The Roman Empire hasn't exactly been received warmly by the WWE Universe.
Roman Reigns has been shoved down the fans' throats since the split of The Shield nearly two years ago and many of them have turned against him. The reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion's in-ring performances and lackluster promos throughout his singles push hasn't exactly helped him out.
Sure, Reigns has taken strides to improve himself in the ring and on the microphone, but the stigma of the WWE forcing him on the fans will always haunt him. Perhaps it's time for the WWE to embrace to boo birds.
It's unlikely that Reigns will lose the richest prize in the game this quickly into his run with it. The leader of the Roman Empire is set to face AJ Styles this Sunday night at Payback live from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.
The WWE has already given him two very brief runs with the title and a third short stint would just be ridiculous.
So since Reigns isn't getting over naturally with the fans and isn't likely to lose the belt, there's one viable option: Turn him heel.
Putting Reigns against an IWC favorite in Styles certainly doesn't do him any favors, so maybe it's time for a character change. The most logical scenario would see him side with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson -- despite their brawls over the last two weeks - in a storyline that would see the newcomers turn on their "good friend" in "The Phenomenal One."
Making Reigns the third member of the newly formed Bullet Club (or whatever the WWE will call it) would be a huge move for his career and make him and the stable a force to be reckoned with on top of the roster.
Another scenario could see Seth Rollins -- if healthy -- return and reunite with Dean Ambrose and Reigns to reform The Shield as a heel stable that fights in order to protect the belt and keep it within their faction. This could also work with Reigns as a babyface.
If Reigns is going to win on Sunday, he should walk out of the Allstate Arena as a heel WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
