Absence will not make the heart grow fonder

Roman Reigns
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Roman Reigns has been suspended for 30 days. Some fans are excited by this news. I will not revel in the situation as many within the Internet Wrestling Community have. However, I will not give Reigns a pass either. He's owned his mistake and in 30 days he'll be back.

Many times when a Superstar is sidelined, usually with an injury; their return blows the roof of the arena. Seth Rollins being the most recent example. Of course when retired guys like Steve Austin, Mick Foley and Shawn Michaels get a huge pop when they return, as to "attractions" like Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker. 

Suspensions historically are different. Many times society in general vilifies a person with any sort of issues involving drugs or alcohol, which many assume is what lead to Reigns' suspension. (Disclaimer: I don't know what the violation was, but remember the policy covers health and wellness issues and not just substance abuse.) Add that with the fact that Reigns has the approval rating comparable to the United States Congress and it's easy to see when he returns for the Battleground event he'll receive a chorus of boos louder than when he departed.

Reigns vs. Ambrose
Courtesy: WWE

I'm basing this on the assumption that he will still be a part of that triple threat match against WWE World Heavyweight Champion Dean Ambrose and Rollins. However, there's a lot happening between now and then, including the brand split so anything can happen. One thing I'm certain of is it is time for WWE to change how they've marketed the former champ. Playing hot potato with the title between he, Sheamus and Triple H didn't help either. Remember, Reigns is not the second coming of John Cena or his cousin the Rock. Let Roman be Roman. 

Bring in Estrada to manage Reigns
Courtesy: WWE

Since I'm fantasy booking and want more managers on the roster, I'd bring back Armando Estrada and pair him with Reigns. He needs a mouth piece and since Estrada once managed Reigns' cousin Umaga, I can see this duo working. Reigns has been presented as a dominate guy already, change his look so he's not so "Shield-like" and let someone else do the talking for him.