The WWE creating a new world title while two technically exist has raised some eyebrows among fans and critics, especially the way Triple H seemed to bury Roman Reigns when he announced the new title.
While Triple H praised Reigns’ contract negotiation into working fewer dates as smart and something he would’ve done, he also ran Reigns down by saying the new title will be defended regularly everywhere.
Is the New World Heavyweight Championship Meant to Punish Roman Reigns?
Add to that in the weeks since, various top tier wrestlers have eyed it like it’s the holy grail, including Paul Heyman before he announced Reigns couldn’t compete for it.
But then it was announced Smackdown wrestlers will compete for the Raw exclusive title, which flies in the face of what they previously stated.
We mentioned before how it feels like a lesser title just to keep the other belts on Reigns and to increase viewership and merchandise revenue. But it rings hollow.
Sure, as long as we don’t see Reigns and his titles it’ll become more prominent while allowing Reigns to quietly chase WWE records without having to do much.
But could this be meant as a punishment for him asking for time off?
Old school style
This is pure speculation on our part, but something former WWE writer Vince Russo talked about on a recent episode of Legion of Raw following rumors Reigns asked for time off to be with his family.
Historically, it was understood by many that it was frowned upon for the company’s world champion to ask for time off since they are the face of the company and tend to put in far more hours to ensure the company and their reign is successful.
But over the years the WWE has switched from having a face of the company and building superstars to focusing everything on the WWE brand instead. But that doesn’t mean a part timer asking for more time off was a smart move, as Russo discussed.
“This is how it works. I swear to you guys, honestly man, if Roman Reigns, after all the work he has put in for the last X amount of here, if Roman Reigns went to Vince and Wrinkle Head (Triple H) and said, ‘You know what guys, I need some time off man. I am tired and want to spend some time with my family, I need some time off.’
“Honestly any good employer would say, ‘My God, the job you’ve done for us for the last three years, yes!’ But that’s what any normal employer would say, not the WWE, they would punish you for wanting time off to be with your family.”
To be honest, at one point that was sports in general, not just the WWE. Whether it was wrestling, football, hockey, baseball, basketball, etc players were expect to miss the birth of their children and other important events. It wasn’t until the 1990s that started to shift.
But pro wrestling is a year round business like most jobs, so it makes sense to ask for time off. What do you think? Is Russo right? Let us know in the comments below.
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