Top WWE Star Reportedly Receiving Roman Reigns-Level Fan Rejection
Stevie Richards draws parallels between Charlotte Flair’s current audience reaction and Roman Reigns’ notorious rejection after 2015 Royal Rumble.
A former WWE performer has identified similarities between Charlotte Flair’s current standing with the audience and a notable period in Roman Reigns’ WWE run. The observation comes as Flair continues to navigate fan reactions following her 2025 Royal Rumble victory.
Stevie Richards, who competed in WWE from 1999 to 2008, made the comparison during a recent episode of “The Stevie Richards Show.” According to Richards:
She has the same amount of rejection that Roman Reigns had in that Royal Rumble where he and Rock were in the ring, and they were shoving that guy down everyone’s throat. There must be a part of Charlotte inside her that can win the fans over the same way Roman Reigns did when they finally let him be himself.
The situation Richards references occurred when Vince McMahon began positioning Reigns as WWE’s next major babyface attraction. Despite The Rock’s presence and popularity with fans, Reigns faced significant negative reactions after winning the 2015 Royal Rumble match.
Flair’s current circumstances follow a similar pattern. After returning from a 14-month injury hiatus, she captured the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble as a babyface competitor. However, fan reception has been increasingly negative in recent weeks, prompting Flair to display more heel-like characteristics during her appearances.
The parallel suggests WWE may need to reconsider their presentation of Flair, similar to the eventual character adjustments that helped Reigns connect with audiences after his initial rejection.
