Roman Reigns knows exactly what it takes to become the face of WWE—and he doesn’t think it happens overnight. While reflecting on the next generation, The Tribal Chief explained why The Rock is in a category of his own before naming the only current Superstar he believes has truly carried the company’s banner.
While speaking to Complex, Reigns discussed what separates a main-eventer from someone WWE can build the entire company around. He pointed to The Rock as a once-in-a-generation exception, saying his rise was so unique that nobody should expect to follow the same path.
“Dwayne is the anomaly. He is the outlier. Nobody’s ever gonna do it like The Rock.”
Instead, Reigns said careers like John Cena’s and his own are much better examples of how long it usually takes to become WWE’s franchise player: “As it’s been shown with John and then also with me, it takes a decade or so.”
For Reigns, it’s not just about having great matches or getting over with the crowd. The real test is whether someone can show up every single week, no matter what’s going on, and deliver when the company needs them most. That’s the standard Reigns believes separates stars from true franchise players.
“Can you perform every single time and then deliver when you’re asked? Can you do it when you’re tired? Can you do it when you’re sick? Can you do it when you’re hungover after WrestleMania? Can you carry the banner for this company? This is a billion-dollar machine. It’s not easy.”
When the conversation turned to today’s WWE roster, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion didn’t hesitate. As far as he’s concerned, only one current Superstar has shown he can handle that responsibility.
“There’s only been one who’s been able to carry that banner. And that’s been Cody.”
That’s about as strong an endorsement as Cody Rhodes could receive from the man he ultimately dethroned at WrestleMania. Roman isn’t saying nobody else can get there someday, but in his eyes, Rhodes is the only current WWE star who’s already proven he can carry the company.
Do you agree with Roman Reigns that Cody Rhodes is the only current Superstar carrying WWE’s banner, or do you think someone else belongs in that conversation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
