In an interview with the New York Post, Paul Heyman talked about a number of topics, including the times he previously turned down a potential induction into the WWE Hall of Fame because he doesn’t want “a lifetime achievement award when I’m not done achieving things.”
Perhaps the biggest subject of the interview, however, was his work with Roman Reigns over the past few years, especially as the pair head into their fourth consecutive WrestleMania together.
Speaking on the staying power of the Bloodline story, which Heyman referred to as “constantly evolving,” the man who calls himself the Wiseman stated:
“It’s not based on instant gratification and shock value. The whole designation of the Tribal Chief, The Bloodline, the family saga that plays out on TV and premium live events, is to present the highest quality product this industry has ever seen. We’re cognizant of the fact that for generations great performers in this industry have been inspired, like Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, DX, Stone Cold, The Rock. It’s been done.
So, when Roman Reigns and I had a chance to work together, starting in August of 2020, our designation was to put together a body of work that would upon reflection compete with Peaky Blinders, The Sopranos, The Wire, Fargo, Breaking Bad — the most compelling dramas with the most riveting villains that anyone has ever seen. It’s a disruption of what had become the status quo in sports entertainment, and then a constant search for us to disrupt that disruption.”
Heyman went on to discuss some of the creative input he has had with the story, noting that he had a “significant voice” in how the group was presented, including “camera angles, music, and storylines,” and that he “wouldn’t be satisfied” with only being a performer:
“I wouldn’t be happy with just going out there and doing our shtick. I have to have a voice. I have to have some level of input, and so far, as luck would have it, that input has been not only welcomed but encouraged and very well received.”
Heyman is the first name officially announced for the 2024 class of the WWE Hall of Fame, and will be in the corner of his Tribal Chief as Roman Reigns prepares for a busy weekend on April 6-7 at WrestleMania 40 from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, teaming with The Rock to take on Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 before defending his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Rhodes on Night 2.