Is Paul Heyman Really in Control of The Bloodline?
Events since Wrestlemania have shown a Bloodline in turmoil, with Romain Reigns unsurprisingly absent while things seemingly devolved into chaos. The Wise Man Paul Heyman appeared to cower in fear from Solo Sikoa at times, especially when Jimmy Uso was expelled from the group with the assistance of new member Tama Tonga. However, things have seemingly changed, in my opinion, since then. Heyman dropped the bombshell Friday night during Smackdown that he has not talked to Roman Reigns since Wrestlemania XL.
Who’s in Charge?
Who’s the real Tribal Chief now? Is it Solo Sikoa? Is it Tama Tonga? Is it still Roman Reigns or The Final Boss - The Rock? Will Jacob Fatu show up soon and will he exert leadership?
Heyman has had a Svengali-like presence in recent years, whether as counsel to the Beast Incarnate Brock Lesnar or as Wise Man to the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns.
The announcers at Backlash today talked about Heyman’s bombshell and characterized it as him being left in charge by Roman Reigns, but not necessarily in control. They also mentioned Heyman’s “adversarial relationship with the truth”.
Heyman looked shocked, as Cory Graves and Michael Cole were quick to say when Tanga Loa emerged to aid his brother Tama Tonga and cousin Solo Sikoa in Lyon today. Just because Heyman acts that way, doesn’t make it so.
While the Bloodline didn’t interfere in Jey Uso’s singles match later in the show, they stared menacingly at him as they walked by him backstage.
Bloodline Civil War Brewing?
The discussion and informed speculation since Wrestlemania has been that the Bloodline storyline will continue to evolve and there might be a babyface turn for Roman Reigns when he comes back to WWE from his Hollywood respite. Heyman has been known for his loyalty to Reigns.
I could see a scenario moving forward where there’s a conflict for control of the Bloodline that pits Reigns, with Heyman and maybe the Usos, against the rest of the newer members of the faction. This could evolve into the long-rumored fight between The Rock and Roman Reigns.
The events of the next few months will be interesting to watch. The Bloodline storyline has continued to break new ground in pro wrestling programming and I look forward to seeing whether I’m right or if another even more shocking turn of events takes place. No matter what happens, the Wise Man will be at the center of the controlled chaos that will likely ensue.