Show|network=PodcastOne|date=February 22, 2016|number=301|minutes=17-20 & 79-80}} and piping in canned cheers during Reigns' appearances.{{cite web|last1=Barnett|first1=Jake|title=3/17 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live Review|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/03/17/317|website=prowrestling.net|date=March 17, 2016|access-date=March 18, 2016}}

File:Roman Reigns WWE Champion 2016.jpg in April 2016]]

In 2016, Reigns main evented the first seven WWE pay-per-view events (before the brand split started){{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=7/25 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: New World Title, the brand split begins|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/07/25/725|website=prowrestling.net|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=September 18, 2016}} and was booed in all of them: Royal Rumble,{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-royal-rumble-2016-live-results-30-men-battle-wwe-world-championship-205891|author-link=Dave Meltzer|author=Meltzer, Dave|access-date=January 25, 2015|website=f4wonline.com|title=WWE Royal Rumble 2016 Live Results|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121194544/http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-royal-rumble-2016-live-results-30-men-battle-wwe-world-championship-205891|archive-date=January 21, 2016|url-status=live}} Fastlane,{{cite web|last1=Meltzer|first1=Dave|author-link1=Dave Meltzer|title=WWE Fastlane 2016 live results: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-fastlane-2016-live-results-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-vs-dean-ambrose-207716|website=f4wonline.com|date=February 21, 2016|access-date=February 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222091501/http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-fastlane-2016-live-results-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-vs-dean-ambrose-207716|archive-date=February 22, 2016|url-status=live}} WrestleMania 32 (which ended with a chorus of boos when Reigns won his third world title),{{cite web|last=Tamburro|first=Paul|title=WrestleMania 32 Review: Not Even Logic Can Stop the Roman Reigns Era|url=http://www.craveonline.com/culture/972901-wrestlemania-32-review-not-even-logic-can-stop-roman-reigns-era|website=CraveOnline|date=April 4, 2016|access-date=April 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408070526/http://www.craveonline.com/culture/972901-wrestlemania-32-review-not-even-logic-can-stop-roman-reigns-era|archive-date=April 8, 2016|url-status=dead}} Payback,{{cite web|last1=Scherer|first1=Dave|title=Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler shows what's old is new again - Full WWE Payback Blog|url=http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=101699&p=4|website=PWInsider.com|access-date=May 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505095615/http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=101699&p=4|archive-date=May 5, 2016|url-status=live}} Extreme Rules,{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=5/22 WWE Extreme Rules PPV Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/22/extremerulesliveresults/|date=May 22, 2016|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523061426/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/22/extremerulesliveresults/|archive-date=May 23, 2016|url-status=live}} Money in the Bank{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Money in the Bank 2016 live review|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/06/19/powells-wwe-money-in-the-bank-2016-live-review-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-world-heavyweight-championship-john-cena-vs-aj-styles-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match/|website=prowrestling.net|date=June 19, 2016|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621052123/http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/06/19/powells-wwe-money-in-the-bank-2016-live-review-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-world-heavyweight-championship-john-cena-vs-aj-styles-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match/|archive-date=June 21, 2016|url-status=live}} and Battleground.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Battleground 2016 live review|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/07/24/powells-wwe-battleground-2016-live-review-dean-ambrose-vs-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-sasha-banks-and-a-mystery-partner-vs-charlotte-an/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=July 24, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726144250/http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/07/24/powells-wwe-battleground-2016-live-review-dean-ambrose-vs-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-sasha-banks-and-a-mystery-partner-vs-charlotte-an/|archive-date=July 26, 2016|url-status=live}} CNET described a "fan rebellion" against WWE "moving heaven and earth" to make Reigns "the face of the company ... for the next decade"; while "many fans are aware" that former Shield member Dean Ambrose "is the true dark horse, both on camera and behind the scenes".{{cite web|last1=Van Doom|first1=Daniel|title=This weekend WWE will face its toughest opponent: The wrestling audience|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/wwe-network-roadblock-how-to-watch|website=CNET|access-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311235402/http://www.cnet.com/news/wwe-network-roadblock-how-to-watch/|archive-date=March 11, 2016|url-status=live}} ESPN described that "WWE started building Roman Reigns as the next great hero of the company about 18 months ago", but Reigns instead became "the most despised wrestler WWE has had since it turned Sgt. Slaughter into an Iraq-sympathizing traitor in 1990".{{cite web|last1=Shoemaker|first1=David|title=The highs and lows of a record-breaking WrestleMania 32|date=April 4, 2016|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/15132979/the-highs-lows-wrestlemania-32|publisher=ESPN|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407090716/http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/15132979/the-highs-lows-wrestlemania-32|archive-date=April 7, 2016|url-status=live}} Leading up to WrestleMania 32, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Rikishi and Hulk Hogan have encouraged WWE to turn him into a villain.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=The Steve Austin Show – Vince Russo Interview Part 2 (Mar. 8, 2016)|url=http://www.pwpodcasts.com/2016/03/09/steve-austin-show-vince-russo-interview-part-2-mar-8-2016/|website=PWPodcasts.com|date=March 9, 2016|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519212141/http://www.pwpodcasts.com/2016/03/09/steve-austin-show-vince-russo-interview-part-2-mar-8-2016/|archive-date=May 19, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Featherstone|first1=Chris|title=WWE HOFer Rikishi says there's only one way WWE can save Roman Reigns|url=http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/wwe-wrestlemania-32-roman-reigns-rikishi-033016|work=Fox Sports|access-date=May 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609215624/http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/wwe-wrestlemania-32-roman-reigns-rikishi-033016|archive-date=June 9, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last1=Barrasso|first1=Justin|title=Hulk Hogan hopes to be back in the ring for WrestleMania 33|url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/04/08/wwe-hulk-hogan-wrestlemania-roman-reigns|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=May 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510120255/http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/04/08/wwe-hulk-hogan-wrestlemania-roman-reigns|archive-date=May 10, 2016|url-status=live}} Meanwhile, during interviews promoting WrestleMania 32, Anoa'i acknowledged the fan backlash, but declared that WWE is a "kids show" and that he was not wrestling to impress "grown men" who boo him.{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-roman-reigns-wwe-20160327-story.html|access-date=April 5, 2016|work=Orlando Sentinel|title=Q&A: WWE superstar Roman Reigns ready for WrestleMania|first=Bryan|last=Fritz|date=March 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404014832/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-roman-reigns-wwe-20160327-story.html|archive-date=April 4, 2016|url-status=live}} He defiantly told his critics that he would not believe any of their negative opinions of him.{{cite web|url=http://zap2it.com/2016/04/roman-reigns-wwe-wrestlemania-32-main-event-triple-h-fans|access-date=April 5, 2016|publisher=Zap2it|title=WWE's Roman Reigns won't let booing fans stop him from dominating 'WrestleMania 32'|first=Chris E.|last=Hayner|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407000406/http://zap2it.com/2016/04/roman-reigns-wwe-wrestlemania-32-main-event-triple-h-fans/|archive-date=April 7, 2016|url-status=dead}} As for his detractors, Anoa'i told them to "continue to be ready to boo. You're going to be mad a long time. I'm not going away".{{cite web|last1=Murphy|first1=Jan|title=Reigns seeks third reign as WWE champion|url=http://www.thewhig.com/2016/03/25/reigns-seeks-their-reign-as-wwe-champion|work=Kingston Whig-Standard|access-date=March 29, 2016}}

