Sorry I should've elaborated.
Reigns first title win was used to get the briefcase off Sheamus.
Let's say that that is the failed expirment you mention.
Reigns then claims the title on the Raw at the start of 2016 I believe it was to drop it a month later in the Rumble. Reigns then gets the same 'Mania moment as Batista claiming the belt off the same guy.
So even if Reigns first title run was a failed expirement he then went on to win the title twice more, showing his evolution into a real world champion.
Reigns learns and he learns quick.
