Paul Heyman has revealed that WWE’s original plan for his partnership with Roman Reigns would have kept Reigns as “The Big Dog”, with Heyman serving as his advocate.

Instead, Heyman pushed for a fresh direction when the pair joined forces in 2020. Reigns became “The Tribal Chief”, while Heyman took on the role of his “Wise Man”, setting the stage for The Bloodline alongside The Usos.

Speaking on Six Feet Under, Heyman recalled Vince McMahon’s initial vision for their partnership.

"The opportunity arose at that time that Roman had taken so much time off, and the decision was made for us to finally work together," he said. "When I asked Vince his vision for it, he just said, 'The Big Dog and you're his advocate.'"

Heyman felt both men needed to move beyond their established roles for the partnership to work.

"I was Brock Lesnar's advocate. I must be something different to this character," he explained.

To help make his case, Heyman pointed to The Undertaker’s transformation from “The Deadman” into “The American Badass”. He explained that this example helped convince McMahon that Reigns needed a significant character change.

"It has to be that shocking of a metamorphosis, and it has to make sense. The Deadman grew into the American Bada** because times had changed around him."

"It's a progression," he continued.

Heyman explained that adapting to a new partnership also involves details such as his suits and colour schemes. Each performer has an individual style, and his presentation needs to reflect the person he supports.

He described the relationship as a “professional marriage”, with his job being to help the main performer shine.

"I take great pride in that," he said. "A great supporting player makes the main character, and makes the main character in such a degree that the main character could not pull that off on their own, male or female."

Heyman also pointed to Robert Duvall’s portrayal of Corleone family consigliere Tom Hagen in The Godfather as an example of the supporting role he strives to play.

"Look at the cast, [Marlon] Brando, [Robert] De Niro, [Al] Pacino, and yet Robert Duvall was the glue and made everyone else around him look better. That's the role," he said.