The Bloodline saga has arguably become the most compelling aspect of WWE programming over the last four years, with the evolution of characters and long-term storytelling being the key pieces that have allowed WWE to continue to add chapters to the story. It may be hard to believe, but The Bloodline arc has now lasted longer than some of the greatest told stories in wrestling history, such as the NWO invading WCW, or “Stone Cold” Steve Austin battling Mr. McMahon during the Attitude Era. WWE Hall Of Famer Paul Heyman recently commented on the longevity of The Bloodline saga to “SHAK Wrestling,” and revealed where he’d rank the four-year story among some of the best in the history of the business.
“The longevity that this storyline has had, I’d have to rank it number one … in terms of overall storytelling and the constant web and flow of affecting other people’s environment in the roster and how they tell their stories, I would suggest it’s the most significant, it’s the biggest money drawing, it has the most longevity, has held the most interest … the long-term effects of the development, of these characters and the evolution of these characters is never lost on us. So if something happens that changes Roman Reigns in 2022, we don’t disavow knowledge of it in 2024.”
Heyman continued to explain how every character who has been involved in The Bloodline saga has been elevated, including himself. Heyman believes he had already created a legacy as Brock Lesnar’s advocate, not to mention the owner/booker of ECW, but being “The Wiseman” has completely redefined who he is, and he often gets recognized for his current work rather than his past accomplishments.
Heyman details who The Bloodline has benefited the most
Heyman then detailed the impact of The Bloodline on both Jey and Jimmy Uso, explaining how both men emerged from being viewed on the same level as characters without much difference between them, to now completely contrasting personas. “The famous line that Roman hit The Usos with back at the beginning of The Bloodline was, you’re twins and you walk through airports and people come up to you and say which one are you? Now people know which one is Jey, more people know which one is Jimmy … there is no discussion of the top of the card of WrestleMania that can’t include Jey Uso. Jimmy Uso has completely defined his character, and is in the midst of even redefining it right now.”
Heyman also touched on the evolution of both Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa, who are two members that appeared later in The Bloodline saga, but arguably benefited the most from it. Heyman referred back to Zayn’s position before being involved with The Bloodline, while also expressing how proud he’s been of Sikoa since dissociating himself from Reigns.
“Sami Zayn came into The Bloodline story having been the foil for Johnny Knoxville in a match at WrestleMania in which Sami was getting beat up … six weeks later he’s in the locker room with The Bloodline and less than a year later people are debating whether he or Cody Rhodes should main event WrestleMania against Roman Reigns … Solo has been the main antagonist in WWE since WrestleMania and his work is outstanding … Solo has put together a Bloodline in its first six months that is more successful than The Bloodline that we put together in our first six months.” Heyman finished by reflecting on Reigns’ evolution over the last four years, stating that before The Bloodline he was a WrestleMania main-eventer but wasn’t “the guy” or the face of the company. Now, WWE has become Reigns’ promotion, and he’s become the biggest star in the industry by miles.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “SHAK Wrestling” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
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