In a recent episode of Rick Rubin’s Tetragrammaton podcast, Paul Heyman, the renowned advocate for Brock Lesnar, shed light on the circumstances surrounding Roman Reigns’ hiatus from WWE in the spring of 2020. Heyman’s revelations painted a picture of a superstar grappling with both the uncertainties of a global pandemic and a growing dissatisfaction with the creative direction of his character.
Reigns, a cornerstone of WWE programming, had been embroiled in a feud with Baron Corbin. The storyline, which included elements such as dog food and the infamous “sufferin’ succotash” promo, had begun to wear on Reigns. According to Heyman, Reigns felt that he had reached a creative plateau with his “Big Dog” character. Despite his success, Reigns believed he had more to offer as a performer and athlete, and the current creative direction was not allowing him to tap into his full potential.
In August, a call from WWE Chairman Vince McMahon signaled a new direction. McMahon informed Heyman of plans to bring him back to television, not in his familiar role as a commentator, but in a new capacity. McMahon proposed the idea of pairing Heyman with Roman Reigns, a suggestion that took Heyman by surprise. McMahon had never allowed a superstar like John Cena to align with Heyman, making this proposition a significant departure from the norm.
Recognizing the potential of this pairing, Heyman saw an opportunity to redefine his role within the WWE. He saw a chance to bring a fresh perspective to the table, one that could allow Reigns to explore new dimensions of his character.
The podcast provides a fascinating look into the creative process behind their partnership and Reigns’ journey during his hiatus. It’s a testament to Reigns’ commitment to his craft and his desire to continually evolve as a performer. It also underscores the challenges that WWE superstars face in balancing their personal aspirations with the creative direction provided by the company.
This episode serves as a reminder of the constant evolution and adaptation required in the world of professional wrestling. It highlights the importance of creative satisfaction for performers and the lengths they are willing to go to ensure they can deliver their best to the fans.