On the Raw after WrestleMania 32, Reigns declared that he was now not a "bad guy" nor a "good guy", but "The Guy", which supposedly indicated a morally ambiguous character turn, but this went nowhere.{{cite web|last1=Ferguson|first1=LaToya|title=The vicious cycle of WWE continues with the RAW after WrestleMania|url=https://www.avclub.com/the-vicious-cycle-of-wwe-continues-with-the-raw-after-w-1798188026|work=The A.V. Club|date=April 5, 2016 |access-date=April 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415170218/http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/vicious-cycle-wwe-continues-raw-after-wrestlemania-234815|archive-date=April 15, 2016|url-status=live}} In April, Pro Wrestling Dot Net reported that WWE "went out of their way to use [the charity] Make A Wish in hopes of getting [Reigns] over as a good guy".{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=04/25 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/04/25/0425-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-luke-gallows-and-karl-anderson-vs-the-usos-aj-styles-vs-sheamus-roman-reigns-vs-alberto-del-rio-final-hype-for-wwe-payback/|website=prowrestling.net|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=April 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427103902/http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/04/25/0425-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-luke-gallows-and-karl-anderson-vs-the-usos-aj-styles-vs-sheamus-roman-reigns-vs-alberto-del-rio-final-hype-for-wwe-payback/|archive-date=April 27, 2016|url-status=live}} As soon as broadcasting for Payback on May 1 stopped, Reigns reportedly turned on the crowd, yelling angrily at them.{{cite web|title=WWE Payback onsite report: Roman Reigns turns on fans after the show|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/05/02/wwe-payback-onsite-report-roman-reigns-turns-on-fans-after-the-show-crowd-not-updated-on-enzo-amores-health/|website=prowrestling.net|date=May 2, 2016|access-date=May 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504142522/http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/05/02/wwe-payback-onsite-report-roman-reigns-turns-on-fans-after-the-show-crowd-not-updated-on-enzo-amores-health/|archive-date=May 4, 2016|url-status=live}} Also in May, Dave Meltzer said WWE wanted Reigns as "the guy who does the charity work, so he has to be positioned as a babyface" (the heroic character), adding that WWE's "new gimmick" was positioning that people actually "really like" Reigns and only boo because "it's fun to boo him", which Meltzer said was "absolutely not true" in reality.{{cite web|last1=Alvarez|first1=Bryan|last2=Meltzer|first2=Dave|title=WOR: WWE Payback recap, Lucha Underground, AAA PPV coming, more!|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-radio/wor-wwe-payback-recap-lucha-underground-aaa-ppv-coming-more-212051|website=f4wonline.com|access-date=May 5, 2016|date=May 2, 2016|quote=Audio from 54:34 to 55:53|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505063406/http://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-radio/wor-wwe-payback-recap-lucha-underground-aaa-ppv-coming-more-212051|archive-date=May 5, 2016|url-status=live}} Critics wondered if WWE was "leaving money on the table" by not slotting former Shield teammate Seth Rollins as a fan favorite and Reigns as a villain,{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Extreme Rules Hit List|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/05/23/powells-wwe-extreme-rules-hit-list-seth-rollins-returns-roman-reigns-vs-aj-styles-dean-ambrose-vs-chris-jericho-in-an-asylum-match-the-miz-vs-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-vs-cesaro-in-a-four-wa/|website=prowrestling.net|date=May 23, 2016|access-date=June 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529000454/http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/05/23/powells-wwe-extreme-rules-hit-list-seth-rollins-returns-roman-reigns-vs-aj-styles-dean-ambrose-vs-chris-jericho-in-an-asylum-match-the-miz-vs-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-vs-cesaro-in-a-four-wa/|archive-date=May 29, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Oster|first1=Aaron|title=Seth Rollins returns at Extreme Rules|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/pro-wrestling/ring-posts-blog/bal-seth-rollins-returns-at-extreme-rules-20160523-story.html|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=June 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811070212/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/pro-wrestling/ring-posts-blog/bal-seth-rollins-returns-at-extreme-rules-20160523-story.html|archive-date=August 11, 2016|url-status=live}} as fans were cheering Rollins and booing Reigns.{{cite web|last1=Hamlin|first1=Jeff|title=WWE Raw Live Results: Seth Rollins Returns; Extreme Rules Fallout|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-raw-live-results-seth-rollins-returns-extreme-rules-fallout-213296|website=f4wonline.com|date=May 23, 2016|access-date=June 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528233730/http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-raw-live-results-seth-rollins-returns-extreme-rules-fallout-213296|archive-date=May 28, 2016|url-status=live}} In June, Reigns wrestled against Rollins at both Money in the Bank and the next night on Raw, where Reigns played a villain in the first match and a fan favorite in the second, while on the next night on Raw during his promo he told the fans who were booing him to "shut their mouths".{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/19/619-wwe-mitb-ppv-results-caldwells-ongoing-live-report/|title=6/19 WWE MITB PPV Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621185909/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/19/619-wwe-mitb-ppv-results-caldwells-ongoing-live-report/|archive-date=June 21, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Raw Hit List: Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/06/21/powells-wwe-raw-hit-list-dean-ambrose-roman-reigns-and-seth-rollins-john-cena-and-aj-styles-the-wyatt-family-returns-big-johnny|website=prowrestling.net|date=June 21, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624030614/http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/06/21/powells-wwe-raw-hit-list-dean-ambrose-roman-reigns-and-seth-rollins-john-cena-and-aj-styles-the-wyatt-family-returns-big-johnny/|archive-date=June 24, 2016|url-status=live}} Reigns' wellness policy suspension on June 21 resulted in Yahoo! TV urging WWE to "quit pretending he's some kind of lovable underdog" with a villain turn for Reigns, after wasting a "dozen" chances "since the boos first reigned" at the 2015 Royal Rumble.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/tv/roman-reigns-wwe-suspended-heel-1457732253024310.html|title=Hey WWE, It's Time For Roman Reigns to Make the Heel Turn|first1=Christopher|last1=Wilson|work=Yahoo! TV|date=June 24, 2016 |access-date=June 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715232126/https://www.yahoo.com/tv/roman-reigns-wwe-suspended-heel-1457732253024310.html|archive-date=July 15, 2016|url-status=live}}

File:United States Champion Roman Reigns.jpg in December 2016]]

As soon as Reigns returned from suspension in July and leading into SummerSlam, writers from the Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter wrote that Raw was "still the Roman Reigns Show", "with him necessarily closing out the show with the last laugh" (post-SummerSlam, "Raw is Roman" continued).{{cite web|title=8/8 Raw: First batch of PWTorch writers reviewing Monday's Raw!|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/09/instant-reaction-88-raw-first-batch-pwtorch-writers-reviewing-mondays-raw/|website=PWTorch.com|date=August 9, 2016|access-date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812070730/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/09/instant-reaction-88-raw-first-batch-pwtorch-writers-reviewing-mondays-raw/|archive-date=August 12, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=8/15 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live TV Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/15/aug15rawresultsfinal/|website=PWTorch.com|date=August 16, 2016|access-date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818104108/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/15/aug15rawresultsfinal/|archive-date=August 18, 2016|url-status=live}} Also in August, Anoa'i no longer wore the contact lenses, again changing the Reigns' character look.{{cite web|title=Instant Reaction – 8/22 Raw: Three-Pack of Big Takeways from post-Summerslam Raw|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/23/instant-reaction-822-raw-three-pack-big-takeways-post-summerslam-raw/|access-date=September 18, 2016|website=PWTorch.com|date=August 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826083100/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/23/instant-reaction-822-raw-three-pack-big-takeways-post-summerslam-raw/|archive-date=August 26, 2016|url-status=live}} Although Reigns dropped from world title contention to being United States Champion in September, he remained unable to connect with fans.{{cite episode|title=Mid-Week Flagship w/Wade Keller & Jason Powell (US version)|series=Pro Wrestling Torch Livecast|network=BlogTalkRadio|date=October 19, 2016}} Nonetheless, calculated efforts to garner crowd support persisted. Wade Keller of the Pro Wrestling Torch said that WWE was damaging its product by associating Reigns with "really good" and "popular" performers in a "hapless attempt" to get him over. Pro Wrestling Dot Net columnist Jason Powell said that McMahon's "obsession" with generating support for Reigns had handicapped Seth Rollins, whom fans wanted to see as a fan favorite in May, but was kept as a villain to oppose the heroic (and thoroughly booed) Reigns until a "horrible" turn into a fan favorite in September. In November, Fin Martin of Power Slam remarked: "Vince [McMahon] has successfully trained or retrained most of his audience to consume what he is serving. Roman Reigns being the exception, of course. It says something that fans will cheer Shane McMahon's toe-curlingly naff attempts at pro wrestling in the ring and his entrance dance ... yet they won't cheer for Reigns, no matter how heroically he is portrayed".{{cite web|url=http://www.powerslamonline.co.uk/updates/275/It-s-your-letters.htm|title=The Mail|last=Martin|first=Fin|date=November 23, 2016|website=Power Slam|access-date=March 15, 2017|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315153820/http://www.powerslamonline.co.uk/updates/275/It-s-your-letters.htm|archive-date=March 15, 2017}} As a result of his achievements in 2016, despite topping Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) annual PWI 500{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2016.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2016|access-date=September 1, 2016|work=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201231018/http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2016.html|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}} which is mainly about kayfabe results,{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/08/pwi-500-1-100.html|title=PWI 500: 1–100|date=August 9, 2011|access-date=August 9, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127112040/http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/08/pwi-500-1-100.html|archive-date=November 27, 2011|url-status=live}} Reigns was voted by Pro Wrestling Illustrated readers as Most Hated Wrestler of the Year, a first for a heroic character since the award was devised in 1972. Wrestling Observer Newsletter readers instead awarded Reigns the 2016 Most Overrated award.{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|title=March 6, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Awards issue, talent departing TNA, more|url=http://members.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/march-6-2017-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2016-awards-issue-talent|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|access-date=March 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315110955/http://members.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/march-6-2017-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2016-awards-issue-talent|archive-date=March 15, 2017|url-status=live}} Reigns had finished in second place for Most Overrated in both 2014 and 2015.{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 25, 2016|title=January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|page=31}} In January 2017, Pro Wrestling Torch began their weekly "Monday Night Reigns-o-meter", which monitored his "ability to beat the odds and come out on top".{{cite web|last1=Colohue|first1=Tom|title=MONDAY NIGHT REIGNS-O-METER #1: Tracking Roman Reigns's ability to beat the odds and come out on top|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/10/monday-night-reigns-o-meter-1-tracking-roman-reignss-ability-beat-odds-come-top/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=January 10, 2017|access-date=January 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112143209/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/10/monday-night-reigns-o-meter-1-tracking-roman-reignss-ability-beat-odds-come-top/|archive-date=January 12, 2017|url-status=live}}

{{quote box|quote=I think it just pushed me. ... Some people look at that as a negative, not me. ... X amount of thousands of people are screaming, booing at the top of their lungs, and I'm the center of attention, so I must be doing something right.|source=Anoa'i describing his reaction to being booed, in an ESPN audio interview released in January 2017{{cite web|publisher=ESPN|title=ESPN Audio: On Demand: Roman Reigns|url=http://www.espn.com/espnradio/play?id=18544214|access-date=February 4, 2017|quote=timestamp 03:00-04:00|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205095859/http://www.espn.com/espnradio/play?id=18544214|archive-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}|align=right|width=30%}}

Going into 2017, WWE continued to edit reactions for Reigns, one example being after he lost the United States Championship to Chris Jericho, when an audience member was shown live jumping for joy at the result, but when WWE showed replays of Reigns' loss they showed a clip of the same fan looking unhappy.{{cite web|title=Roman Reigns WWE Fan Reaction from Raw Loss Gets Edited (Video)|url=http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/roman-reigns-wwe-fan-reaction-from-raw-loss-gets-edited-video-011717|work=Fox Sports|access-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124001636/http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/roman-reigns-wwe-fan-reaction-from-raw-loss-gets-edited-video-011717|archive-date=January 24, 2017|url-status=live}} Veteran wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin and Pro Wrestling Torch editor Wade Keller criticised Reigns' attitude in mainstream interviews, specifically Reigns stating that he "just" worked 9-to-5 before becoming a professional wrestler as well as flaunting his financial prospects within WWE, with Austin saying Reigns has "got to watch" what he says and needs to be "smarter" while Keller saw him as "trying to impress the people interviewing him" and "not thinking about the fans who are paying the money for the seats".{{cite episode|title=Interview Thursday: Keller w/Steve Austin|series=Pro Wrestling Torch Livecast|network=BlogTalkRadio|date=January 26, 2017}} Keller also scolded Reigns and WWE for publicly claiming they are happy with any crowd reaction for Reigns, whether positive or negative, describing such statements as "insincere" and "spin" since they "turn the volume down; they seek out fans who are cheering him; they doctor footage to make it seem like fans are cheering him when they're not ... they manipulate in every way that they can to make it seem like he's not getting a negative reaction".{{cite episode|title=Mid-Week Flagship w/Wade Keller & Pat McNeill|series=Pro Wrestling Torch Livecast|network=BlogTalkRadio|date=January 25, 2017}}

