In her latest for PWP Nation, Victoria Tezangi explores the main event picture of WWE and begs the question of who is the face of WWE in 2018.
Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, John Cena, The Rock, these are just four of many names whom fans believe to have at some point been the face of the WWE. Whether it is something as a viewer you either love or hate, agree with or disagree with there has always and always will be a face of the WWE.
There will be one superstar who leads a generation, is pushed as the top star and a multi-time world champion however who exactly picks the face of the WWE? Can the company single one star out and push he or she to the top or is it, in fact, the fans who decide who takes that spot? In twenty eighteen the WWE has a stacked roster full of different characters and styles and so the question as to who the true face of the WWE is is one that has recently sparked conversation once again and today we’re going to be discussing this in greater detail.
Often time the superstar the WWE are keen to push as the face/the guy of the company is rather controversial. Take Hulk Hogan and John Cena as a prime example. Both have over the years divided opinion particularly at the peak of their careers. Half of the audience would believe they are overrated, not as technically strong in the ring and aimed at a specific audience.
In recent years, Roman Reigns has found himself in the same category. The WWE has made it no secret he is the man they wish to follow in the footsteps of the now greats we have just mentioned. His booking has at times been very smart and the company has pushed him to the stars despite evidence proving he at times has not only not been ready for the push itself but shown signs of not earning it. From his Royal Rumble victory back in twenty fifteen to his recent Universal Championship bouts with Brock Lesnar, fans have made it clear they do not view him as the guy of the WWE.
A lack of faith from the audience is never a great sign. Despite the company’s efforts to generate a positive reaction from the fans they WWE universe continue to Boo Reigns, show a lack of interest and even leave the arena during his matches and/promos. Of course, in an ideal world the face of the WWE, the guy must have a certain look, to a certain degree likability, and skill that keeps audiences entertained, however, there is an argument that suggests that superstar should also be relatable.
The Daniel Bryan story is one that really does shake things up in regard to this topic. A man who would rise from the bottom and managed to win over a good chunk of the WWE Universe is by many considered to be the true face of the WWE today. Unlike Reigns, Bryan didn’t come from a family of wrestlers but instead worked his way up from the indie scene wrestling for famous promotions such as ROH and creating a reputation. He’s a talent who’s relatable for his struggle, his hard work, and his clear passion.
His image has played a big part too. His small structure has made him the underdog in bouts against the likes of Sheamus, Triple H, and the big dog himself, Roman Reigns. The likability and sheer in-ring talent have contributed to him being so over today and what leaves so many to believe he is the guy and the superstar we should all be considered as the leading face of this generation in the WWE.
However, if it’s relatability that fans want in their face/the guy then it’s Braun Strowman who argues that. Standing at six feet eight and nearly four hundred pounds, Strowman is a real-life monster. He isn’t the type of man fans can relate to or even pump into doing their grocery shopping. What he is is a powerhouse who has kept fans entertained. He too has a story to tell. He started from nothing and has done everything in his power over past two years to prove a point and prove critics wrong.
In a time that favors the small more athletically skilled names such as Ricochet and Will Ospreay it’s refreshing to see a big guy talent like Strowman so over and so favored by fans. He’s worked solid matches against opponents including the likes of Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens and Finn Balor and the power he has showcased has come across extremely entertaining and admirable. He’s received praise from top veteran talent such as Kane and the Big Show and chasing after the Universal Championship has been exactly where he has belonged for the past year.
Strowman has been the fan favorite for well over twelve months now in terms of who should be the next title holder for the Universal Championship. He’s been the true people’s champion, yet the WWE has continued to give Roman Reigns greater opportunities and far more title shots.
We then, of course, have superstars including the likes of Seth Rollins and Finn Balor who also fit into this discussion. As of right now, Rollins is by far one of the most over talents in the WWE today and a weekly highlight for Monday night RAW. Consistently strong and impressive Rollins has had several title defenses in a matter of one month and many of those matches have also been highlight bouts also. He has proven to have the ability to work singles matches against a variety of different stars with different styles including The Miz, Braun Strowman, Roman Reigns, and Elias to name just a few.
He works extremely well as both a heel and a face and let’s not forget that upon the Shield split it was he who was given the biggest push and showcased as the true face of the WWE during that year. Talent such as Rusev, the Miz, and Finn Balor fall into the same conversation. All are very over, very much liked and fantastic in ring and mic workers yet fail to receive the big push fans would hope for and clearly, they deserve.
And finally, we must take a look at the women’s division and ask whether or not we are at a stage where a female superstar can be considered the all-around face of the WWE. Now, when I personally think of this topic it’s names such as Stephanie McMahon, Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks and Ronda Rousey that come to mind. Rousey is as of right now the hottest attraction the division has to offer. One of the biggest signings the company has ever had Rousey is sure to make an impact and make history during her time with the WWE, but can she be pushed as the face of the company? With rumors suggesting she could feature in next year’s Wrestlemania main event as well as physical in-ring contact with a male superstar (Triple H of all people) maybe this isn’t such a crazy theory after all.
There are plenty of names we spoke about today. Many who in some eyes are the true face of the WWE but will never get that exact push, however, there is a conversation. Fans are forever challenging the WWE and questioning their decision on this topic. I personally do not see the WWE dropping the ball with Roman Reigns and in all honesty, I also believe he can be the face of the company. He’s one of the most talked about and the potential is all there, the right move right now, however, is a heel turn especially if the WWE want strong long-term effects.
However, it’s also important to consider other names for this role considering there really is so many!
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