Paul Heyman says tens of millions of dollars are at stake when Roman Reigns defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu at WWE Backlash this weekend. The Wise Man explained why the match goes far beyond the title, and is the most consequential in-ring contest in a long time.
Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, Heyman connected the rivalry to family status, power, and money inside WWE. He framed the match as a battle for leadership within the Anoa’i-Fatu dynasty.
“Well, what’s at stake is a lot of family honor here. Roman Reigns is the head of the table, and Roman Reigns is a multi, multi-millionaire, being the absolute number one top star in the entire industry, thanks to his Wise Man, Paul Heyman,” Heyman said.
Fatu Wants Top Star Status
Heyman explained Fatu’s motivation stems from wanting the same financial success Reigns enjoys. He painted a picture of family tension over who deserves the top spot.
“Now, here’s Jacob Fatu, who makes a nice living, but it’s not the living of the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. And Jacob Fatu sits there and says, ‘Hey, why are my kids wearing hand-me-downs from Roman Reigns’ kids? Why shouldn’t my kids have all the new toys, the jet planes, the high life, and we will give our hand-me-downs to Roman’s kids?’” Heyman said.
He added that the rivalry centers on who leads the family and who becomes WWE’s top earner. “So, what’s at stake? Who’s the head of the table in the Anoa’i-Fatu dynasty? Who’s the top star in WWE? And tens of millions of dollars are at stake. And no matter what you think of sports entertainment or professional wrestling or WWE, the top star makes the most money. And Jacob Fatu wants to be the top star.”
Rivalry Escalates Before Backlash
The feud between the two family members has intensified in recent weeks. Fatu attacked Reigns with a Tongan Death Grip, then put him through a table during their contract signing on RAW.
Reigns will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Fatu at WWE Backlash this weekend.