Paul Heyman stands out as one of WWE’s greatest managers, boasting unmatched intellect and mic skills. Additionally, he achieved success as a promoter, notably during ECW’s rise in the Attitude Era.
Paul Heyman, who was born September 11, 1965, in the Bronx, New York City, from a Jewish family, started as ‘Paul E. Dangerously’ in NWA/WCW. He later used his real name while revolutionizing ECW in Philadelphia with Tod Gordon.
In a game-changing moment, Shane Douglas rejected the NWA title, known only to Gordon and Heyman. This led to the birth of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), spearheaded by Paul Heyman. ECW’s hardcore style revolutionized wrestling and became the third major promotion in the 1990s.
Following WWE’s acquisition of ECW in 2001, Paul Heyman joined the company. His primary interest was in a behind-the-scenes role.
However, in 2001, he made his WWE on-screen debut as a commentator on Monday Night Raw, partnering with Jim Ross. He looked back and dove into that period of his career as he was speaking to Rick Rubin on the ‘Tetragrammaton’ podcast.
Heyman shared that when he first got to WWE, he told Vince McMahon he did not want to be on television and wanted to only be behind the scenes. McMahon would soon ask Heyman for a ‘favor’ after Jerry Lawler left the company.
He told McMahon he was in no position to turn down a favor from him at the time because he was dealing with the legalities of the pending ECW bankruptcy. Heyman added that he came to the realization that being on commentary in the spot he would be in was not a bad opportunity. (Via- Post Wrestling)
List of WWE Superstars managed by Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman is a pro wrestling managerial legend and a charismatic talker with a unique character. He doesn’t just represent; he elevates talent as “Paul Heyman Guys“.
1. Brock Lesnar
Unquestionably, Brock Lesnar takes the top spot as the ultimate wrestling powerhouse, with Paul Heyman as his cunning manager. Their dynamic is unique, featuring an underlying distrust.
Heyman views Lesnar as a meal ticket, while Lesnar sees Heyman as a money-maker. Lesnar’s peak moments, like his 2002 WWE Undisputed Championship win and later returns with Heyman, solidify his status.
Multiple World Championships, WrestleMania main events, and victories over top stars, including ending Undertaker’s Streak, make Lesnar a wrestling legend with Heyman by his side.
2. CM Punk
CM Punk coined the “Paul Heyman Guy” term with his memorable “Pipe Bomb Promo”. Heyman had supported Punk since his days in Ohio Valley Wrestling and ECW. Years later, Punk was WWE Champion, and Heyman managed Brock.
They reunited when CM Punk turned heel to face The Rock en route to WrestleMania 29. This alliance led to a celebrated run, with Punk feuding against Cena, Ryback, The Rock, and The Undertaker.
However, in 2013, Heyman left Punk to serve Brock exclusively. Punk’s “Paul Heyman Guy” legacy is a testament to their enduring partnership and the impact of that famous promo.
3. Kurt Angle
An Olympic Gold Medalist, an accomplished World Champion, and a charismatic talker like Kurt Angle didn’t need to be a “Paul Heyman Guy,” but it certainly didn’t hurt.
Heyman’s history of betraying and aligning with talent was on full display during Survivor Series 2002, when he switched allegiances from Brock Lesnar to The Big Show and then to WWE Champion Kurt Angle.
This led to Angle’s memorable main event at WrestleMania and a legendary match against Chris Benoit at the Royal Rumble, solidifying his time as a “Paul Heyman Guy” as a career highlight.
4. The Big Show
The Big Show had the unique distinction of being a “Paul Heyman Guy” twice. The first instance occurred in November 2002, when Heyman orchestrated a shocking betrayal during a championship match between Brock Lesnar and Big Show, leading to Big Show’s WWE Championship win.
This maneuver was part of a plan to turn Lesnar into a fan favorite for a WrestleMania showdown with Kurt Angle. The second time around, Heyman assisted Big Show in becoming ECW Champion after betraying Rob Van Dam.
While neither reign was particularly memorable, Big Show’s association with Heyman marked significant moments in his career.
5. Cesaro
Cesaro and Brock Lesnar share strength and in-ring skills but struggle with promos. The idea of pairing Cesaro with Paul Heyman seemed perfect, but the timing was off.
Cesaro became a fan favorite at WrestleMania 30, while Lesnar ended The Undertaker’s Streak. Then, Cesaro was endorsed by Hulk Hogan and joined Heyman, creating confusion about their roles.
Cesaro’s losses mounted, Heyman vanished, and the anticipated Cesaro vs. Lesnar showdown never materialized. Unfortunately, their alliance hindered Cesaro’s momentum, making it one of the least successful “Paul Heyman Guy” runs.
Currently, Paul Heyman serves as the advisor to The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, in a partnership spanning nearly three years. Heyman has also managed notable figures like Rob Van Dam, Ryback, The Dudley Boyz, Curtis Axel..
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