In the 2017 Royal Rumble match on January 29, Reigns entered as the surprise last entrant despite losing a WWE Universal Championship match against Kevin Owens earlier that night.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=1/29 Powell's WWE Royal Rumble 2017 live review: AJ Styles vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns in a No DQ match for the WWE Universal Championship with Chris Jericho in a shark cage|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/01/29/129-powells-wwe-royal-rumble-2017-live-review-aj-styles-vs-john-cena-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-no-dq-match-wwe-universal-championship-chris-jeri/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 29, 2017|access-date=January 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130011118/http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/01/29/129-powells-wwe-royal-rumble-2017-live-review-aj-styles-vs-john-cena-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-no-dq-match-wwe-universal-championship-chris-jeri/|archive-date=January 30, 2017|url-status=live}} Fans had anticipated other surprise entrants including Finn Bálor, Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Shinsuke Nakamura and Kenny Omega—international media outlets noted that this drew "This is bullshit!" chants from the live crowd and even more boos when he eliminated The Undertaker.{{cite web|last1=Ahlig|first1=Enrico|title=Fans sauer nach Wrestling-Schlacht|url=http://www.bild.de/unterhaltung/leute/wrestling/fans-sauer-nach-wrestling-schlacht-royal-rumble-50016954.bild.html|work=Bild|date=January 30, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2017|language=German|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130124156/http://www.bild.de/unterhaltung/leute/wrestling/fans-sauer-nach-wrestling-schlacht-royal-rumble-50016954.bild.html|archive-date=January 30, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Hoffmann|first1=Martin|title=Rumble-Finale verärgert WWE-Fans|url=http://www.sport1.de/wrestling/2017/1/wendungsreiches-gigantentreffen-beim-wwe-royal-rumble-2017|publisher=Sport1 (Germany)|access-date=January 30, 2017|language=German|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201090447/http://www.sport1.de/wrestling/2017/1/wendungsreiches-gigantentreffen-beim-wwe-royal-rumble-2017|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=WWE: Roman Reigns fue el número 30 y eliminó a Undertaker de Royal Rumble|date=January 29, 2017|url=http://peru.com/deportes/wwe/wwe-roman-reigns-fue-numero-30-y-elimino-undertaker-royal-rumble-noticia-496469|publisher=Peru.com|language=Spanish|access-date=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130061044/http://peru.com/deportes/wwe/wwe-roman-reigns-fue-numero-30-y-elimino-undertaker-royal-rumble-noticia-496469|archive-date=January 30, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=WWE-Star Roman Reigns erntet Shitstorm für Royal Rumble-Auftritt|url=http://www.heute.at/sport/sportmix/WWE-Star-Roman-Reigns-erntet-Shitstorm-fuer-Royal-Rumble-Auftritt;art23665,1394070|publisher=Heute.at|access-date=January 30, 2017|language=German|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201214058/http://www.heute.at/sport/sportmix/WWE-Star-Roman-Reigns-erntet-Shitstorm-fuer-Royal-Rumble-Auftritt;art23665,1394070|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}} Reigns was still booed after eliminating villain wrestlers Chris Jericho and Bray Wyatt. Stone Cold Steve Austin believed that Reigns was the "set up guy" and "did a favor" to help Randy Orton by letting Orton eliminate him to win the Royal Rumble.{{cite web|title=Stone Cold Comments On Roman Reigns In The Royal Rumble|url=http://comicbook.com/wwe/2017/01/31/wwe-stone-cold-steve-austin-comments-on-roman-reigns-in-the-roya/|publisher=Comicbook.com|access-date=January 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131211430/http://comicbook.com/wwe/2017/01/31/wwe-stone-cold-steve-austin-comments-on-roman-reigns-in-the-roya/|archive-date=January 31, 2017|url-status=live}} The following night on Raw, the villainous Braun Strowman received a "Thank you Strowman!" chant for costing Reigns his WWE Universal Championship match at the Royal Rumble.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/30/kellers-wwe-raw-report-130-ongoing-coverage-royal-rumble-fallout-including-owens-celebration-cut-short-ominous-strowman-news/|title=Keller's WWE Raw Report 1/30|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=January 30, 2017|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201183437/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/30/kellers-wwe-raw-report-130-ongoing-coverage-royal-rumble-fallout-including-owens-celebration-cut-short-ominous-strowman-news/|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}} This chant was repeated after Strowman cost Reigns a match on the February 6 episode Raw, with Tom Colohue of Pro Wrestling Torch writing that Strowman's vendetta against Reigns may have "accidentally turned" the villain into a fan favorite.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/07/monday-night-reigns-o-meter-5-tracking-roman-reignss-ability-beat-odds-come-top/|title=Monday Night Reigns-o-meter #5|last=Colohue|first=Tom|date=February 7, 2017|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075936/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/07/monday-night-reigns-o-meter-5-tracking-roman-reignss-ability-beat-odds-come-top/|archive-date=February 11, 2017|url-status=live}} In February 2017, Meltzer said it was "obvious" that WWE's push of Reigns "will never end".{{cite web|last1=Meltzer|first1=Dave|author-link1=Dave Meltzer|title=It will never end. Isn't that obvious by now.|url=https://twitter.com/davemeltzerWON/status/827309511874523136|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213041025/https://twitter.com/davemeltzerWON/status/827309511874523136|archive-date=February 13, 2017|url-status=live}} Later that month, wrestling podcaster Peter Rosenberg lamented that—unlike the similarly powerful Hulk Hogan—Reigns "doesn't show vulnerability, ever".{{cite episode|title=The Fast Lane To Fastlane|series=Cheap Heat|network=ESPN Radio|date=February 23, 2017|minutes=62}}

