Opinion

Why Were The Anti-Roman Fans So Eager to Believe Bravo?

Published

7 years ago

April 2, 2018

So, after months of promising evidence that never seemed to materialize, Jon Bravo finally produced a video that he claimed would prove that Roman Reigns, along with others, had been buy steroids from convicted dealer Richard Rodriguez. To no one’s surprise, except for the anti-Reigns people who trumpeted this story to anyone who mentioned wrestling, the video turned out to be a dud. No direct proof against Reigns or anyone else just text messages with names, which means absolutely nothing.

That hasn’t stopped the anti-Roman corner of the WWE Universe from clinging to hope that the next batch of ‘evidence’ will prove that Roman does steroids and that this will convince Vince McMahon that Roman cannot be ‘The Face of WWE’ and someone more ‘worthy’ will ascend to the throne.

Here’s the problem with this scenario: If Vince McMahon believed for one second that any of the allegations against Reigns were even remotely true, Reigns would not have become the #1 Contender at Elimination Chamber. Roman Reigns is the #1 merchandise seller among the full-timer wrestlers, and Vince is not going to take the word of someone acting as mouthpiece to a convicted felon over his top guy without unimpeachable proof. Even if he did, he couldn’t do anything to Roman without a drug test, which Roman, and all WWE superstars, take on a regular basis.

Lies about Reigns are certainly nothing new. They’re almost a fixture in wrestling social media and one that no amount of fact-checking and debunking can dislodge. This is just a small sample:

He made sexist remarks about women. This turned out to be a complete fabrication made by an anti-Roman fan.
He purposely ignored a special needs fan. This is unlikely, but the circumstances of this are ambiguous. Roman was called out recently for ‘ignoring’ young fans of his that were in a group wanting to greet WWE wrestlers, but the father’s own video showed that neither he nor his children tried to get Roman’s attention, so Roman walked past them, not knowing they were fans wanting to see him.
He’s only in it for the money. While it is true that Roman has said that working for WWE supports his family, and has joked about the amount of money he makes compared to others, that hardly makes him ‘in it for the money’, nor does it make him the only one. Heath Ledger because a fan favorite by claiming that he needed his job with WWE to support his family.
He doesn’t like his fans. This is hardly credible, Roman is noted for taking time to give fans high fives and take pictures at house shows. If he didn’t seem terribly enthusiastic in a photograph, it may have been that the fan was bothering him or he was in a hurry.

This doesn’t include the women who have claimed to be the real mother of his daughter, Jojo, have claimed that he cheated on his wife and fathered a child with them.

The hatred towards Reigns has also become an almost constant part of the wrestling universe, even by people who don’t watch WWE, since late 2014-15, when the fans turned on him for being given the WWE World Heavyweight Championship push over Daniel Bryan at Royal Rumble, despite Bryan have just returned from neck surgery and Roman not being in the ring when Bryan was eliminated. The criticism includes, but is not limited to:

He only has three moves. While it is true that Roman doesn’t have the moveset of a Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Rock, or Ric Flair (in his prime), Roman is an incredible athlete and makes great use of the moveset he has.
He sucks on the mic. This is one where I’ll meet them halfway. In 2015, during his first push, Roman wasn’t great on the mic. He would fumble words and get flustered by the crowd. That has long since stopped happening. Roman’s learned to embrace the fans and their reactions. Also, he has been allowed to be himself more, which makes his promos easier to get through.
His matches are awful. This one baffles me. Even in 2015, Roman showed that he could hang with the best in the business, that has only increased in the past three years.
He’s shoved down our throats. This is one of the most tiresome ones and is only valid if you ignore every WWF/E champion since 1984, including Hulk Hogan, HBK, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
He’s getting the push because of his family name and/or because he’s Rock’s cousin. This seems to be the one that pops up the most and it’s nonsense. Roman, like all the superstars had to earn his spot. His family connection to Rock only became a problem when the fans decided that they didn’t like him. I should also point out that the Usos and Nia Jax are also related to the Rock, but that doesn’t seem to bother as many people, especially since the Usos turned heel.
No one likes him/He has no charisma. Considering that last year at WrestleMania, there were so many people in line for Roman’s autograph, Samoa Joe cut his session short, I think we can discard that argument.
Vince is in love with him/He’s blowing Vince for his spot. I don’t really want to dignify these reasons with an argument except to say this: Roman Reigns and Vince McMahon deserve more credit than this tabloid garbage reasoning. You can not like someone without implying that they’re prostituting themselves to keep their job.

While it’s easy to dismiss anti-Roman fans as jealous, bitter, insecure, or just plain stupid, I got a comment from an anti-Roman person on Twitter that gave me a more rational reason. The gentleman in question told me that ‘We want WrestleMania to be saved this year.’ This is certainly more reasonable, but it misses a few points:

There’s no guarantee that Reigns/Lesnar will get the final match slot. Technically, Styles/Nakamura SHOULD get that spot since Nakamura won the Royal Rumble. Between that, Ronda Rousey’s WrestleMania debut, and the buzz around Charlotte/Asuka, the odds of Reigns/Lesnar being THE main event are slim.
The reason Reigns main-evented last year was because everyone (justifiably) believed that it was Undertaker’s last match. Also, the lackluster match was more because they were trying to coax a four star match out of a 52 year old man in need of a hip replacement, than Roman’s alleged lack of ring skills.
Admittedly, the WrestleMania 32 main event wasn’t as hardcore as the build seemed to promise it would be. However, it’s not really surprising that Vince shied away from going whole hog on the physicality. WWE was having a problem with injuries, about 17 superstars in a roster of about 50 were out with injuries, at WrestleMania 32, which is why Triple H had to dig out his boots.
Lesnar/Reigns I was a great match even before Seth’s Cash-In. This is something the anti-Roman people don’t want to hear or accept. Was it a technical masterpiece? No, but it was a really great physical match that showed Roman’s potential as a future Top Guy to a large audience. He hung with an NCAA wrestling champion and UFC Heavyweight Champion and nearly had the match won before Seth showed his face.
As petty as this sounds, if the heat between Lesnar and WWE is even half what they make it sound like on TV, Reigns/Lesnar might not get the final slot if the other matches never existed. WWE has shown themselves to not being above pettiness, and they may well just not give them the final spot as a slight to the (hopefully) departing Lesnar more than a comment on Roman’s skills.

In my own opinion, the anti-Roman people are clinging to this farce because they want someone to confirm that their irrational hatred of Reigns is justified. It’s not enough to say ‘I don’t like him’, or ‘He doesn’t do anything for me’, they want proof that he’s an unworthy person to justify that dislike and to turn his fans against him. The sad truth is that these people are so desperate for their dislike to be vindicated that they’re willing to embrace lies and smears against a man’s character and integrity because they don’t like the character he plays on TV.

I want to thank Reppintheempire and Mel Ambreigns for their help with the anti-Roman stuff that’s been out over the years.

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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

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Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

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SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1