Roman Reigns Says An Offseason In WWE Could Benefit Fans & Talent, Talks Dean Ambrose’s WWE Departure

Roman Reigns recently spoke with Alex McCarthy for TalkSPORT after this week’s Wrestlemania 36 announcement in Tampa. Reigns was asked about Dean Ambrose’s announced WWE departure, and he said he was somewhat surprised by the news, but knows if Ambrose needs to take a break, he’ll handle it in his own way:

“First of all, I had to read it through an article or Twitter or something like that, so I didn’t really take it too seriously. I’ve always known Ambrose and we’ve talked about it – he likes to stay unpredictable. He likes to march to the beat of his own drum and I know one thing is, he just wants to be happy.

He’s kind of always been preparing to get to a point where he doesn’t have to rely on anybody and we’ve been fortunate enough to have a crazy rollercoaster ride and such a great job over the past few years and we’ve been fortunate enough to secure ourselves. So, I’m not surprised because I know if he wants a break or needs a break he’s going to take it and do it his way.

But, it was a big shock and we still haven’t really gotten into it or really talked much about it because since I got back it’s been pretty much foot down to the floor, hitting the gas pedal pretty hard. But it’s something we’re going to have to get into a little more, it concerns me a bit. I never want one of my close friends to leave but if he does leave this company, we’re still going to be close and talk all the time.”

Reigns was also asked about WWE potentially introducing an off-season, something Reigns endorsed and said if done correctly, it could be a benefit to the talent and the fans:

“We do it the way we do it, and I’m never opposed to trying something new. This formula has worked and Sports Entertainment is a ‘what have you done for me lately’ industry. Unfortunately, we don’t have an off-season like most sports or other kinds of forms of entertainment or competition but, you know, I think if we could make it work, it would give a great benefit to our performers and our fans as well. It would definitely give our performers another couple of months if not a full quarter to rest and recover, not only just from a physical standpoint, but creatively.

“When you go year-round, we’re always trying to evolve, trying to grow as far as our stories and our character goes and when you’re doing it over and over and over it can be tough. I think that’s what makes WWE and its superstars so tough and it’s an accomplishment to get to where we are. Only we can handle this and we’ve proved it, so it’s just a part of the gig. I don’t think it’s something that shouldn’t be looked into, but if the schedule stays the same I’m gonna be the guy that’ll run it.”

Read More: Roman Reigns On Women Main Eventing WrestleMania: ‘Can Do Anything Men Can Do, Even Better Sometimes.’