On March 5 at Fastlane, Reigns defeated Strowman and became the first man to successfully pin him in WWE.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Roman Reigns def. Braun Strowman|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2017/roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-results|work=WWE|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306154307/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2017/roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-results|archive-date=March 6, 2017|url-status=live}} Although the match itself was praised, this booking choice was poorly received by critics, who agreed that, despite adding nothing to Reigns' reputation, the match's ending would severely hurt Strowman's "unstoppable beast" image, "undid" all the momentum Strowman had acquired during the previous months and might even damage his career and future in WWE.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=3/5 Powell's WWE Fastlane Live Review|date=March 6, 2017|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/03/05/35-powells-wwe-fastlane-live-review-kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-bayley-vs-charlotte-raw-womens-championship-samoa-joe-vs-sam/|publisher=prowrestling.net|access-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306134740/http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/03/05/35-powells-wwe-fastlane-live-review-kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-bayley-vs-charlotte-raw-womens-championship-samoa-joe-vs-sam/|archive-date=March 6, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Mike|title=Complete WWE Fastlane blog: The Internet will love this one|url=http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=108165&p=3|publisher=pwinsider.com|access-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307050424/http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=108165&p=3|archive-date=March 7, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Fastlane Results – 3/5/17 (Kevin Owens vs. Goldberg headlines)|date=March 5, 2017|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-ppv-results/wwe-fastlane/73878-wwe-fastlane-results-3517-kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-headlines/|publisher=wrestleview.com|access-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306063122/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-ppv-results/wwe-fastlane/73878-wwe-fastlane-results-3517-kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-headlines/|archive-date=March 6, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=ROMAN REIGNS VS. BRAUN STROWMAN: WINNER AND REACTION FOR WWE FASTLANE 2017|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2692120-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-winner-and-reaction-for-wwe-fastlane-2017|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=March 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308153103/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2692120-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-winner-and-reaction-for-wwe-fastlane-2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|url-status=live}} Many believed that a better, more logical booking move would have been for The Undertaker, who was heavily rumored to face Reigns at WrestleMania 33 after Reigns eliminated him during the Royal Rumble match, to interfere in the match, causing Reigns to either win by disqualification, thus letting Strowman remain unpinned, or lose because of The Undertaker, thus still looking strong.{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWWE screwed up by not having Undertaker interfere with Roman Reigns|date=March 6, 2017|url=http://www.cagesideseats.com/2017/3/6/14827606/wwe-fastlane-roman-reigns-undertaker-braun-strowman|publisher=Cage Side Seats|access-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306184837/http://www.cagesideseats.com/2017/3/6/14827606/wwe-fastlane-roman-reigns-undertaker-braun-strowman|archive-date=March 6, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Randy Orton Wins (Again), Plus Ponderings From WWE Smackdown|url=https://primaryignition.com/2017/03/08/randy-orton-wins-again-plus-ponderings-from-wwe-smackdown/|publisher=Primary Ignition|access-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309125509/https://primaryignition.com/2017/03/08/randy-orton-wins-again-plus-ponderings-from-wwe-smackdown/|archive-date=March 9, 2017|url-status=live}} The rumor did end up being true and Reigns and The Undertaker had a face-off on the March 6 episode of Raw, hinting a confrontation at WrestleMania 33.{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 3/6: Fallout from Fastlane including Jericho asking Owens for explanation for breaking up their friendship|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/03/06/kellers-wwe-raw-report-36-fallout-fastlane-including-jericho-asking-owens-explanation-breaking-friendship/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307192151/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/03/06/kellers-wwe-raw-report-36-fallout-fastlane-including-jericho-asking-owens-explanation-breaking-friendship/|archive-date=March 7, 2017|url-status=live}} The crowd chanted "Roman sucks!" loudly during both Reigns' entrance and the face-off between the two, but when releasing the video on their YouTube channel WWE edited the audio to make those chants inaudible, which led to many media outlets reporting and criticizing the edit.{{cite web|title=WWE Edits out 'Roman Sucks' Chants in 'Monday Night Raw' YouTube Clip|date=March 7, 2017|url=http://heavy.com/sports/2017/03/wwe-edit-out-edits-roman-reigns-sucks-chant-monday-night-raw-chicago-crowd-youtube-clip-version-comparison/|publisher=Heavy|access-date=March 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312065712/http://heavy.com/sports/2017/03/wwe-edit-out-edits-roman-reigns-sucks-chant-monday-night-raw-chicago-crowd-youtube-clip-version-comparison/|archive-date=March 12, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=WWE Edits Roman Reigns Chants From RAW, Brock Lesnar Vs. Kevin Owens This Weekend, WWE Shop|date=March 7, 2017 |url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2017/0307/623906/wwe-edits-roman-reigns-chants-from-wwe-raw/|publisher=Wrestling Inc|access-date=March 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312053737/http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2017/0307/623906/wwe-edits-roman-reigns-chants-from-wwe-raw/|archive-date=March 12, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=WWE edit out 'Roman Reigns sucks' chants from Raw, backstage heat on WWE star?|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2017/03/wwe-edit-out-roman-reigns-sucks-chants-from-raw-backstage-heat-on-wwe-star/|publisher=Flickering Myth|access-date=March 17, 2017}}{{cite web|title=WWE Once Again Edits Out Negative Roman Reigns Crowd Chants (Video), Matt Hardy Says He's In Possession of the TNA Tag Titles, Bully Ray News|date=March 7, 2017|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/813261-wwe-once-again-edits-out-negative-roman-reigns-raw-crowd-chants-video-matt-hardy-says-he-is-in-possession-of-the-tna-tag-titles-bully-ray-update|publisher=Wrestle Zone|access-date=March 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312060018/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/813261-wwe-once-again-edits-out-negative-roman-reigns-raw-crowd-chants-video-matt-hardy-says-he-is-in-possession-of-the-tna-tag-titles-bully-ray-update|archive-date=March 12, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Did WWE Edit Out "Roman Sucks" Chants?|url=http://comicbook.com/wwe/2017/03/07/did-wwe-edit-out-roman-sucks-chants-/|publisher=ComicBook.com|access-date=March 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063159/http://comicbook.com/wwe/2017/03/07/did-wwe-edit-out-roman-sucks-chants-/|archive-date=March 12, 2017|url-status=live}} Wade Keller of Pro Wrestling Torch noted that "the crowd popped" for Shawn Michaels when he came out for a promo with Reigns on the March 13 episode of Raw, but then booed Michaels after he endorsed Reigns, who would again be beaten down by Strowman to the delight of the crowd.{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/03/13/kellers-wwe-raw-report-313-wrestlemania-33-hype-including-heyman-lesnar-gloating/|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 3/13: More WrestleMania 33 hype including Heyman and Lesnar gloating|date=March 14, 2017|access-date=April 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323022752/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/03/13/kellers-wwe-raw-report-313-wrestlemania-33-hype-including-heyman-lesnar-gloating/|archive-date=March 23, 2017|url-status=live}} Keller's colleague Tom Colohue noted that "everybody wants [Reigns] to fail", but applauded his "simple, effective promo" that was "probably the best work Roman's ever done on the mic".{{cite web|last1=Colohue|first1=Tom|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/03/15/monday-night-reigns-o-meter-10-tracking-roman-reignss-ability-beat-odds-come-top/|title=MONDAY NIGHT REIGNS-O-METER #10: Tracking Roman Reigns's ability to beat the odds and come out on top|website=pwtorch.com|date=March 16, 2017|access-date=April 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317054628/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/03/15/monday-night-reigns-o-meter-10-tracking-roman-reignss-ability-beat-odds-come-top/|archive-date=March 17, 2017|url-status=live}}

File:Reigns vs Lesnar WM34 crop.jpg for the Universal Championship from April to August 2018. Their matches were met with particular contempt from critics and audiences.]]

In March 2017, Dave Meltzer reported that WWE's long term plans ("which obviously could change") for 2018's WrestleMania 34 was to "once again build for a year and have the big coronation" for Reigns, who would still be a heroic character "between now and then" and beat Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship "to fully replace John Cena as the face of the company",{{cite web|last1=Meltzer|first1=Dave|title=March 20, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Situation with Broken Matt Hardy and Anthem Sports, Wrestlemania card, more|url=http://members.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/march-20-2017-wrestling-observer-newsletter-situation-broken-matt|website=f4wonline.com|access-date=March 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320132137/http://members.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/march-20-2017-wrestling-observer-newsletter-situation-broken-matt|archive-date=March 20, 2017|url-status=live}} while the "idea" for Lesnar's role "for this year now" was "to become a monster, be unbeatable, run through everybody, beat them with one F-5 and then lose to Roman Reigns".{{cite web|title=WOR: Paige, Toyota, PWG, CMLL, UFC, tons more!|url=http://media001.f4wonline.com/dmdocuments/031817wo.mp3|website=f4wonline.com|access-date=March 19, 2017}} At WrestleMania 33 on April 2, Reigns was booed before, during and after the main event (his third WrestleMania main event in a row), which saw Reigns beating The Undertaker, who seemingly retired (although he eventually returned).{{cite web|last=Burdick|first=Michael|title=Roman Reigns def. The Undertaker|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-results|work=WWE|access-date=April 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404043151/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-results|archive-date=April 4, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-live-review-undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shane-mcmahon-seth-rollins-vs-triple-h/|title=Powell's WrestleMania 33 live review: Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns, Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon, Seth Rollins vs. Triple H in an unsanctioned match|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 2, 2017|access-date=April 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403113529/http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-live-review-undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shane-mcmahon-seth-rollins-vs-triple-h/|archive-date=April 3, 2017|url-status=live}} Before the match, Pro Wrestling Insider's Dave Scherer predicted that if Reigns beat and retired The Undertaker, then "the fans that hate him will hate him forever".{{cite web|last1=Scherer|first1=Dave|title=Full WrestleMania 33 blog|url=http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=108830&p=5|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=April 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404132609/http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=108830&p=5|archive-date=April 4, 2017|url-status=live}} Critics reported that after the match, WWE "did clearly turn down the sound" from the audience "and then they hit the pyro", but boos were still heard during a break in Reigns' music being played.{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|title=WrestleMania 33 main card report 4/2|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/02/kellers-wrestlemania-33-main-card-report-42-reigns-vs-undertaker-lesnar-vs-goldberg-owens-vs-jericho-orton-vs-wyatt-styles-vs-shane/|website=pwtorch.com|date=April 2, 2017|access-date=April 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403110748/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/02/kellers-wrestlemania-33-main-card-report-42-reigns-vs-undertaker-lesnar-vs-goldberg-owens-vs-jericho-orton-vs-wyatt-styles-vs-shane/|archive-date=April 3, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Meltzer|first1=Dave|title=WWE WrestleMania 33 Live results, News & Recap|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-wrestlemania-33-live-results-news-recap-232276|website=f4wonline.com|date=April 2, 2017|access-date=April 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403111210/http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-wrestlemania-33-live-results-news-recap-232276|archive-date=April 3, 2017|url-status=live}} On the Raw after WrestleMania, Reigns was loudly booed and the crowd microphone volumes were turned down when he appeared, but multiple chants of "Delete", "Fuck you, Roman", "You suck", "Asshole", "Roman sucks", "Shut the fuck up" and "Go away" were still heard before Reigns chose to speak.{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|title=Keller's WWE Monday Night Raw 4/3|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/03/kellers-wwe-monday-night-raw-23-remarkable-opening-ten-minutes-raw-history-perhaps-crowd-berates-reigns/|website=pwtorch.com|date=April 4, 2017|access-date=April 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404130813/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/03/kellers-wwe-monday-night-raw-23-remarkable-opening-ten-minutes-raw-history-perhaps-crowd-berates-reigns/|archive-date=April 4, 2017|url-status=live}} After that segment, WWE commentators labelled the post-WrestleMania 33 crowd as "non-traditional WWE fans" who may cheer for those they normally boo and boo those they normally cheer "all in the name of fun", which echoed similar comments a year prior for the post-WrestleMania 32 crowd.{{cite web|last1=Ferguson|first1=LaToya|title=The vicious cycle of WWE continues with the RAW after WrestleMania|url=https://www.avclub.com/the-vicious-cycle-of-wwe-continues-with-the-raw-after-w-1798188026|website=The A.V. Club|date=April 5, 2016 |access-date=April 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407032328/http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/vicious-cycle-wwe-continues-raw-after-wrestlemania-234815|archive-date=April 7, 2017|url-status=live}} Pro Wrestling Torch editor Wade Keller wrote that these comments would anger fans as "genuine dissatisfaction with the product is reframed by Vince McMahon's propaganda machine" – Undertaker received the usual reaction from fans, as did Reigns, just more intensely. Following Reigns' victory over The Undertaker and given that Reigns was reportedly selling more merchandise than any other full-time WWE wrestler (John Cena, who sold more, was considered a part-timer), Forbes writer Blake Oestriecher declared Reigns as "indeed the new face of WWE, one who could remain in that spot for the next decade".{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakeoestriecher/2017/04/01/this-week-in-wwe-biz-roman-reigns-sales-brock-lesnar-vs-goldberg-plans-seth-rollins-feud-more/#4eeefa3f6143|title=This Week In WWE Biz: Roman Reigns Sales, Brock Lesnar Vs. Goldberg Plans, Seth Rollins Feud, More|work=Forbes|access-date=April 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401133907/https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakeoestriecher/2017/04/01/this-week-in-wwe-biz-roman-reigns-sales-brock-lesnar-vs-goldberg-plans-seth-rollins-feud-more/#4eeefa3f6143|archive-date=April 1, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakeoestriecher/2017/04/03/wwe-wrestlemania-33-results-roman-reigns-beats-the-undertaker-replaces-john-cena-as-face-of-wwe/#6987694e3200|title=WWE WrestleMania 33 Results: Roman Reigns Beats The Undertaker, Replaces John Cena As Face Of WWE|work=Forbes|access-date=April 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405074230/https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakeoestriecher/2017/04/03/wwe-wrestlemania-33-results-roman-reigns-beats-the-undertaker-replaces-john-cena-as-face-of-wwe/#6987694e3200|archive-date=April 5, 2017|url-status=live}}

