Fans were surprised to see Paul Heyman make a return to WWE SmackDown on November 22, 2024. But it also brought tension, as the “Wiseman” of The OG Bloodline brought CM Punk as the faction’s fifth member for Survivor Series: WarGames. However, his comeback brings into question his loyalty to Roman Reigns.
Paul Heyman’s return has reignited storylines for The OG Bloodline that until now were predictable. With Survivor Series in sight, fans ask if he’s even on the same side. It would seem the seeds of betrayal sit firmly planted in this case, whether that be a deliberate move to give CM Punk power or a deeper vendetta against Roman Reigns.
But Heyman could very well pull the trigger at Survivor Series as well. Here are a few reasons why Paul Heyman may be on the verge of turning on ‘The Tribal Chief.’
Paul Heyman’s Past Tension with The Bloodline and CM Punk’s Narrative
Fans last saw Heyman when Solo Sikoa unseated him from the faction in a cruel display of power. His removal, still tinged with bitterness, implies his return but begs the question: is he truly seeking reconciliation? Heyman could be planning to overthrow Reigns’ management from within — payback for putting him in that position in the first place. His last power play might very well be aligning himself with CM Punk, a figure ostensibly tied to Heyman’s success
Punk’s addition to The OG Bloodline wasn’t simply a reinforcement to WarGames… it was a statement. Also, during his SmackDown appearance, Punk declared his loyalty is to Heyman rather than Roman Reigns. He and Reigns had an interesting conversation:
Punk: “It’s not about me and you. It’s about him, pointing at Heyman.
Roman: “He’s my Wiseman”
Punk: “We’ll see”
The dynamic then allows Heyman to use Punk’s influence to question Reigns’ authority. Strategically, Heyman could break up Reigns’ faction the way that works best for him, by shuffling allegiances: blowing up Reigns’ control and essentially rebuilding it in a way that serves him.
Signs of Internal Division
There are signs of discord already brewing within The OG Bloodline in the WarGames lead-up. There are signs of internal fractures: Jimmy Uso has become more defiant, and Solo Sikoa is ramping up his ambition.
Leveraging their weaknesses, Heyman is known for using them to push his own agenda further. He may act decisively in the weeks ahead if he sees a chance to use those divisions to unseat Reigns or if he sees an opportunity to push Punk as a new leader.
Survivor Series as the Breaking Point
The stakes are as high as ever with Survivor Series WarGames around the corner. High-pressure moments are Heyman’s meat and it’s hard to argue any of his seismic moves weren’t a time that mattered. A betrayal just after or during WarGames would be a perfect addition to further drive drama in WWE and could shake things up. If it’s siding up with CM Punk or another faction member, Heyman might lay claim to this as the ideal stage to cement his next power alliance.
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