5 Takeaways From The Cena & Reigns Promo War

For the second consecutive Raw, Roman Reigns went face-to-face in a war of words with John Cena. This time, it was after a match where Reigns accused Cena of stringing Jason Jordan — a rookie — in a match that essentially proved Cena was again burying talent in an effort to stay relevant.

After the previous week's Raw, many felt that Cena took advantage of Reigns by calling him out live on television, referencing subjects often left behind the curtain. This week, Reigns was perhaps looking for a measure of revenge. Did it work? Or, did Cena once again get the better of Reigns.

Here are Five Takeaways From the Reigns and Cena Promos.

5. The WWE Is Getting Edgier

The fact that this is two straight weeks of Cena and Reigns going toe-to-toe with each other and bringing up issues that are often ignored means the WWE may be realizing buzz created by fans and the Internet can equal ratings.

This is a company that often tries to sweep the Internet news and rumors under the rug and march to the beat of their own drummer. That two of the company's biggest stars are subtly talking to that portion of the fanbase is not a small thing.

4. Cena Is Still The Master

If you had to pick five people best at delivering promos, you'd probably look to a combination of talents like The Miz, Bray Wyatt, Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho, Paul Heyman and John Cena. Your list may vary a bit from ours, but at the top should be Cena who since he started making waves in the WWE has been hands-down better than almost anyone.

He's proving in this feud with Reigns that he's not lost a step. Many will suggest Cena has owned these promos and is showing those who doubt him that they shouldn't forget he's the man, in more ways that one.

3. Reigns Is Learning Trial By Fire

Sometimes, the best way to learn is just getting thrown into things. That appears to be the approach WWE is taking with Roman Reigns. They tried the idea of fully scripting his promos and they came across as campy and ingenuine. Now, they are going the complete opposite direction and letting him go out there and sink or swim.

It's a smart plan, and if the WWE truly believes that Reigns is the future, he's going to need to learn how to stand toe-to-toe with the best and the fans will respect him more at the end of the day.

2. Cena Might Be Holding Back

In the second week of similar style promos, it appears as though Cena may be holding back just a touch. Potentially worried he went a step too far, Cena was much more relaxed and less in his face, often repeating similar arguments.

He didn't get too far into the dark side of the Internet and didn't use lingo like the "fourth wall", but at the same time, he wanted to keep it in the style of a worked shoot.

NEXT: ROMAN REIGNS AND JOHN CENA'S RIVALRY HEATS UP

1. Reigns Is Already Improving

Unlike the first time these two squared off, Reigns looked much more comfortable and there were fewer, if any, awkward pauses. There was no dead air, there was no taking the time to figure out which direction to go, it was simply a back and forth and Reigns was quick-witted and ready to rebut anything Cena threw at him.

If this is the pace Reigns improves at, the WWE is in good hands.