Since at least WrestleMania I, Sean Rueter has been obsessively thinking about professional wrestling, and since about WrestleMania 28, he has been blogging about it for SBNation & Cageside Seats.
Paul Heyman insulted former business partners and friends Roman Reigns and CM Punk during the main event of the first night of WrestleMania 41 less than 48 hours ago. The WWE Hall of Famer gave his newest client, Seth Freakin’ Rollins, a significant victory in the process.
Heyman talked about his conduct on The Pat McAfee Show today, April 21. He did it immediately after McAfee asked him how he was feeling after “Mania Monday” at the beginning of the conversation.
“Have you recently lost your best friend? Have you recently lost the ability to worship your own tribal chief? [As he and his team post the ones, McAfee claims he still can, “no problem.”] I wish I could. However, wasn’t that taken away from me?
“On Easter Sunday yesterday, my Savior did not rise from the dead. He was put down on Saturday, and in the life of Tribal Chief Roman Reigns, there was no resurrection, no benediction, and no absolution, therefore he was unable to do so. Furthermore, there couldn’t be.
“I want to be clear that I didn’t turn on Roman Reigns.
In front of millions of viewers at home on Monday night, did I grab hold of Roman Reigns and force him to the canvas? Roman Reigns was not touched by me. What was it I did? I was pushed to the canvas. My Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, emasculated me in front of the whole WWE Universe. I begged him.
“My best friend was helpful. saved the family of Roman Reigns. Considering the role he placed me in, CM Punk isn’t exactly a best friend. CM Punk put me in a precarious position against my own Tribal Chief. In what way was CM Punk a best friend? The worst best friend ever. An embarrassing best buddy…
“CM Punk has my allegiance! After the Hell in a Cell, I brought him back. I highlighted him. With the help of Tribal Chief Roman Reigns, I offered him a second chance. Additionally, he places me in a situation that is completely unwinnable, emotionally taxing, and unattainable. With my Tribal Chief Roman Reigns, it was not only a no-win situation, but also a must-lose one. Is that my best friend?
More about the man he will now stand next to on WWE programming was revealed by Heyman later in the discussion. Pat’s question about “young studs” that Heyman had scouted in the company’s system prompted that response. In reality, he chose Rollins three times and gave the following explanation:
In August 2020, Roman Reigns was precisely where Seth Rollins is now. A frequent major event at WrestleMania was Roman Reigns. Roman Reigns won the WWE Heavyweight title more than once. Roman Reigns won the WWE Universal Heavyweight title more than once. For eight years, Roman Reigns had dominated the WWE. The Big Dog was as well-known in the WWE as he could be. The Tribal Chief was born when he sat down next to Paul Heyman on the couch. If anyone here recalls the Big Dog in a genuine way, you’re welcome.
“And Seth Rollins is right there right now. Seth Rollins has come this far in his profession because of everything he has done. And starting tomorrow, Seth Rollins will follow the same path that the Big Dog took to become the world’s most successful box office draw, Tribal Chief Roman Reigns.
Mr. Dangerously, it sounds excellent to us. Join us tonight for comprehensive coverage of the Raw After WrestleMania, and share your thoughts with us. Heyman’s full interview is posted above, or you can watch today’s Pat McAfee Show here.
