Looking back at 2015, WWE had a year that started off on a rough note, especially with the mixed reception to the winner of the WWE Royal Rumble match, Roman Reigns. At the time, WWE seemed to have grand plans for Reigns, aiming to make him the next face of the company. While he ultimately succeeded in becoming one of WWE’s biggest stars, his journey to the top was far from smooth, marked by a complex relationship with fans.
Reflecting on the 2015 Royal Rumble and that period in wrestling provides an opportunity to acknowledge how the industry landscape has evolved in the past decade. So much has changed in the years since, and WWE’s approach to storytelling and character development has shifted significantly.
WWE in 2015: A Snapshot
The years from 2014 to 2016 were an exciting time for WWE, with compelling storylines and a strong roster. Fans were engaged in the heated rivalries, and WWE had a healthy mix of beloved faces and despised heels. However, unlike today, when many fans cheer for the heels, these years saw fans passionately support the babyfaces like Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Daniel Bryan, and Randy Orton. They also strongly opposed heels such as Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, Rusev, and Kevin Owens.
Some of the standout feuds from this era were unforgettable: Rollins vs. Ambrose, Lesnar vs. Reigns, and the constant back-and-forth between top talent. The period was pivotal for WWE, whether they realized it or not, and one thing was clear: the company had to listen to the fans. The audience was what shaped WWE, and they were not afraid to voice their opinions.
The Big Dog’s Rocky Start
Roman Reigns’ journey to stardom wasn’t as smooth as WWE expected, and the 2015 Royal Rumble match exemplified that. Reigns had been heavily pushed as the next WWE superstar following The Shield’s breakup, but the fans weren’t ready for him to take the spotlight just yet. When he won the Royal Rumble, the crowd’s reaction was a mixture of disappointment and frustration. Fans had hoped for Daniel Bryan to win, especially after his brief, underwhelming run in the match, where he was eliminated just ten minutes after entering at number 10.
The issue wasn’t that Reigns wasn’t a popular wrestler—he was. The problem stemmed from WWE’s heavy-handed approach to making him the top guy before fans were truly on board. Wrestling fans dislike being told who they should support, and Reigns’ character at the time still needed development. The Roman Reigns of 2015 was far different from the Reigns we see today, and in hindsight, that’s a good thing.
Predictability and Disappointment
One of WWE’s struggles is predictability. While this can sometimes work in their favor, it backfired during the 2015 Royal Rumble. The excitement of a Rumble match lies in the unpredictability, but fans quickly realized that Reigns was destined to win. As the match progressed, it became clear that Reigns would be the victor, especially when only Kane and Big Show, both aligned with the Authority, remained in the ring with him. Fans were not surprised when Reigns eventually eliminated them and claimed the victory, but the lack of suspense dampened the excitement.
A simple change in execution could have altered the entire outcome. For instance, had Ambrose teamed up with Reigns to eliminate Kane and Big Show, it could have set up a dramatic showdown between the two friends. Instead, the moment seemed contrived, with Reigns being presented as the superior force, and this left fans feeling unsatisfied.
The Aftermath and Reflection
In the aftermath of the event, Roman Reigns admitted that the reaction was difficult to handle. He said, “You think of these moments, you dream about them… And the moment that it actually happens, it’s like they’re playing the worst soundtrack of all time over your moment, ruining your party. That’s how the Rumble in Philly felt.” The reception at the time was a far cry from the superstar Reigns would eventually become.
Looking back 10 years later, it’s remarkable how far Reigns and the fans have come. Reigns has gone on to become one of the biggest names in WWE, and his relationship with the fans has evolved into something far more complex and rewarding. As we look ahead to the next Royal Rumble PLE, it will be fascinating to see what role Reigns will play and how the crowd reacts to his legacy.
