Why Did Roman Reigns Keep The Shield's Theme Music After Disbandment?

When Roman Reigns initially disbanded from The Shield in 2014, he continued to use the group's theme music for several compelling reasons. This article delves into these reasons and explores the broader context of wrestlers and their entrance music.

Brand Recognition

The most significant reason for Reigns' decision to retain The Shield's theme music was brand recognition. The Shield's theme was already well-known and highly associated with the faction's success in WWE. By continuing to use the music, Reigns capitalized on the familiarity and positive reception that the audience had for it. This helped in maintaining the recognition and loyalty he had built during his time with The Shield.

Character Continuity

The Shield had established a strong identity, and using the same theme music allowed Reigns to retain some character continuity. This connection to the faction's legacy helped in bridging the gap between his time with The Shield and as a singles competitor. It also made it easier for audiences to transition into seeing him as a main-event player.

Fan Connection

Another crucial factor was the fan connection that the theme music evoked. The positive reception that fans had for The Shield's theme meant that using it helped to keep their connection to the group alive. It could also evoke memories of the group's dominance and the strong chemistry among its members, which added an emotional depth to Reigns' entrance.

Industry Context: Other Wrestlers and Their Music

In the world of professional wrestling, it's common for a wrestler to keep the same music even after they disband from a group. This is often the case, especially for the more popular member of the group. Here are a few examples:

Eddie Guerrero used the theme song "Latino Heat" even after leaving one of his groups. Similarly, The Rock used multiple versions of his theme song over the years, starting with his Nation theme and evolving into his Rocky Maivia theme.

Enzo and Cass initially maintained their group music but later transitioned. Enzo decided to retain the "S.A.W.F.T." theme, while Cass went a different route with a new theme. The aforementioned Road Dogg kept the same music when he disbanded from a tag team, although the music he used with Billy Gunn as "The New Age Outlaws" was different.

Vincent Kennedy McMahon's Strategy

From a Vincent Kennedy McMahon and WWE creative perspective, leaving Roman Reigns with The Shield's theme was part of a broader strategy. The idea was to give Reigns a "rub" (or good public perception) by using the music of a stable that the audience liked. This decision was a part of planning Reigns to be the "main event" talent in WWE, ahead of Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, due to his physical prowess and ability to appeal to fans through his larger-than-life character.

The Evolution of Roman Reigns

Over time, as Reigns began to establish his own unique character, he eventually transitioned to new entrance music that better reflected his evolving persona. This was both a strategic move and a practical one as audiences began to see him as more than just a member of The Shield.

However, the success of this strategy was somewhat undermined by Reigns' mic work and perceived limitations in his move set. His return to WWE has seen him improving in these areas, albeit with some leniency from the audience due to past struggles. The jury is still out on whether the initial strategy will ultimately pay off.

Conclusion

While Roman Reigns' decision to keep The Shield's theme music initially seemed like a strategic move, it has had far-reaching consequences. The choice reflects a blend of brand recognition, character continuity, and fan connection. As we continue to watch Wrestlington, we'll have to see if the broader strategy of using a popular faction's music will ultimately translate into long-term success for Reigns.