Will Wyatt’s mind games on Reigns succeed or backfire?

Will Wyatt’s mind games on Reigns succeed or backfire?

For the second time this week, Bray Wyatt attempted to get inside Roman Reigns’ head on SmackDown. During Reigns & Dean Ambrose’s tag team bout against Kane & Sheamus, The New Face of Fear suddenly appeared on the TitanTron with a picture of his adversary’s daughter – crooning a creepy rendition of “I’m a Little Teapot.” This distracted The Big Dog long enough to leave him prey to The Celtic Warrior’s Brogue Kick. But will this prove to be an effective strategy for Wyatt? Will The Eater of Worlds ultimately render Reigns helpless – or just more dangerous?

According to Wyatt on Monday’s Raw, Reigns has committed a grave sin by taking away his opportunity to become Mr. Money in the Bank. The WWE Universe will remember that it was the black-clad Superstar who defeated Wyatt on the June 1 edition of Monday Night Raw to ensure his chance at history. It was a favor The New Face of Fear would return when he cost Reigns his own chance at Sunday’s Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match. Now, Wyatt has made it clear that he intends to pose a serious threat to the 2015 Royal Rumble winner.

Wyatt is no stranger to incorporating family members into his sick games. After all, it was not too long ago that he referred to Ambrose’s father as “a dirty little rotten sinner.” Many would argue, though, that his recent references to Reigns’ daughter are his most despicable acts to date. It has become clear that Wyatt will stoop to any depths necessary to exact retribution on those who have wronged him. What else then is Wyatt capable of, and how will it affect his match with Reigns at WWE Battleground on Sunday, July 19?

Reigns seemed visibly affected by Wyatt’s message on SmackDown. Leading up to the match, Reigns seemed preoccupied with both getting to Bray Wyatt and protecting his home from what Wyatt might do next. As this distraction led to a loss, it might not be a stretch to say the same could happen at WWE Battleground. Reigns has kept a relatively private personal life throughout his WWE career, and having an adversary threaten that life’s security may have irreversibly thrown him off his game.

On the other hand, might Reigns find an extra gear in his motivation to conquer Wyatt? After all, we have already seen The Big Dog dominate two separate Royal Rumble matches, take Brock Lesnar to the limit and come within inches of WWE World Heavyweight Championship glory. Spurred on by his love for his daughter, is there anything that Reigns will not be capable of? Reigns has been known for his intensity; imagine that same intensity, but driven by this highly personal catalyst. Is it possible we have not yet seen his most impassioned side?

This rivalry has become very personal very quickly. One way or another, it may represent a defining moment in the careers of both Bray Wyatt and Roman Reigns. If Wyatt can use his mental edge to take down Reigns, he could have more followers of the buzzards than ever before. But if Reigns can dig even deeper than he has in the past, he will not only prove his indomitability, but also cement his status as a role model for the WWE Universe and his daughter alike.

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