Great Balls of Fire saw a post-match attack by Reigns after he lost an ambulance match to Strowman, which was widely described as the protagonist Reigns attempting to murder the villainous Strowman.{{cite news|last1=Docking|first1=Neil|title=WWE Great Balls of Fire 2017 results, final card and updates as Brock Lesnar faces Samoa Joe|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/wrestling/wwe-great-balls-fire-live-10766707|newspaper=The Daily Mirror|access-date=July 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710011805/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/wrestling/wwe-great-balls-fire-live-10766707|archive-date=July 10, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=7/9 Powell's WWE Great Balls of Fire Live Review|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/07/09/79-powells-wwe-great-balls-fire-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-samoa-joe-wwe-universal-championship-braun-strowman-vs-roman-reigns-ambulance-match-alexa-bliss-vs-sasha/|website=prowrestling.net|date=July 9, 2017|access-date=July 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710033143/http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/07/09/79-powells-wwe-great-balls-fire-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-samoa-joe-wwe-universal-championship-braun-strowman-vs-roman-reigns-ambulance-match-alexa-bliss-vs-sasha/|archive-date=July 10, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Campbell|first1=Brian|url=http://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2017-wwe-great-balls-of-fire-results-recap-grades-lesnar-retains-reigns-turns-heel/|title=2017 WWE Great Balls of Fire results, recap, grades: Lesnar retains, Reigns turns heel?|work=CBS Sports|date=July 10, 2017 |access-date=July 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710065831/http://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2017-wwe-great-balls-of-fire-results-recap-grades-lesnar-retains-reigns-turns-heel/|archive-date=July 10, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Maglio|first1=Tony|title=Roman Reigns Attempts to Kill Braun Strowman in WWE 'GBOF' Ambulance Crashes|date=July 10, 2017 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/tv/roman-reigns-attempts-kill-braun-strowman-wwe-gbof-131747540.html|publisher=Yahoo! TV|access-date=July 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729020408/https://www.yahoo.com/tv/roman-reigns-attempts-kill-braun-strowman-wwe-gbof-131747540.html|archive-date=July 29, 2017|url-status=live}} As a result, there has been some speculation on whether or not this angle was a double turn (where Reigns and Strowman swap roles as the hero and the villain), with Reigns being described as a "sore loser" attacking Strowman, who won fairly to the stipulation, to the point of attempted murder.{{cite web|url=http://heavy.com/sports/2017/07/wwe-did-roman-reigns-heel-turn-great-balls-of-fire/|title=WWE: Did Roman Reigns Turn Heel at Great Balls of Fire?|date=July 9, 2017|work=Heavy.com|access-date=July 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711223111/http://heavy.com/sports/2017/07/wwe-did-roman-reigns-heel-turn-great-balls-of-fire/|archive-date=July 11, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/wwe/news/great-balls-of-fire-2017-wwe-roman-reigns-ambulance-match-braun-strowman-face-results-analysis-rumors/ru0rz9j7668t1eb2xj1bua0fe|title=WWE 'Great Balls of Fire' proves it's time to turn Roman Reigns heel, Braun Strowman face|date=July 10, 2017|work=Sporting News|access-date=July 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714234811/http://www.sportingnews.com/wwe/news/great-balls-of-fire-2017-wwe-roman-reigns-ambulance-match-braun-strowman-face-results-analysis-rumors/ru0rz9j7668t1eb2xj1bua0fe|archive-date=July 14, 2017|url-status=live}} However, nothing of this sort ultimately came to fruition and Reigns was even awarded a WWE Universal Championship shot at SummerSlam with speculation that the plans for Reigns to face Lesnar at WrestleMania 34 had been changed.{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman (Fatal 4-Way Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-samoa-joe-braun-strowman|work=WWE|access-date=July 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728174255/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-samoa-joe-braun-strowman|archive-date=July 28, 2017|url-status=live}} At the event on August 20, Lesnar retained the title by pinning Reigns in a match also involving Strowman and Samoa Joe.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Universal Champion Brock Lesnar def. Roman Reigns, Samoa Joe and Braun Strowman (Fatal 4-Way Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/brock-lesnar-samoa-joe-braun-strowman-roman-reigns-match-results|work=WWE|date=August 20, 2017|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821180338/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/brock-lesnar-samoa-joe-braun-strowman-roman-reigns-match-results|archive-date=August 21, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE SummerSlam 2017 live review: Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman vs. Samoa Joe vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, Sheamus and Cesaro vs. Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins for the Raw Tag Titles|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/08/20/powells-wwe-summerslam-2017-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-braun-strowman-vs-samoa-joe-vs-roman-reigns-wwe-universal-championship-jinder-mahal-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-wwe-champio/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 20, 2017|access-date=August 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821024325/http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/08/20/powells-wwe-summerslam-2017-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-braun-strowman-vs-samoa-joe-vs-roman-reigns-wwe-universal-championship-jinder-mahal-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-wwe-champio/|archive-date=August 21, 2017|url-status=live}} Meltzer claimed that the plans for the Lesnar–Reigns match at WrestleMania 34 were scrapped, but after seeing Reigns get pinned by Lesnar, he stated that the plans might still be in place.{{cite web|last=Alvarez|first=Bryan|title=WOR: Raw Recap, Asuka And Big Cass Injuries, Tons More!|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-radio/wor-raw-recap-asuka-and-big-cass-injuries-tons-more-241441|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=August 22, 2017|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826031459/http://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-radio/wor-raw-recap-asuka-and-big-cass-injuries-tons-more-241441|archive-date=August 26, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=WWE News: Backstage news on the WrestleMania 34 main event|date=August 22, 2017|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/wwe-news-backstage-news-on-the-wrestlemania-34-main-event|publisher=Sportskeeda|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826033104/https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/wwe-news-backstage-news-on-the-wrestlemania-34-main-event|archive-date=August 26, 2017|url-status=live}} In September on Raw, both (storyline) general manager Kurt Angle and commentator Corey Graves described Reigns as a wrestling "icon".{{cite web|last1=Trionfo|first1=Richard|title=WWE Raw report: Remembering Bobby Heenan|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=112371|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922002606/https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=112371|archive-date=September 22, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|title=WWE Raw report 9/18: Final No Mercy hype|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/18/kellers-wwe-raw-report-918-final-no-mercy-hype-including-interviews-lesnar-strowman/|website=pwtorch.com|date=September 19, 2017|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919234255/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/18/kellers-wwe-raw-report-918-final-no-mercy-hype-including-interviews-lesnar-strowman/|archive-date=September 19, 2017|url-status=live}} At No Mercy, Reigns defeated John Cena, seemingly ending Cena's full-time wrestling career as this was seen as a "passing of the torch" moment in which Reigns had indeed replaced Cena as the face of the company.{{cite news|last=Paddock|first=Matty|title=WWE No Mercy results: John Cena passes the torch to Roman Reigns as Brock Lesnar beats Braun Strowman|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-no-mercy-results-john-cena-retire-roman-reigns-brock-lesnar-braun-strowman-a7965351.html|work=The Independent|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928102910/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-no-mercy-results-john-cena-retire-roman-reigns-brock-lesnar-braun-strowman-a7965351.html|archive-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live}} During the match, Reigns was booked to kick out of four Attitude Adjustments (one of which was off the top rope) and then defeated Cena with two spears.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Roman Reigns def. John Cena|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2017/john-cena-roman-reigns-results|work=WWE|access-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925090644/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2017/john-cena-roman-reigns-results|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=live}} In October 2017, Reigns was revealed as the highest rated wrestler in the WWE 2K18 game.{{cite web|title=WWE 2K18 wrestler ratings revealed – can you guess who ranks top|url=http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/wwe-2k18-player-ratings-revealed-guess-whos-number-one-3299894|publisher=Trusted Reviews|access-date=October 5, 2017|last=Phipps|first=Brett|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005075955/http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/wwe-2k18-player-ratings-revealed-guess-whos-number-one-3299894|archive-date=October 5, 2017|url-status=live}} GamesRadar+ wrote that "this is likely a call made by WWE ... rather than [game] developer 2K" and that by ranking Reigns higher than historic wrestlers "in their prime" like the 1997 version of the Stone Cold Steve Austin character, Reigns is being treated as the "greatest wrestler of all-time".{{cite web|title=WWE 2K18 rates Roman Reigns better than The Rock, Brock Lesnar and every other wrestler ever|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k18-rates-roman-reigns-better-than-the-rock-brock-lesnar-and-every-other-wrestler-ever/|access-date=October 5, 2017|last1=Wilson|first1=Ben|date=October 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004232148/http://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k18-rates-roman-reigns-better-than-the-rock-brock-lesnar-and-every-other-wrestler-ever/|archive-date=October 4, 2017|url-status=live}}

