Paul Heyman Reveals Origin Of Roman Reigns’ Tribal Chief Character

While the wrestling industry has been enjoying a period of massive success and popularity for months, one of the biggest reasons for this is the character work Roman Reigns has done. With his Bloodline story, the Tribal Chief has managed to etch some of the biggest wins of his career. 

However, the biggest one came back in 2020, when he managed to get Paul Heyman on his side as his Wiseman, who has made a massive contribution in the success and fame of the Undisputed WWE Champion. Discussing Roman Reigns’ character and where it was inspired from, Paul Heyman made some interesting comments during the BSM Summit. 

During the appearance, the Wiseman revealed that Reigns’ character was inspired by Marlon Brando in ‘Apocalypse Now’. He stated that he made the Tribal Chief watch the movie multiple times to help him enhance his character. 

The character of Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief is inspired by Marlon Brando in ‘Apocalypse Now.’ When we first started talking about the presentation of the Tribal Chief, I had Roman Reigns watch ‘Apocalypse Now’ multiple times. To me, that was the heart and soul of the character of the Tribal Chief. A warrior so great that he conquered his own island. We call it the Island of Relevancy. Someone who now, all the natives, which is the WWE Universe, all the fans and performers on the roster, look to for guidance because he’s the top star. In ‘Apocolypse Now,’ Brando presented himself as a pseudo-God. We call it a Tribal Chief. ..That’s where the villainry of Roman Reigns comes in because he says ‘Acknowledge me,’ and once you acknowledge him, he says, ‘Someone else I’m responsible for.'”

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Roman Reigns’ character work is still on the top and is now set to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 40. On the other hand, Paul Heyman is set to be inducted into the 2024 Hall of Fame. 

What are your thoughts on Paul Heyman’s comments on Roman Reigns’ character? Drop them down in the comment section below.