Uncovering the Mystery Behind Roman Reigns’ “Suffering Succotash” Promo
When anyone mentions Roman Reigns in a promo, the first thing that comes to mind is his infamous “suffering succotash” line. The line was so hated that it went viral on social media, where fans and fellow wrestlers alike ridiculed Reigns for it. But have you ever wondered where the idea for this disastrous phrase came from? Here’s everything you need to know:
The Origin of “Suffering Succotash”
The line was first uttered by Roman Reigns on the Jan. 9, 2015 episode of SmackDown, while cutting a promo on Seth Rollins. While the exact origin of the phrase is unclear, many believe that it was a nod to Sylvester the Cat from the Looney Tunes cartoons, who often used a similar phrase.
Reaction to the Promo
The suffering succotash line was a major source of embarrassment for Roman Reigns, who became the butt of several jokes after it aired. The promo quickly went viral, with many fans and wrestlers taking to social media to mock the line. Even Reigns admits that it was something he wished he could take back.
The Backstory Behind the Infamous Promo
According to Jon Moxley, formerly known as Dean Ambrose in WWE, the “suffering succotash” line was not Roman Reigns’ idea. In an interview with Wade Keller of PWTorch, Moxley revealed that Vince McMahon, WWE’s chairman, was responsible for the awkward phrase. Moxley also spoke about how the company refused to let Reigns be himself, which led to several lackluster promos.
Moxley’s Insight on Reigns’ Promo
According to Jon Moxley, Reigns became a loved figure backstage among the locker room. Moxley blamed not letting Reigns be himself was the cause of the negative reactions and backlash he received early in his solo career. Moxley recalls Vince McMahon being behind Reigns’ infamous “suffering succotash” line, noting that Reigns didn’t want to say it at all.
The Aftermath of “Suffering Succotash”
The “suffering succotash” line remains a black mark on Roman Reigns’ otherwise illustrious career. But despite the initial backlash, Reigns has become one of the most successful and beloved wrestlers in WWE history.
Roman’s More Successful Promos
While the “suffering succotash” line might have been the low point of Roman Reigns’ promo career, he has also delivered some of the most memorable and emotional promos in WWE history. For example, his recent battle against leukemia and cancer, which he publicly revealed in a promo on Raw, resonated with fans around the world.
Roman’s Shift to a Villainous Character
Reigns’ shift from a babyface to a villainous character was a defining moment in his career. When he returned to WWE in 2020, Reigns made his intentions clear: he was no longer interested in being a good guy. He adopted a cocky, villainous persona known as “The Tribal Chief,” which has made him even more popular with fans across the globe.
Roman’s Recent Success
Since Roman Reigns’ return, he has been on a tear in the WWE, with a newer identity as “The Head of The Table”. He has had several successful matches that include but not limited to, Hell In A Cell against Jey Uso, beating Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship at Survivor Series, and TLC match against Kevin Owens at TLC 2020, all of which have been the most praised matches of his career.
The Legacy of “Suffering Succotash”
Although it’s been years since Reigns first uttered the phrase, the “suffering succotash” line continues to haunt him to this day. However, Reigns has successfully moved on from that promo and proven himself to be one of the most talented wrestlers in WWE history. The phrase may have been a low point in his career, but it certainly didn’t define him for a lifetime.
The Bottom Line
While “suffering succotash” will forever be associated with Roman Reigns, it’s important to remember that it was not his idea in the first place. Like all wrestlers, Reigns has had his fair share of ups and downs, but he has always managed to come out on top. Whether he’s a face or a heel, one thing is for sure: Reigns will always be a force to be reckoned with in the WWE.
FAQs
1. What is Roman Reigns’ infamous “suffering succotash” promo?
The “suffering succotash” promo was a line Roman Reigns uttered while cutting a promo on Seth Rollins during the Jan. 9, 2015 episode of SmackDown. The line quickly went viral and became a source of embarrassment for Reigns.
2. Who was responsible for the “suffering succotash” line?
According to Jon Moxley, the “suffering succotash” line was not Roman Reigns’ idea. Instead, it was created by Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE.
3. What happened after the “suffering succotash” promo aired?
The promo quickly went viral, with many fans and wrestlers taking to social media to criticize Reigns. Despite the initial backlash, Reigns has become one of the most successful wrestlers in WWE history.
4. What is Roman Reigns’ new character in WWE?
Reigns’ latest character is known as “The Tribal Chief” and is a villainous persona that he adopted upon his return to WWE in 2020.
5. What has been Roman Reigns’ recent success in WWE?
Since his return to WWE, Reigns has had several successful matches, including and not limited to, beating Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship at Survivor Series, Hell In A Cell against Jey Uso, and TLC match against Kevin Owens at TLC 2020.