In a December 2017 interview, Anoaʻi called himself "the best performer, in-ring, in the world right now".{{cite web|last1=Campbell|first1=Brian|title=Kenny Omega takes issue with Roman Reigns' claim: Who is the best in the world?|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/kenny-omega-takes-issue-with-roman-reigns-claim-who-is-the-best-in-the-world/|work=CBS Sports|date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=April 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412211813/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/kenny-omega-takes-issue-with-roman-reigns-claim-who-is-the-best-in-the-world/|archive-date=April 12, 2018|url-status=live}} In response, Brian Campbell of CBS Sports wrote that Anoaʻi "isn't even the best performer in his own company" and "wouldn't even finish in the top five" in the world. Meanwhile, fellow wrestler Kenny Omega commented that "it sounds so ridiculous" and that there was "no possible way" Anoaʻi believed what he said. Also that month, WWE vice president Triple H said regarding Reigns: "I think he is one of the best that WWE have right now ... the truth is, and some people will listen to this and want to argue against it, but honestly most of the people who argue against it aren't qualified to make that argument. I am".{{cite web|title=Triple H on WWE's tour of Abu Dhabi and facing Roman Reigns|url=https://www.thenational.ae/sport/other-sport/triple-h-on-wwe-s-tour-of-abu-dhabi-and-facing-roman-reigns-1.681581|work=The National|date=December 5, 2017|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207142544/https://www.thenational.ae/sport/other-sport/triple-h-on-wwe-s-tour-of-abu-dhabi-and-facing-roman-reigns-1.681581|archive-date=December 7, 2017|url-status=live}}

In March 2018, Reigns said regarding his reception that "everyone wants to see you do good, but not too good"; and that there is "possible jealousy" from fans regarding his "major success".{{cite web|last1=Droste|first1=Ryan|title=Roman Reigns Has a Theory on Why Fans Boo Him|url=http://popculture.com/wwe/2018/03/25/roman-reigns-wwe-fans-boo/|publisher=Pop Culture Media|date=March 25, 2018|access-date=March 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330143540/http://popculture.com/wwe/2018/03/25/roman-reigns-wwe-fans-boo/|archive-date=March 30, 2018|url-status=live}} Before WrestleMania 34 in April 2018, Reigns said that he would not try to change for anyone that did not like him.{{cite web|last1=Staszewski|first1=Joseph|title=Roman Reigns' Brock Lesnar beef not all about WrestleMania|url=https://nypost.com/2018/04/04/roman-reigns-brock-lesnar-beef-not-all-about-wrestlemania/amp/|work=New York Post|date=April 4, 2018|access-date=April 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407184254/https://nypost.com/2018/04/04/roman-reigns-brock-lesnar-beef-not-all-about-wrestlemania/amp/|archive-date=April 7, 2018|url-status=live}} Reigns' main event match with Lesnar at WrestleMania 34 was resoundingly rejected by the crowd, as Reigns was booed while the crowd played with beach balls and instead chanted "CM Punk", "Boring" and "This is awful!"{{cite news|last1=Needelman|first1=Joshua|title=WWE WrestleMania 34: Ronda Rousey wins debut; Daniel Bryan returns; Brock Lesnar beats Roman Reigns in dud main event|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/04/08/wwe-wrestlemania-34-live|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=April 9, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409054223/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/04/08/wwe-wrestlemania-34-live/|archive-date=April 9, 2018}}{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|title=Keller's WWE WrestleMania 34 report: Lesnar vs. Reigns, Styles vs. Nakamura, Charlotte vs. Asuka, Rousey's debut, Bryan's return, Battle Royals, more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/08/kellers-wwe-wrestlemania-34-report-lesnar-vs-reigns-styles-vs-nakamura-charlotte-vs-asuka-rouseys-debut-bryans-return-battle-royals-more/|website=pwtorch.com|date=April 8, 2018|access-date=April 9, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409110158/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/08/kellers-wwe-wrestlemania-34-report-lesnar-vs-reigns-styles-vs-nakamura-charlotte-vs-asuka-rouseys-debut-bryans-return-battle-royals-more/|archive-date=April 9, 2018}}{{cite web|last1=Meltzer|first1=Dave|title=WWE WrestleMania 34 live results, news & recap|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-wrestlemania-34-live-results-news-recap-254991|website=f4wonline.com|date=April 8, 2018|access-date=April 9, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409041313/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-wrestlemania-34-live-results-news-recap-254991|archive-date=April 9, 2018}} Troy L. Smith of Cleveland.com concluded that this match was the worst ever WrestleMania main event due to the "utter disdain" it produced, with there never being a more "disinterested" crowd for a WrestleMania main event.{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Troy L|title=WrestleMania 34: Was Lesnar-Reigns the worst main event ever?|url=http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/04/wrestlemania_34_was_lesnar-rei.html|publisher=Cleveland.com|access-date=April 9, 2018|date=April 9, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410073312/http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/04/wrestlemania_34_was_lesnar-rei.html|archive-date=April 10, 2018}} Meltzer wrote that Reigns' loss was "done for sympathy for Reigns when it was over to make him a babyface as they concentrated on showing him all beaten up".

On April 30, the go-home edition of Raw before Backlash, Reigns was met with great hostility from the crowd in Montreal. Reigns was heavily booed, in contrast to his rival Samoa Joe, who received overwhelming cheers despite being portrayed as a heel.{{cite web |url=https://stillrealtous.com/samoa-joe-on-why-fans-cheer-him-and-boo-roman-reigns/ |title=Samoa Joe on Why Fans Cheer Him and Boo Roman Reigns |date=May 5, 2018 |access-date=May 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005145/https://stillrealtous.com/samoa-joe-on-why-fans-cheer-him-and-boo-roman-reigns/ |archive-date=May 17, 2018 |url-status=live }} At Backlash, a large number of the crowd in New Jersey reportedly walked out of the arena during Reigns' match with Joe, a match Reigns was booked to win.{{cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/957593/WWE-news-Vince-McMahon-Roman-Reigns-Samoa-Joe-Backlash-Braun-Strowman|title=WWE news: How Vince McMahon reacted to fans walking out of Roman Reigns v Samoa Joe howler|work=Daily Express|date=May 10, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.thesportster.com/news/fans-leave-backlash-main-event-roman-reigns-samoa-joe/ |title=Fans Leave Backlash During Main Event [Photo & Video] |date=May 7, 2018 |access-date=May 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513151955/https://www.thesportster.com/news/fans-leave-backlash-main-event-roman-reigns-samoa-joe/ |archive-date=May 13, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/wwe-backlash-main-event-walk-out/ |title=WWE Fans Were Not Happy With The Backlash Main Event |date=May 7, 2018 |access-date=May 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513081923/https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/wwe-backlash-main-event-walk-out/ |archive-date=May 13, 2018 |url-status=live }} Brian Campbell and Adam Silverstein of CBS Sports wrote that it was "just impossible to ignore how poorly WWE continues to treat its own fanbase ... this has escalated to the point where the psychology and storyline simply makes no sense in ways that can't be good for business".{{cite web|last1=Campbell|first1=Brian|last2=Silverstein|first2=Adam|title=2018 WWE Backlash results, recap, grades: Styles-Nakamura, Reigns finishes frustrate fans|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2018-wwe-backlash-results-recap-grades-styles-nakamura-reigns-finishes-frustrate-fans|work=CBS Sports|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507151615/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2018-wwe-backlash-results-recap-grades-styles-nakamura-reigns-finishes-frustrate-fans/|archive-date=May 7, 2018|url-status=live}} Meltzer described that "lots of people were leaving" during Reigns' match and that the crowd was chanting that the match was boring.{{cite magazine|last1=Meltzer|first1=Dave|author-link1=Dave Meltzer|title=WWE Backlash live results: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-backlash-live-results-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-257151|magazine=Wrestling Observer|access-date=May 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507153718/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-backlash-live-results-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-257151|archive-date=May 7, 2018|url-status=live}} Pro Wrestling Dot Net editor Jason Powell described WWE Chairman Vince McMahon as "completely insane when it comes to his obsession with Reigns being his company's top babyface" when the "definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results". Powell went on to mock WWE's "frequently repeated line about how WWE listens to its fans" and another WWE claim that "any reaction is a good reaction".{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Backlash Hit List|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/07/wwe-backlash-hit-list-roman-reigns-vs-samoa-joe-seth-rollins-vs-the-miz-for-the-intercontinental-championship-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-no-dq-match-for-the-wwe-championship/|website=prowrestling.net|date=May 7, 2018|access-date=May 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507220941/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/07/wwe-backlash-hit-list-roman-reigns-vs-samoa-joe-seth-rollins-vs-the-miz-for-the-intercontinental-championship-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-no-dq-match-for-the-wwe-championship/|archive-date=May 7, 2018|url-status=live}} Meltzer said that the character of Reigns was being modeled after Daniel Bryan's, with the similar storyline that WWE "management is screwing him over and that's why he's not the champion", and that despite fans not buying this storyline, no one in WWE had a better idea for Reigns.{{cite web|title=Rumor: WWE Boosting Roman Reigns With Fabled Daniel Bryan Storyline|date=May 8, 2018 |url=http://popculture.com/wwe/2018/05/08/roman-reigns-wwe-plan-rip-off-daniel-bryan-rumor/|publisher=Pop Culture Media|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524003526/http://popculture.com/wwe/2018/05/08/roman-reigns-wwe-plan-rip-off-daniel-bryan-rumor/|archive-date=May 24, 2018|url-status=live}}

At Money in the Bank, Reigns' match with Jinder Mahal was widely rejected by the crowd in Illinois. Within the first two minutes of the match, once again, chants of "CM Punk" and "Boring" were heard. The crowd continued to ignore the match by playing with beach balls, performing the Mexican wave, and continued chants of other wrestlers names, booing officials who confiscated the beach balls, and continued negative chants about the match. Every single other match on the card, however, was comparatively well received.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2018/06/18/22779917.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620012900/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2018/06/18/22779917.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 20, 2018|title=Stellar women's matches make Money in the Bank a Blissful event|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|first=Bob|last=Kapur|date=June 17, 2018|access-date=February 12, 2019}}{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Money in the Bank live review: Two MITB ladder matches, AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Last Man Standing match for the WWE Championship, Nia Jax vs. Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/06/17/powells-wwe-money-in-the-bank-live-review-two-mitb-ladder-matches-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-wwe-championship-nia-jax-vs-ronda-rousey-for-the-raw-women/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 17, 2018|access-date=June 17, 2018}} In July 2018 on Raw, Reigns told fans who "boo", "hate", or claim that he "is being crammed down our throats" to "learn to like it or close your mouth." Meanwhile, Wade Keller of Pro Wrestling Torch criticised Anoa'i for arguing that he deserves his push due to hard work and winning many titles. Keller pointed out that Anoa'i "doesn't work harder than dozens of other colleagues, yet he acts as if he's special", and that Reigns' title wins were "granted by Vince McMahon."{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Wade |title=7/23 WWE Raw Results |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/07/23/7-23-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-the-historic-announcements-by-vince-stephanie-and-triple-h-plus-more-summerslam-developments/ |website=pwtorch.com |date=July 24, 2018 |access-date=July 24, 2018}} At Extreme Rules, Reigns again received overwhelming boos while his opponent Bobby Lashley was wildly cheered. Lashley received wild cheers for his victory over Roman, as well as chants of "Thank you Lashley!"{{cite web|last=Snodgrass |first=Jeremy |url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/2018/07/25/roman-reigns-wwe-bobby-on-crowd-reaction/ |title=Bobby Lashley on WWE Fans' Treatment of Roman Reigns: 'I Don't Get It' |publisher=Comicbook.com |date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=April 2, 2019}}

