Roman Reigns made a notable return to WWE RAW this week during a Tornado Tag Team Match featuring The Usos versus Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. As the match erupted into chaos around the ringside area, The Vision held Jimmy and Jey Uso stacked for the finish. Reigns’ surprise comeback was greeted with overwhelming cheers, allowing The Usos to execute a double Uso Splash on Breakker and secure the victory. This return has sparked fresh discussion and criticism centered on Roman Reigns return criticism within the wrestling community.
Criticism from Former WWE Writer Vince Russo on Reigns’ Frequent Returns
Vince Russo, a former WWE head writer, voiced his frustration on this week’s episode of Legion of RAW about WWE’s recurring tactic of bringing Roman Reigns back whenever the company lacks star power. According to Russo, these one-night returns have become repetitive, tallying between 12 to 15 instances without any clear storyline development to engage viewers.
“I wish I had been keeping track of how many times they’ve played the Roman Reigns card. Bro, I am not exaggerating. I would say that we’re probably somewhere between the 12-15 range.”
—Vince Russo, Former WWE Head Writer
Russo emphasized that while the audience present live at events may react enthusiastically, the repetitive nature of these returns risks alienating casual viewers watching from home.
“It is old. The marks in the arena are gonna get excited over anything. People watching at home, casual fans that aren’t marks, see that and say the same exact things we say, ‘How many freaking times, bro?’ I mean, seriously, bro.”
—Vince Russo, Former WWE Head Writer
Roman Reigns’ Return Sets Stage for Upcoming Major Events
Roman Reigns’ sudden return comes just weeks before the Crown Jewel pay-per-view event, indicating that the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion (OTC) will play a central role in the buildup. With the next major event scheduled in Australia, how WWE plans to develop the storyline heading into Crown Jewel remains a topic of speculation among fans and analysts. This latest appearance reinforces Reigns’ prominence but also raises questions about whether WWE can maintain audience interest without overusing this comeback formula.
Implications for WWE’s Storytelling and Fan Engagement
The repeated reliance on Roman Reigns for generating crowd excitement signals a tension in WWE’s creative direction. While his presence undeniably thrills live audiences, there is concern that the overexposure could erode fan enthusiasm over time. WWE faces the challenge of balancing star power with fresh narratives to keep both hardcore and casual fans invested as they move toward critical events like Crown Jewel and the international shows in Australia.
