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Conrad Thompson Explains His Criticism of Roman Reigns
Image Credit: WWE
Grilling JR and 83 Weeks co-host Conrad Thompson has been getting a lot of attention this week for his criticism of WWE Superstar and reigning World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns. Thompson previously referred to Reigns as an “industry plant” and has argued that Reigns doesn’t belong in the Mount Rushmore conversation among the top guys ever.
Additionally, Thompson went viral in August when he called Reigns the most overrated main eventer in WWE history. During a visit to Busted Open Radio this week, Thompson explained his arguments, pointing out that WWE anointed Reigns as the top guy, rather than him receiving the rocket ship after organically getting over with the fans, similar to Stone Cold Steve Austin. Below are some highlights (via WrestlingInc.com):
Conrad Thompson on Roman Reigns’ Success in WWE
“I’m thrilled for his success, but I don’t think he belongs in the conversation. I’ve not had a conversation with one wrestling fan ever where we have our dreaded Mt. Rushmore conversation, where they start with Roman Reigns. I’ve never seen a Roman Reigns t-shirt in public. I’m not saying they don’t exist; I’m just saying I remember going into Walmart, and it being wall-to-wall Goldberg and Stone Cold Steve Austin stuff. I just don’t see that with Roman.”
On How the Fans Rejected Reigns as the Top Guy for Years
“It’s not because…the fans got with him and then they put the rocket to him. No, they did it in reverse order. ‘We’re going to make a guy.’ And they did, and it worked. And they’ve enjoyed phenomenal success. But I don’t think he has the moments and the memories that we celebrate about Hogan and Austin and Flair. I just don’t think he’ll be in the conversation when it’s all said and done.”
Well, it appears Conrad Thompson won’t acknowledge Reigns anytime soon. The World Heavyweight Champion defends his title on Saturday (Oct. 10) against challenger LA Knight at WWE Money in the Bank 2026.
The title bout will be held at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. It will air live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally.