In August 2018 at SummerSlam, the audience started out giving Reigns a fairly mixed reaction during his entrance. Following Braun Strowman's announcement of his plan to cash-in post match, the crowd cheered. A brief chant of "Let's go Roman/Roman Sucks" filled the arena at one point, followed by chants of "You both suck" directed at both Lesnar and Reigns. When Reigns pinned Lesnar to win the WWE Universal Championship, the crowd cheered.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE SummerSlam 2018 live review: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship, Alexa Bliss vs. Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women's Championship, Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/08/19/powells-wwe-summerslam-2018-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-wwe-championship-alexa-bliss-vs-ronda-rousey-for-the-raw/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 19, 2018|access-date=August 19, 2018}}

The following night on Raw, Reigns was again booed early in the show, but received a mixed reaction for suggesting that he defend his newly-won championship against Finn Bálor later that night. After beating Bálor, Reigns was again heavily booed by the crowd, which increased in intensity after the match when Braun Strowman attempted to cash in his Money in the Bank title shot. The subsequent Shield reunion and attack on Strowman was positively received by the Brooklyn audience, but was viewed by many as a cheap attempt to garner positive reactions for Reigns.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/08/20/8-20-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-the-night-after-wwe-summerslam/|title=8/20 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: The night after WWE SummerSlam, new champions Roman Reigns and Ronda Rousey, Triple H appearance, Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler|date=August 20, 2018|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 22, 2018}} At Hell in a Cell, Reigns defended his Universal Championship against Braun Strowman, during which Reigns was booed heavily while the villainous Strowman was wildly cheered by fans. The match was deeply mired in controversy, the first incident being when special guest referee Mick Foley counted Reigns down for a three count, but instead of Strowman getting the victory, the pinfall was simply ignored, and the second being when the match ended in a no-contest after interference from a returning Brock Lesnar. After the match ended, the network stream abruptly ended with many saying this was done to avoid broadcasting the heavy boos from fans with many taking to social media claiming that chants of "Bullshit!" and "We want refunds!" along with heavy booing broke out as Reigns, Strowman and Lesnar all had walked to the back.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Hell in a Cell 2018 live review: Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman in an HIAC for the WWE Universal Championship with Mick Foley as referee, AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Title, Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton in an HIAC match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/09/16/powells-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2018-live-review-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-in-an-hiac-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-with-mick-foley-as-referee-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-wwe-title-jeff/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=September 16, 2018|access-date=September 16, 2018}}

{{quote box|quote="Everyone seemed relieved and elated that he delivered good news about his health."|source=Wade Keller of the Pro Wrestling Torch describing the positive crowd reaction after Reigns had announced his leukemia was in remission.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/02/25/2-25-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-ric-flair-birthday-bash-update-from-roman-reigns-ambrose-bayley-sasha/|title=2/25 WWE Raw Results: Keller's report on Ric Flair birthday bash, update from Roman Reigns, Ambrose, Bayley & Sasha|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|author-link=Wade Keller|date=February 25, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2019}}|align=right|width=30%}}

On the October 22, 2018 episode of Raw, Reigns announced that he was re-diagnosed with leukemia after 11 years and would be taking a hiatus to treat it. As a result, he relinquished the Universal Championship, ending his reign of 64 days. Reigns initially received a mixed reaction upon entering the arena, but was welcomed with a positive reception as well as chants of "Thank you, Roman!" after his announcement of leukemia was made.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=10/22 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Roman Reigns announces he has leukemia, forfeits the WWE Universal Championship, Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose for the Raw Tag Titles, Ronda Rousey and Nikki Bella contract signing for WWE Evolution, Triple H and Shawn Michaels appear|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/10/22/10-22-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-drew-mcintyre-and-dolph-ziggler-vs-seth-rollins-and-dean-ambrose-for-the-raw-tag-titles-ronda-rousey-and-nikki-bella-contract-signing-for-wwe-evolution/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 22, 2018|access-date=October 22, 2018}} Reigns made his return on the February 25, 2019 episode of Raw to announce his leukemia was in remission, where he received a huge ovation from the crowd. On the following episode of Raw, Reigns would reunite with The Shield,{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/03/04/3-4-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-batista-follow-up-rouseys-championship-status-shield-reunion-che-jost-from-snl-weekend-update-guest-host/|title=3/4 WWE Raw Results: Keller's report on Batista follow-up, Rousey's championship status, Shield reunion, Che & Jost from SNL Weekend Update guest host|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|author-link=Wade Keller|date=March 4, 2019|access-date=March 5, 2019}} leading to a match between Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley and Baron Corbin at Fastlane, which The Shield would win in Reigns's first match since his leukemia diagnosis. Both times, Reigns would be met with cheers.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Fastlane 2019 live review: Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair, Daniel Bryan vs. Kevin Owens for the WWE Championship, The Shield vs. Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, and Baron Corbin, The Usos vs. Shane McMahon and The Miz for the Smackdown Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/03/10/powells-wwe-fastlane-2019-live-review-becky-lynch-vs-charlotte-flair-daniel-bryan-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-wwe-championship-the-shield-vs-drew-mcintyre-bobby-lashley-and-baron-corbin-the-usos/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=March 10, 2019|access-date=March 10, 2019}} At WrestleMania 35, Reigns defeated Drew McIntyre in his first singles match since October 2018. However, he would be met with a mixed reaction by the crowd, with Pro Wrestling Dot Net writer Jason Powell stating that an estimated "70 percent of the fans booed Reigns while only 30 percent cheered for him before the match." He would also describe the match as "disappointing".{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WrestleMania 35 results: Powell's live review of Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair for the Raw and Smackdown Women's Titles, Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship, Batista vs. Triple H, AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/07/wrestlemania-35-results-powells-live-review-of-ronda-rousey-vs-becky-lynch-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-raw-and-smackdown-womens-titles-daniel-bryan-vs-kofi-kingston-for-the-wwe-championship-b/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 7, 2019|access-date=April 7, 2019}}

Reigns was drafted to the SmackDown brand during the 2019 WWE Superstar Shake-up. On the April 16 episode of SmackDown. Reigns attacked Elias and Vince McMahon upon his arrival, with WWE's announcers describing Reigns as "SmackDown's greatest ever acquisition", as well as the future of SmackDown and WWE.{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Wade |title=4/16 WWE Smackdown Results: Keller's report and analysis of the second night of the Superstar Shake-up |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/04/16/4-16-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-and-analysis-of-the-second-night-of-the-superstar-shake-up/ |website=pwtorch.com |date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 17, 2019}} Reigns' acquisition was met with positive reactions.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/17/powells-wwe-smackdown-hit-list-superstar-shakeup-night-two-featuring-the-additions-of-roman-reigns-lars-sullivan-elias-ember-moon-finn-balor-bayley-and-more/|title=Powell's WWE Smackdown Hit List: Superstar Shakeup Night Two featuring the additions of Roman Reigns, Lars Sullivan, Elias, Ember Moon, Finn Bálor, Bayley, and more|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 16, 2019}} Reigns participated in a six-man tag team match along with Ambrose and Rollins against Corbin, Lashley and McIntyre in the exclusive pay-per-view show, WWE The Shield's Final Chapter on April 21. The match, which The Shield won, was also billed as both the stable's final match and Ambrose's final match with WWE. Reigns was met with cheers during the match.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/21/wwe-the-shields-final-chapter-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-seth-rollins-and-dean-ambrose-vs-drew-mcintyre-bobby-lashley-and-baron-corbin-finn-balor-defends-the-interconti/|title=WWE "The Shield's Final Chapter" results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose vs. Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, and Baron Corbin, Finn Balor defends the Intercontinental Championship|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 21, 2019}} During the following months, Reigns feuded with Shane McMahon, receiving lukewarm crowd reactions.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/23/4-23-wwe-smackdown-live-results-powells-review-of-kofi-kingston-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-non-title-match-becky-lynch-and-charlotte-flair-meet-face-to-face-for-the-first-time-since-wrestlemania-3/|title=4/23 WWE Smackdown Live results: Powell's review of Kofi Kingston vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair meet face to face for the first time since WrestleMania 35, fallout from Roman Reigns punching Vince McMahon and the Superstar Shakeup|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 23, 2019|access-date=April 23, 2019}} Reigns lost some of the matches against Shane but managed to defeat McIntyre. This sparked criticism among journalists who claimed that if the company was trying to make Reigns the franchise player, losing it to McMahon (who is not a full-time wrestler) hurt his aura even more.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Super ShowDown results: Powell's live review of Undertaker vs. Goldberg, Seth Rollins vs. Baron for the WWE Universal Championship, Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Championship, Triple H vs. Randy Orton, Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/06/07/wwe-super-showdown-results-powells-live-review-of-undertaker-vs-goldberg-seth-rollins-vs-baron-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-kofi-kingston-vs-dolph-ziggler-for-the-wwe-championship-tripl/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 7, 2019|access-date=June 7, 2019}} Journalist Jason Powell mused that McIntyre seemed to be "just another guy they are feeding to Reigns rather than someone they have a real plan for."{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Stomping Grounds results: Powell's live review of Seth Rollins vs. Baron Corbin with a special referee for the WWE Universal Championship, Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler in a cage match for the WWE Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Lacey Evans for the Raw Women's Title, Samoa Joe vs. Ricochet the U.S. Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/06/23/wwe-stomping-grounds-results-powells-live-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-baron-corbin-with-a-special-referee-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-kofi-kingston-vs-dolph-ziggler-in-a-cage-match-for-the/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 23, 2019|access-date=June 23, 2019}}

