Paul Heyman, the advocate for Roman Reigns, recently spoke out about his client’s iconic “Big Dog” moniker. Reigns, who has held the WWE Universal Championship for over a year, has seen a transformation from the fan-favorite hero to a dominant heel under Heyman’s management. Heyman revealed that the “Big Dog” label was always meant to be a part of Reigns’ evolving character but was never fully realized in its potential until the heel turn.
The “Big Dog” was a nickname bestowed upon Reigns during his initial babyface run, but according to Heyman, it was somewhat restrictive. It made Reigns seem like a friendly, approachable figure when, in reality, he was always meant to be a more complex, authoritative force in WWE. Heyman believes that the character change, particularly the shift to “The Tribal Chief” persona, allowed Roman to fully embrace his “Big Dog” status but with the respect and power that comes with it. Heyman emphasized that Reigns now dominates WWE with an aura of superiority, and the moniker reflects that unapologetic dominance, unlike when it was first used, where it was more of a catchy phrase than a true reflection of his power.
Meanwhile, WWE veteran Shelton Benjamin, who returned to the company in 2017 after a hiatus, spoke about his journey in WWE, touching on his experiences and aspirations for the future. In a recent interview, Benjamin revealed that his return to WWE has been an exciting chapter in his career, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Shelton mentioned that he is grateful for the opportunity to share the ring with younger talent and veterans alike, but he also expressed a desire to leave a lasting legacy in the company. He has always prided himself on being a workhorse and delivering high-quality in-ring performances.
Benjamin also acknowledged the evolving nature of WWE, noting how different it is compared to the days when he was first in the company. The introduction of new talent and the shift in booking styles were major points he touched upon. However, despite the changes, Benjamin has always remained a key figure in WWE’s upper mid-card and continues to give it his all during his matches.
Looking forward, Benjamin hopes to be more involved in helping guide and mentor younger talent, specifically those who share his passion for hard-hitting, technical wrestling. He believes that his experience can provide valuable insight to the next generation of WWE Superstars, and he’s excited about the direction WWE is headed in, both on-screen and behind the scenes.
Both Reigns’ “Big Dog” evolution and Shelton Benjamin’s renewed commitment to his career in WWE represent two sides of WWE’s ongoing transformation—one is about embracing dominance and legacy, and the other about mentorship and solidifying a lasting impact.
Leave a Reply