By Roman Reigns has finally addressed the podcast firestorm around his name, and he is not losing sleep over it. Appearing on the Club Shay Shay podcast with Shannon Sharpe, the World Heavyweight Champion responded to podcaster Conrad Thompson branding him overrated, making it clear he sees the criticism for what it is: a play for attention.
Sharpe raised Thompson’s remarks during the interview, noting that even Booker T had stepped in to defend Reigns at the time. The Tribal Chief’s answer was calm, confident, and cutting.
Roman Reigns (Credits: WWF Old School)
“I’m a Metric Mover”
Asked whether the criticism bothers him, Reigns explained that he understands exactly how the digital media game works. In his view, people drop his name because his name moves numbers. As he put it, “You already know I’m a metric mover. They know I give views and all that stuff, so it’s fine.”
Reigns added that listeners can figure out the motivation behind such hot takes by scrolling through Thompson’s background and connections in the wrestling world, saying that if people want to use his name to get views, that is simply the industry right now.
It is hard to argue with the resume behind the confidence. Reigns held the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for 1,316 days, steering the company through one of the most profitable eras in its history. The business metrics are firmly on his side, which is why outside noise does not shake him.
The Thompson Feud That Started It All
The bad blood traces back to August, when Thompson, co-host of the 83 Weeks podcast with Eric Bischoff, called Reigns “the most overrated main eventer in WWE history” and labeled him an “industry plant”, arguing that WWE manufactured his rise rather than fans choosing him. Thompson doubled down on the take in later appearances, comparing Reigns to Triple H and insisting WWE’s business would not change if Reigns disappeared tomorrow.
The comments split the wrestling world. Booker T fired back on his Hall of Fame podcast, calling Reigns “the best damn wrestler in the world” right now, while fans and veterans have debated the topic for weeks. Thompson has refused to back down, but Reigns’ response suggests the champion considers the whole saga beneath him.
What Is Next for The OTC
Reigns has plenty of real business to focus on. He just defeated LA Knight at Money in the Bank to retain the World Heavyweight Championship, and his next assignment is a blockbuster: a clash with Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn for the 2026 Men’s Crown Jewel Championship.
With a title reign to protect and the biggest shows of the year built around him, Reigns made his position clear. Critics can say what they want. The numbers, the titles, and the main events speak louder than any podcast clip ever will.
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Source: WWF Old School — read the full story there.
