Roman Reigns’ Heel Turn Could Have Happened Two Years Earlier

Roman Reigns turned heel in August 2020 for the first time since 2014. However, according to Brian “Road Dogg” James, the turn could have come a couple of years earlier, and almost everyone except Vince McMahon was in favor of it.

Speaking on “Oh You Didn’t Know,” James recalled the time when Reigns defeated Samoa Joe in the main event at WWE Backlash on May 6, 2018, in Newark, New Jersey. Throughout the match, various chants erupted, and people started leaving the arena before and after the contest, despite WWE’s attempts to capture fans cheering.

When asked if this was the time everyone thought Reigns should turn heel, James revealed that everyone was onboard except for Vince McMahon.

“Probably everybody, everybody but Vince because Vince’s timing is more on point than everybody else’s.”

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McMahon had his reasons for keeping Reigns a babyface at the time, but James believes that the turn could have happened earlier.

Despite complaints about Reigns persisting even after his heel turn, there has been a significant shift in how the WWE Universe views him as their Tribal Chief. James maintained that McMahon’s timing for Reigns’ heel turn was perfect, and he had a plan to make it even better.

“The minute you start feeling like ‘Oh, he’s a heel,’ it’s like ‘No, wait a second. Wait, it’ll heat up worse.'”

Roman Reigns’ heel turn in August 2020 was a significant moment for his character and the WWE Universe. While some may have felt that the turn could have happened earlier, McMahon’s timing proved to be on point, and Reigns has become one of the most dominant and captivating heels in WWE history.

What do you think about Roman Reigns’ heel turn in August 2020? Do you agree with Brian “Road Dogg” James that it could have happened earlier, or do you think Vince McMahon’s timing was perfect? Leave a comment.