Matt Hardy names 38-year-old as WWE Wrestler of the Yr

Matt Hardy not too long ago handed out a number of year-end awards whereas reviewing the final 12 months within the wrestling enterprise. The AEW star praised a lot of WWE wrestlers, together with Roman Reigns.

Reigns retained his Undisputed WWE Common Championship 5 occasions in televised matches in 2023. The 38-year-old’s most notable title protection got here at WrestleMania 39, the place he defeated Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes.

On The Excessive Lifetime of Matt Hardy, Hardy defined why Reigns was WWE’s prime star in 2023 regardless of working a restricted schedule:

“I still think the WWE Wrestler of the Year this year was Roman Reigns. I think he was the main character even though he wasn’t a full-time performer and he’s been gone. He remains a staple on their television program being talked about. ‘Oh, he’s coming back in two weeks, three weeks,’ whatever.” [1:09:11 – 1:09:31]

Many followers have voiced their displeasure with Reigns’ part-time standing. Together with untelevised reveals, the Bloodline chief solely wrestled in 11 matches in 2023. Seth Rollins, in contrast, has competed 100 occasions this 12 months up to now.

Matt Hardy thinks Roman Reigns is carrying WWE

Regardless of lacking dozens of reveals in 2023, Roman Reigns remains to be a focus of SmackDown most weeks. The Tribal Chief’s cousins, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa, battle on his behalf, whereas Paul Heyman usually references him in promos.

For these causes, Matt Hardy believes Reigns’ character has remained related with out showing on tv:

“I still think even though he didn’t wrestle the amount of matches that maybe he should have for a champion, whatever it may have been, I still think he’s the guy that’s carrying the program right now.” [1:09:31 – 1:09:41]

Reigns’ subsequent televised bout will happen on the Royal Rumble on January 27, 2024. He’ll defend the Undisputed WWE Common Championship towards the winner of an upcoming triple threat match between AJ Types, LA Knight, and Randy Orton.

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