In the world of professional wrestling, few rivalries have sparked as much debate and passion among fans as the dynamic between Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. Both Superstars have carved out legendary careers in WWE, but their potential as adversaries was never fully realized. While Roman Reigns has solidified his status as “The Tribal Chief” and one of WWE’s most dominant figures, Seth Rollins has consistently proven himself as one of the company’s most versatile and captivating performers. Yet, despite their undeniable chemistry and shared history, WWE missed a golden opportunity to elevate their feud into an all-time classic that could have rivaled even the greatest rivalries in wrestling history.
### The Foundation of a Legendary Rivalry
Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns first crossed paths during their time in The Shield, one of WWE’s most iconic factions. Alongside Dean Ambrose, the trio redefined tag team wrestling and became a force to be reckoned with. However, after The Shield disbanded, Seth Rollins quickly emerged as a standout star, capturing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 31 in one of the most memorable moments in modern wrestling history.
Roman Reigns, on the other hand, was being groomed as WWE’s top guy- a role that came with immense pressure and fan scrutiny. Their paths continued to intertwine over the years, but their matches and storylines often felt overshadowed by external factors, leaving fans yearning for something bigger.
### Seth Rollins: The Man Who Carried WWE on His Back
When Roman Reigns stepped away from WWE in 2018 to battle leukemia, many feared the company would struggle to fill the void left by its top star. But Seth Rollins rose to the occasion, carrying WWE on his back with remarkable performances and unforgettable moments. From winning the Universal Championship to delivering show-stealing matches, Rollins proved he was more than capable of leading the charge.
During Reigns’ absence, Rollins didn’t just maintain momentum- he elevated it. His charisma, in-ring brilliance, and ability to connect with fans made him the face of WWE during a critical time. And yet, when Roman returned, the narrative shifted back to Reigns as the centerpiece, leaving Seth’s contributions underappreciated in comparison.
### A Feud That Could Have Defined an Era
Upon Roman Reigns’ return, WWE had the perfect opportunity to create a rivalry for the ages. Seth Rollins, who had carried the company through Reigns’ absence, was the ideal opponent to challenge Roman’s dominance. Fans were already invested in their shared history, making it easy to build a storyline that resonated emotionally and competitively.
Instead, WWE opted for smaller-scale conflicts that failed to capitalize on the immense potential of these two Superstars. Matches between Rollins and Reigns were sporadic and lacked the grandeur they deserved. Had WWE positioned this feud as the main event of a major pay-per-view similar to how they treated Roman vs. Brock Lesnar it could have been a defining moment in WWE history.
### Why It Should Have Been Bigger Than Roman vs. Brock
The rivalry between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar dominated WWE programming for years, culminating in several high-profile matches. While those encounters were undeniably significant, Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns had the potential to surpass them in terms of storytelling and in-ring action.
Rollins’ agility, technical prowess, and knack for drama complemented Reigns’ power and resilience perfectly. Together, they could have delivered matches that combined athleticism, intensity, and emotion in ways few rivalries ever achieve. Moreover, their contrasting personas- one as the rebellious underdog and the other as the unstoppable powerhouse- created a natural recipe for success.
### Fan Frustration and Missed Potential
WWE fans are no strangers to frustration when it comes to creative decisions, and the handling of Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns is a prime example. Social media platforms have long been filled with calls for a proper showdown between the two, with many arguing that it should have been treated as a marquee attraction.
One fan tweeted, _“Seth vs. Roman could’ve been the biggest thing since Rock vs. Cena if WWE gave it the push it deserved”_ Another added, _“They teased greatness but never let it happen. What a waste of two incredible talents.”_
### A Legacy Left Unfulfilled
While both Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns have achieved incredible success individually, their collective potential as rivals remains untapped. A larger-than-life feud between them could have cemented their places in wrestling history while giving fans the epic battles they craved.
As WWE continues to evolve, there’s still hope that Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns might revisit their rivalry in a way that does justice to their legacies. Until then, the missed opportunity stands as a reminder of what could have been- a rivalry that truly defined an era.