Roman Reigns Won Over Fans Before Winning WWE Championship.

Reigns, who was increasingly being pegged as the “company guy” to take over for John Cena, was booed heavily in what was supposed to be a triumphant Royal Rumble victory. #CancelWWENetwork trended for a moment or two. Not even a cameo by The Rock could turn things around.

Fast forward to the end of the year, where Reigns passed a stiff test of not only sustaining a similar response in Boston at TLC, but turning the fans in his favor.

By the end of Sunday’s pay-per-view, following an incredible main event against Sheamus and a brilliantly chaotic attack on Triple H, fans were chanting for Roman. One night later at the scene of what almost became the Royal Rumble riots, he became champion.

WWE’s ratings have been abysmal for much of the year. Last week’s number of 2.21 was a new low. But with an surprise appearance by Vince McMahon and a WWE Championship title change, Raw’s ratings are almost guaranteed to rebound in the coming weeks.

Moving forward, not only does the heir apparent have the world championship, but it finally feels right. He’s no longer a work in progress. On Raw, Reigns stood toe-to-toe with the Chairman of the Board during a pivotal promo exchange and didn’t seem the least bit intimidated.

As bad as things have been for WWE television, things are suddenly looking up.

With the 2016 Royal Rumble on the horizon, WrestleMania season is underway. John Cena, who is featured on the Royal Rumble poster, is not too far behind. Triple H is shaping up as a possible opponent for Reigns in a blockbuster WWE Championship match. All this before even mentioning the inevitable return of Brock Lesnar.

WWE has endured some tough times in 2015, but the days are always darkest before the dawn. Even with the venerable Vince McMahon all over the show, Monday night felt like a new era. Seeing McMahon take the Superman Punch for the first time was symbolic.

Reigns begun the year in turmoil. He ended it on top.