In a recent interview with “The Ringer,” Paul Heyman discussed the ending of The Bloodline, noting that the conclusion has been rewritten “multiple times.”
Heyman will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 by Roman Reigns this Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On the meaning behind hardcore wrestling: “I never considered hard-core wrestling to be the pursuit of blood. I considered extreme and hard-core to be a testament to the work ethic that was involved. We did an excessive amount of blood in ECW because the others couldn’t offer it. We popularized Mysterio versus Psicosis. We popularized Malenko versus Guerrero. We innovated the tap-out instead of ‘I Quit’ in professional wrestling and sports entertainment with the character of Taz. The stunts and the visuals and the music [were] a counterculture presentation.”
On the ending of The Bloodline: “I’m a huge proponent of writing the last page of the script first. It’s always to the advantage of long-term storytelling. I don’t think it was ever done better, ever, than the Brian De Palma–directed movie Carlito’s Way, because the very first frame of the movie tells you the ending. The first scene in that movie is the end of the movie. Then you’re taken on a ride with these characters that are so layered. The audience is truly emotionally invested in them to such a degree that when you know the movie is coming to the conclusion, you have forgotten what the ending is, and you’re rooting for Carlito, even though you were just told less than two hours ago he’s going to die on that train platform at the hands of this person in front of his soon-to-be bride. The magnificence of that storytelling is, to this day, so dramatically underappreciated. I’ve always been of the belief that the launch of the story is the first push toward the conclusion. The finish is everything.”
On how the ending has been rewritten multiple times: “All that being said. I think I would suggest the ending of this story has already been rewritten multiple times because the world has changed since the inception of the Bloodline story. Therefore, what was a clear vision of how this should play out almost four years ago changed along the way based on not only the audience’s investment in the characters and the stories but the world itself—society itself, pop culture itself, sports culture itself has all changed, and now we can see the trajectory that we’ve been on takes us so much further than we ever initially imagined.”
In a recent interview with The Ringer, Paul Heyman, a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling, discussed the ending of The Bloodline storyline, revealing that it has been rewritten multiple times. Heyman, who will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 by Roman Reigns, shed light on the creative process behind the storyline and how it has evolved over time.
Heyman first delved into the meaning behind hardcore wrestling, stating that it was never about the pursuit of blood but rather a testament to the work ethic involved. He explained that Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he made a name for himself, popularized various matches and innovations that showcased the wrestlers’ skills and athleticism. From introducing high-flying contests like Mysterio versus Psicosis to innovating the tap-out submission with Taz, ECW presented a counterculture presentation that resonated with fans.
Moving on to The Bloodline storyline, Heyman emphasized his belief in writing the last page of the script first. He cited the film “Carlito’s Way,” directed by Brian De Palma, as an example of effective storytelling. In the movie, the first scene shows the ending, but as the audience becomes emotionally invested in the characters and their journey, they forget what they saw and root for the protagonist. Heyman believes that launching a story with a clear vision of its conclusion is crucial for long-term storytelling success.
However, Heyman acknowledged that the ending of The Bloodline has been rewritten multiple times due to changes in the world since its inception. He recognized that society, pop culture, and sports culture have all evolved, influencing the audience’s investment in characters and stories. As a result, the trajectory of The Bloodline storyline has taken unexpected turns and exceeded initial expectations.
The Bloodline storyline centers around Roman Reigns and his family’s legacy in professional wrestling. Reigns, a polarizing figure among fans, has embraced his role as a dominant and arrogant champion. Heyman, serving as his advocate, has played a pivotal role in Reigns’ character development and storyline progression.
The evolution of The Bloodline storyline reflects the dynamic nature of professional wrestling and its ability to adapt to changing times. Heyman’s insights into the creative process shed light on the intricacies involved in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. As fans eagerly await the conclusion of The Bloodline, it remains to be seen how the storyline will ultimately unfold and captivate viewers worldwide.