After WrestleMania 35, Reigns was kept out of the title scene and involved in various other feuds. The most notable of these feuds were the ones with Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan in the summer of 2019 and then one with Baron Corbin towards the end of 2019 and into 2020. In an interview with AOL.com in October 2019, Reigns stated he enjoyed not being in the title scene and working with wrestlers he might not have otherwise had a chance to work with.{{cite web|url=https://www.aol.com/article/news/2019/10/04/cancer-revelation-wwes-roman-reigns-embraces-change/23827291/?guccounter=1|work=AOL.com|access-date=July 19, 2021|title=A year after cancer revelation, WWE's Roman Reigns embraces change}} In the same interview, Reigns mentioned he appreciated the renewed crowd support in the wake of leukemia diagnosis (the revelation of which Reigns said was like "lifting a billion pounds of weight off my chest"), as well as stating just getting to be inside the ring was "like being in a title match". "Before it was always, 'I want to be on top and I need to stay at the top,' but for me, there was just something about this year where participation was like being in a title match," Reigns said. "There's just been something very poetic about just being there, being healthy enough to be there, being able to participate and be present, bonding with my friends, creating for the live crowd."

After ending his feud with Corbin in February 2020, Reigns went back into the title picture to challenge Goldberg for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 36. However, right after the COVID-19 pandemic started in mid-March 2020, Reigns pulled out of the match. There was speculation that it was due to Reigns having health concerns or having a falling out with WWE, but in an interview with The Hindu, Reigns explained it had nothing to do with personal health problems or any issues with WWE but rather the fact his wife was expecting twins.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/wwes-roman-reigns-talks-fatherhood-family-and-making-a-comeback-into-the-ring/article31932956.ece|title=WWE's Roman Reigns talks fatherhood, family and making a comeback into the ring|work=The Hindu|first=Gautam|last=Sunder|date=June 27, 2020|access-date=July 19, 2021}} Reigns was off WWE programming for five months following the withdrawal.

{{update section|date=January 2023}}

File:Universal Champion Roman Reigns WWE Live event 01-23-2022 (cropped).jpeg

On August 23, 2020, at SummerSlam, Reigns returned to WWE programming. Within a week, Reigns won the Universal title for a second time at Payback and turned heel for the first time since 2014, aligning himself with Paul Heyman. He has since then branded himself as The Tribal Chief. The first part of this storyline saw him force Jey Uso (his real-life cousin) to eventually come to his side, in a months-long feud where Reigns beat Uso at every turn. Reigns' and Uso's work was praised by critics,{{Cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/30/10-30-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-jey-uso-paying-consequences-for-losing-to-roman-reigns-daniel-bryan-vs-jey-uso-and-kevin-owens-vs-dolph-ziggler-in-team-smackdown-qualif/|title = 10/30 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review Jey Uso paying consequences for losing to Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan vs. Jey Uso, and Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler in Team Smackdown qualifiers for Survivor Series|date = October 30, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2020/10/31/21543058/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-reactions-oct-30-2020-survivor-series-roman-reigns-jey-uso|title = SmackDown recap & reactions: Fall in line|date = October 31, 2020}} which eventually led to Reigns adopting the catchphrase, "acknowledge me!"{{Cite web|url=https://shop.wwe.com/products/roman-reigns-acknowledge-me-authentic-t-shirt|title=Roman Reigns}}

Throughout 2020 and most of 2021, Reigns' heel championship run was praised by critics. In November 2020, John Bradshaw Layfield said on WWE's The Bump that Reigns was the most compelling character he has seen on wrestling television in twenty years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesportster.com/news/jbl-says-roman-reigns-most-compelling-character/|title = JBL Says Roman Reigns "Is the Most Compelling Character" in 20 Years|date = November 26, 2020}} In May 2021, Cageside Seats called the Reigns story "heads, shoulders, knees and toes above anything else in WWE".{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2021/5/10/22428029/roman-reigns-paul-heyman-best-wwe-story-why|title=This Paul Heyman hints at why Roman Reigns' story is the best thing going today|date=May 10, 2021}} At Money in the Bank, the first WWE pay-per-view since the WWE resumed touring after taking a break due to the pandemic, the crowd booed Reigns.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2021/7/16/22580963/roman-reigns-fan-reaction-wwe-smackdown-houston-edge|title=Here's how real live WWE fans acknowledged Roman Reigns|date=July 16, 2021}} He also was awarded with Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Best Gimmick award and Sports Illustrated's Wrestler of the Year award in 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/newsletters/wrestling-observer-newsletter/february-21-observer-newsletter-2021-awards-issue-cod-and-brandi-rhodes-leave-aew|title = February 21, 2022 Observer Newsletter: 2021 Awards issue, Cody and Brandi Rhodes leave AEW| date=February 18, 2022 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2022/01/06/top-10-wrestlers-2021-roman-reigns-kenny-omega-bryan-danielson|title=The Top 10 Wrestlers of 2021|date=January 6, 2022 }}

File:Roman Reigns, WrestleMania XL 2.jpg to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania XL.]]

By the end of 2021, some critics began to complain that Reigns' new character had grown stale, with Sam Fels of Deadspin writing that "WWE has built no credible challengers for him". Fans also expressed annoyance that WWE relied on older, part-time wrestlers such as Edge, John Cena and Brock Lesnar to challenge Reigns for his universal title, while neglecting younger and full-time talent.{{cite web|url=https://deadspin.com/so-what-is-wwe-s-plan-for-roman-reigns-1848105224|title=So what is WWE's plan for Roman Reigns?|work=Deadspin|first=Sam|last=Fels|date=November 22, 2021|access-date=November 23, 2021}} Chris Rolling of Bleacher Report editoralized that although Reigns was "still an awesome character and heel", his championship reign had become "boring" and he was "overexposed" at the expense of other wrestlers.{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2950809-wwe-hot-take-why-its-time-to-end-roman-reigns-epic-universal-title-run|title=WWE Hot Take: Why It's Time to End Roman Reigns' Epic Universal Title Run|work=Bleacher Report|first=Chris|last=Rolling|date=November 27, 2021|access-date=November 28, 2021}} Brent Brookhouse of CBSSports.com wrote that Reigns had "run out of steam" because WWE had "failed to build up compelling opponents".{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/pro-wrestling-in-2021-looking-back-at-the-highs-and-lows-of-the-year-for-both-aew-and-wwe/|title=Pro wrestling in 2021: Looking back at the highs and lows of the year for both AEW and WWE|work=CBSSports.com|first=Brent|last=Brookhouse|date=December 31, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2022}}

However, midway through 2022, Reigns' perception had improved once again, thanks in large part to critically praised storylines and matches with Lesnar, McIntyre, Logan Paul, Owens, and Cody Rhodes, and the storyline between The Bloodline and Sami Zayn. In particular, that storyline was highly praised, noticing the complexity{{cite web | url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/117007-eric-bischoff-cree-historia-the-bloodline-mejor-que-nwo | title=Eric Bischoff cree que la historia de the Bloodline es mejor que la del nWo | date=February 12, 2023 }}{{Cite web |title=BLOODLINE, WWE PROMOTION, SETH-PUNK AND MORE {{!}} PWInsider.com |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/167776/bloodline-wwe-promotion-sethpunk-and-more.html?p=1 |access-date=September 12, 2023 |website=www.pwinsider.com}} with PWInsider's Dave Scherer calling the storyline "some of the best wrestling ever, not just now. The whole story has been deep and nuanced".{{Cite web |title=HOW WWE MAY DEAL WITH THE SAMI-CODY SITUATION, LOVING THE DEPTH THAT THEY GAVE BAYLEY, THE GREATNESS OF THE BLOODLINE STORYLINE AND MORE {{!}} PWInsider.com |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/167780/how-wwe-may-deal-with-the-samicody-situation-loving-the-depth-that-they-gave-bayley-the-greatness-of-the-bloodline-storyline-and-more.html?p=1 |access-date=September 12, 2023 |website=www.pwinsider.com}}

On April 7, 2024 at Night 2 of WrestleMania 40, Roman Reigns would lose the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship to Cody Rhodes, ending the 1,316 day world title reign. After his title loss, Reigns' work as champion was highly praised by The Undertaker, calling it "arguably one of the greatest runs ever".{{Cite web |title=Undertaker: WWE's Roman Reigns Is Having 'Arguably One Of The Greatest Runs Ever', He's The Man {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/undertaker-roman-reigns-having-arguably-one-greatest-runs-ever-he-s-man |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=www.fightful.com |language=en}} After the title victory, Cody Rhodes stated "I hope that I can be half the champion that Roman Reigns was".{{Cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |date=2024-04-08 |title=Cody Rhodes: I Hope That I Can Be Half The Champion That Roman Reigns Was |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1462249-cody-rhodes-i-hope-that-i-can-be-half-the-champion-that-roman-reigns-was |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Wrestlezone |language=en-US}} Kenny Omega, who works for WWE's rival promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW), also pointed out that he was a fan of Roman Reigns.{{Cite web |last=Solowrestling |date=2024-04-27 |title=Kenny Omega, sobre Roman Reigns: 'No puedo odiarlo, soy un fan' |trans-title=Kenny Omega, on Roman Reigns: 'I can't hate him, I'm a fan' |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/129689-kenny-omega-admite-ser-un-fan-de-roman-reigns |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com |language=es}}

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.wwe.com/superstars/roman-reigns Roman Reigns] on WWE.com

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