Paul Heyman Reveals the Deep Influence Behind WWE’s Tribal Chief
Summary
– Roman Reigns’ character development into the Tribal Chief is significantly inspired by Marlon Brando’s role in “Apocalypse Now.”
– Paul Heyman, Reigns’ on-screen counsel, utilized the film to deepen the character’s narrative, drawing parallels to Brando’s portrayal of a conflicted leader.
– This cinematic inspiration adds a complex layer to Reigns’ WWE persona, enriching his storyline and interactions within the wrestling world.
Paul Heyman, in his role as the special counsel for Roman Reigns, has unveiled the intriguing inspiration behind Reigns’ “Tribal Chief” persona. According to Heyman, the character draws heavily from Marlon Brando’s iconic portrayal in “Apocalypse Now.” This revelation was shared during Heyman’s speech at the BSM Summit, where he detailed how the essence of Reigns’ character was conceived.
Heyman encouraged Reigns to watch “Apocalypse Now” multiple times to grasp the depth of Brando’s character, which embodies the heart and soul of the Tribal Chief. He likened Reigns to a warrior who has conquered his realm, dubbed the “Island of Relevancy,” where fans and fellow WWE performers see him as a guiding figure. This leadership role comes with a significant burden, mirroring Brando’s portrayal as a pseudo-god who eventually resents the people he leads, leading to a complex blend of guidance, responsibility, and underlying villainy.
Reigns’ journey as the Tribal Chief has seen him acknowledge and take responsibility for his entire “Bloodline,” further intensifying his character’s dynamics. The storyline is set to reach new heights at WrestleMania 40, where Reigns teams with The Rock for a highly anticipated match, showcasing the culmination of Reigns’ character development and leadership within WWE.
This deep-rooted connection to one of cinema’s most powerful performances adds a layer of complexity to Roman Reigns’ role in WWE, enriching the narrative and showcasing the creative thought process behind one of wrestling’s most compelling characters.
