Why Roman Reigns, Carl Grimes and Russell Westbrook Are TV’s Social Media MVPs of the Week

Sports

A professional wrestler, a dying son and a point guard for Oklahoma had viewers talking passionately on social media

Roman Reigns
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Check out the week’s most emotionally reacted-to TV personalities and characters.

A professional wrestler, a dying son and a point guard for Oklahoma had viewers talking passionately on social media over the past seven days.

The Wrap has partnered with Canvs, the emotion measurement company, for a weekly look at some of the characters and personalities that have TV viewers the most worked up on social media. The data below covers Feb. 21-27 and is drawn from the most emotionally reacted-to television programs, including broadcast, cable, streaming and PPV.

Roman Reigns was the most-mentioned wrestler during WWE’s “Elimination Chamber,” a pay-per-view event that sparked 75,409 Emotional Reactions (ERs). Reigns beat out his competition and will go face-to-face with rival Brock Lesnar for the title at WrestleMania 34. Fans’ feelings were split with his win, with some excitedly offering congratulations while others pouted and declared their dislike for the fighter.


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The emotional midseason return of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” inspired 63,592 ERs and had fans crying out in agony over the death of Carl Grimes (portrayed by Chandler Riggs). Much of the episode centered around Carl’s descent; he was previously bitten by a walker and viewers saw the virus start to take over. Other characters said their heartfelt goodbyes — and fans wept right alongside them.

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ABC’s broadcast of the NBA game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors generated 31,243 ERs, with Oklahoma guard Russell Westbrook being the most-mentioned player. Among the usual buzz, two moments in particular fired fans up: first, when Warriors’ Nick Young sunk a basket and Westbrook jumped up off the bench and pushed him tauntingly, and later when Westbrook missed a layup and fell down, with Golden State’s Zaza Pachulia falling on top of him. This tumble ignited a conversation about whether or not Pachulia intentionally fell on Westbrook (as of this writing it’s being reported that Pachulia will not face NBA discipline).

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