Syndicated from bleacherreport,
Roman Reigns will get a chance to prove he is the guy against AJ Styles at WWE Payback on Sunday. The WWE world heavyweight champion has been a bit edgier since winning the title at WrestleMania, likely because of the overwhelmingly negative reaction he continues to get from fans.
That negativity could well be at an all-time high when he steps into the ring against AJ.
Styles is one of the most talented performers in WWE and is arguably the most talented one who's been near the championship since Seth Rollins. Brock Lesnar is a monster and Triple H is a respected veteran, but AJ is in a league of his own.
Can the same be said of Roman?
credit: wwe.com
Roman faces off with AJ Styles.
The differences between the two men are staggering, and that is not a surprise. Reigns is the weaker of the two in terms of experience and main event work; he should be paired with a guy who can lift him up when needed.
Styles is the best choice for an opponent, as he will surely do everything he can to deliver the best match possible.
Roman is big, tough and intimidating. He uses power moves combined with a brawling mentality, and he has improved in every aspect of his game. He is a strongman who is always fighting to prove himself, which will definitely be the case at Payback.
Styles is pound for pound one of the best workers in the industry. He is dynamic in the ring, he's a high flying threat and his mat wrestling is perhaps the best it's ever been. Styles has spent an entire career proving himself outside of WWE; he's doing the same in Vince McMahon's promotion.
He is the better of the two men, and he will use his skills to make his world champion opponent look good.
The fact AJ has reached this point so soon likely surprised many fans, mostly because he is not a homegrown WWE talent. But his popularity is undeniable. As is his ability in the ring. So why not elevate him to this level?
The most obvious problem with this match, however, is both men are supposed to be babyface.
While it's not unheard of for protagonists to work each other, it's perhaps not the best move here. The reason for that is Roman's unending struggle to get over. He says the right things, and he does the right things, but he cannot convince the majority of WWE fans he deserves their support.
Why would WWE put him in the position of working as a popular babyface as AJ?
This has to be one of the more curious moves the company has made in regard to Roman. The champ has made little to no progress as a face, and there's been no indication he's turning heel. So why put him even further behind by pairing him up with AJ Styles?
The truth is WWE may have something else in mind.
Maybe this will be a one-and-done rivalry. Maybe AJ and Roman are meant to only work the title match at Payback and then go their separate ways. If that is the case, allowing Roman to once again endure a hostile crowd may seem like a small price to pay.
It's the end of this match that seems to be the most important part.
Many are expecting the formation of The Bullet Club in WWE to happen at Payback. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows have played the part of AJ's punishing posse, yet Styles apparently doesn't want the help. It's a situation that has some fans asking whether AJ is indeed going to turn heel. Others are wondering whether Finn Balor will make a surprise appearance.
Either way, it doesn't look good in terms of Roman leaving on his feet.
But despite what foul play may occur, Reigns is likely not going to lose the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. He's come too far and worked too hard to once again have such a short reign.
The spotlight will be good for AJ, who may continue to run on the main event level, but Roman is indeed the man in WWE. His list of world title challengers is likely going to be a long one, and this title defense at Payback is important.
This is Roman's time whether fans like it or not.
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