PWTorch.com - ASK THE SPECIALISTS ROUNDTABLE: The Case of Roman Reigns - would a match against Triple H better prepared Reigns for the WrestleMania main event spot?

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ASK THE SPECIALISTS ROUNDTABLE: The Case of Roman Reigns - would a match against Triple H better prepared Reigns for the WrestleMania main event spot?

Jan 28, 2015 - 1:26:17 PM

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Back in September, we asked the PWTorch Specialists about a Roman Reigns vs. Triple H match that was teased for Summerslam, but did not materialize. Now, Reigns is directly opposite Hunter again, based on the ending to the Royal Rumble PPV.

Today, we present a look back to September when the Specialists were asked about Hunter being used to get Reigns to where he is now - main-eventing WrestleMania, arguably before he's ready or before his character has been prepared for the spot. The answers are rather interesting and poignant in hindsight...

Ask the Specialists Roundtable #74

- Question from Derrick in Utah in September: At one time, I was under the impression that Triple H was penciled in to face Roman Reigns at Summerslam. Obviously, that did not happen and it appears as though they are not moving towards that direction. Do you believe they are saving the Triple H-Reigns match as the final boost for Reigns into the main event scene? Is it needed? Would it be helpful?

- "KPCC Radio" (@MikeRoe) responds:

- "Mr. PPV" Nathan Kyght responds: Thanks for the question, Derrick. I too thought that Reigns was lining up to face Triple H at Summerslam, and I do think that a run, even briefly with Hunter would be hugely beneficial to Roman Reigns if the company is still grooming him for a WrestleMania main event. Only good can come of Reigns and Hunter pairing up: either we'll see if Reigns is ready, or we'll know that he needs more time.

- "Falls Count Anywhere" Tony Donofrio (@TonyDonofrio) responds: This is a pretty good question. I’d have to simply say that having Roman Reigns go over Triple H at some point as a potential final roadblock before main-eventing WrestleMania would be a huge notch in Reign’s belt to get him where he needs credibility-wise. With that said, I still have my doubts about Reigns and have had them since Summerslam. He’s being somewhat force fed to fans and I don’t feel he is where WWE thought he would be at this point of his career. If the force-feeding continues, Reigns might become the next incarnation of John Cena from a fans's perspective, especially with his singles matches that have failed to excite up to this point.

- "Common Fan" Jimmy Eaton (@TheCommonFan) responds: Hi Derrick, thanks for the question. I think it could certainly help, and could be something that may be for late in the year or around the time of the Rumble. It probably wouldn't hurt him to get more main event exposure and working with Triple H can only help. I think the story is the key - will he be booked as a sympathetic babyface? Can he improve on the mic? Those things will ultimately be what people can get behind. The trick of not coming off as WWE's "Chosen One" when others may be more popular (see Dean Ambrose) may be another big obstacle. Time will tell in this case.

- "Instant Reaction" Ben Tucker (@BTuckerTorch) responds: At a certain point I was sure that Reigns would face Triple H down the line, but considering Triple H's reduced role on TV lately and the increased emphasis on the rest of The Authority, it appears as though Reigns won't take down the biggest member of the group. Luckily for Reigns, he doesn't need it. He has all of the wins that he needs to be considered a main-eventer. What he doesn't yet have are the mic skills or the in-ring prowess necessary to be taken seriously as a legitimate title contender.

- "Mr. TV" Justin James (@Justin_M_James) responds: Derrick, I think that a Reigns vs. Triple H match could definitely help Reigns on the whole, provided that Triple H puts on a match that makes him look good in the ring and elevates Reigns in the eyes of the audience. Reigns needs more seasoning and Triple H can help get him there. Are they deliberately saving it? To me it makes sense to have Randy Orton and Seth Rollins be “gatekeepers” to get to Triple H. Triple H should be the last match for Reigns to take down The Authority.

- "Showstopper" Shawn Valentino responds: Thank you for your question, Derrick. I do think that Hunter would be a great opponent for Reigns on his journey to the top. Despite his reputation, Triple H has done a very good job at times in taking his opponent to new heights. Batista, Chris Benoit, John Cena, and, most recently, Daniel Bryan, had great matches against him to affirm their position at the top.

Alternatively, they may save the match in case the Reigns experiment is not going as planned. This could be a potential WrestleMania match-up if they decide to wait for Reigns's coronation until WrestleMania 32. No matter when they decide to do it, it will be a major boost for Reigns and his rise to the main event scene.

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[ FYI: The specialists consist of a mix of current PWTorch contributors providing their opinion on today's wrestling scene and modern wrestling history questions, including Shawn Valentino, Michael Moore, Ben Tucker, Jon Mezzera, Justin James, Brian Leahy, Jimmy Eaton, Nathan Kyght, Tony Donofrio, Mike Roe, and Mike Metzger. ]

[Torch art credit Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]