MVP has dismissed claims that Roman Reigns is an “industry plant”, insisting his drawing power speaks for itself.

Speaking on Marking Out, MVP challenged Conrad Thompson’s take while acknowledging that Reigns may not yet have the mainstream recognition of John Cena, Steve Austin or The Rock.

“I don’t know if Roman Reigns has that same mainstream crossover appeal.”

But MVP made it clear that fame outside wrestling does not determine Reigns’ value to WWE.

“In terms of being the man for WWE, the numbers say different. His merch sales, ticket sales,” MVP said. “So I disagree very strongly with Conrad. The industry plant, I think that’s absolutely ridiculous.”

MVP argued that sustained backing from a promotion is how wrestling stars are built. While Reigns took longer to win over fans, he believes the results are undeniable.

“Every star is, as they like to say, crammed down your throat. That’s how you become a star. Vince, back in the day, decided this is the guy I’m going with, and you beat everybody.”

“But with Roman, it seemed like it was maybe 10 years of that. Maybe it took a little longer for him to catch on. But I don’t think you can deny now his star power in wrestling.”

He also credited Paul Heyman with helping Reigns reach another level after the pandemic.

“I would be willing to bet that Heyman contributed a lot to his growth. I think he would probably tell you the same thing.”

MVP believes that success could eventually take Reigns beyond the ring.

“I will bet a dollar to a dime that at some point Roman is going to go the way of The Rock and become a movie star. He has got the presence, the good looks, the charisma.”

“Roman Reigns will be an actor. He will be a television star. He is that dude.”

To drive his point home, MVP recalled a backstage argument at Impact between Austin Aries and producer Jason Hervey. Aries’ response stayed with him.

“He said, I can do your job, you can’t do my job. So to that I say, Roman Reigns can do Conrad’s job. Conrad, in no capacity, could do Roman Reigns’ job.”

MVP acknowledged Thompson’s podcast success and his right to an opinion, but stood firm on Reigns’ contribution.

“Conrad is a podcaster, a fan who is entitled to an opinion. But I don’t know how you can intelligently detract from Roman Reigns and what he’s contributed to the wrestling world.”