Paul Heyman says AEW will push WWE to improve and reveals Roman Reigns' Tribal Chief inspiration

Wrestling veteran Paul Heyman told ESPN's 2 Counts podcast that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is creating a viable alternative to WWE, which he believes will eventually force WWE to upgrade its product and fan interest, even if not immediately financially. Heyman highlighted AEW’s role in reviving competition within professional wrestling.

Heyman also explained on Chris Van Vliet’s INSIGHT show that the character of WWE’s Roman Reigns as the “Tribal Chief” was inspired by the film *Apocalypse Now* and Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Colonel Kurtz. He described how the storyline builds a kingdom where Reigns controls an “island of relevancy,” with allies and rivals such as The Bloodline, The Wise Man, and Sami Zayn, and how the burden of leadership drives Reigns’ aggressive behavior.

Both comments underline Heyman’s influence on current wrestling narratives, emphasizing competition between promotions and the creative foundations of WWE’s flagship character.