Heyman has worked backstage in WWE for years and at different points in the company’s history. He has seen Vince McMahon’s approach to creative, and he now works under Triple H.
“With the same amount of freedom, if not more encouragement to teach others how to ingratiate themselves into the mix to the point where they are trusted enough to get some of those same freedoms,” Heyman said. “Paul Levesque is a very interesting Chief Content Officer. I’ve worked with many different CCOs and executive producers and showrunners and story creators. He is, by far, the most collaborative. He understands, there is no doubt he understands that the buck stops with him, and he has to make a decision.
“He doesn’t waver from that at all. But at the same time, he’s very open to starting on a different page than he originally envisioned,” Heyman continued. “For a long time, in this industry, and then it was taken to a far different level by Vincent Kennedy McMahon, but for a long time the head writer, the ‘booker’ starts with a blank piece of paper. From that blank piece of paper comes the vision of what the storylines are going to be that lead to the payoff at the show in the big arena or pay-per-view or Network special. The word of the head writer was final. There was no appeal unless you went to the owner of the territory or the company and you challenged the booker, in which case you were challenging the booker for the role of the booker.”
Heyman On Differences Between Triple H And Vince McMahon
Heyman also compared how Triple H was different from Vince McMahon. He explained how working with McMahon eventually boiled down to a “micromanaged creative process,” while Triple H was more open to other people’s input and ideas.
“With Vincent Kennedy McMahon, it became quite the micromanaged creative process in which Vince had a vision and the people around him were to embellish, exaggerate, enhance, elevate, upgrade the vision Vince had from the blank piece of paper,” Paul Heyman said. “Paul Levesque can walk into a room with a blank piece of paper and say, ‘Where are we headed? Let me have some opinions. Pitch me. Seduce me. Inspire me. Motivate me. Hook me on something.’
“He may say, ‘I’m seeing Mr. ABC vs. Dr. LMNOP, that’s the main event next year. How do we get there? What are the interweaving stories that are told? What are the spinoffs from this story? The main theme for WWE next year will be the build for Mr. A vs. Dr. LMNOP.’ There are many different ways Paul Levesque approaches the collaborative process. They are all open to everyone’s ideas. Then he, like a great editor, will narrow it down and narrow it down even further.”
In a recent interview, Paul Heyman opened up about Triple H’s creative process and how it differs from that of Vince McMahon. Heyman, who has worked closely with both men during his time in WWE, shed light on the unique approaches each takes when it comes to shaping storylines and characters.
According to Heyman, Triple H is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his hands-on approach to creative planning. He explained that Triple H is heavily involved in every aspect of the creative process, from developing storylines to working with talent on their characters and promos. Heyman praised Triple H for his ability to think outside the box and his willingness to take risks in order to create compelling and innovative content.
On the other hand, Heyman pointed out that Vince McMahon’s creative process is more traditional and structured. McMahon is known for his hands-on approach to creative direction, often making last-minute changes to storylines and matches. Heyman noted that McMahon’s instincts and experience have been instrumental in shaping WWE’s success over the years, but acknowledged that his approach can sometimes be more rigid and less willing to take creative risks.
Overall, Heyman emphasized that both Triple H and Vince McMahon bring valuable perspectives to the creative process, and that their differing approaches help to create a diverse and dynamic product for WWE fans. It’s clear that each man’s unique vision and leadership style play a key role in shaping the future of the company.
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Paul Heyman, Triple H, Vince McMahon, creative process, WWE, professional wrestling, backstage, decision-making, management style, executive producer, Monday Night Raw, SmackDown Live, NXT, wrestling industry, creative vision, leadership, storytelling, character development, championship titles, wrestling matches, talent development
CM Punk is finally learning where the person Phil Brooks and famous pro wrestling character begin and end — creating a character even more compelling than his younger self.
That’s what longtime friend and former on-screen manager Paul Heyman has seen since Punk returned to WWE in November 2023 after a decade away from the company and a seven-year absence from pro wrestling.
“I think Phil Brooks’ approach behind the scenes is far more mature and calculated,” Heyman said in a phone interview. “ I can say with great certainty, he has a far greater grasp of the persona of CM Punk than he had years ago. Because, much like anyone else caught up in the mix, and I’m certainly more guilty of this than probably anybody else in the locker room, you can get caught up in the persona and the persona can take on a life of its own, to the point where you have to be in the persona to think like the persona, instead of being able to strip that character from outside of its own skin.”
CM Punk Getty Images
Punk’s first stint in WWE from 2005-14 saw him rail against the establishment on and off screen.
Things ended abruptly and unceremoniously with him sick, injured and frustrated with how the company was booking him at the time and the medical treatment he was receiving from the company’s then-primary physician Dr. Chris Amann.
Public comments Punk made led to Amann filing a defamation lawsuit against him but a jury ruled in favor of the wrestler in 2018.
Now back in WWE, he is doing some of the best work of his career — especially in his feuds with Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins — and has taken a great interest in going out of his way to help younger talent in NXT.
Heyman, currently “The “Wiseman” to Roman Reigns, stressed how much maturity it takes and the personal struggle some performers go through to get to the point where they can truly separate themselves from the persona they are portraying on screen — especially to “the degree that the CM Punk character or persona should be believed in.”
“It’s a dangerous place to take yourself sometimes because you can get lost in it, but it also is the level of commitment that is necessary to be the best In the world and the greatest of all time,” Heyman said.
Punk will look to finally secure his first WrestleMania main event match when he tries to win the 2025 Royal Rumble (6 p.m., Peacock) at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday.
Heyman and Punk got to interact on screen together for the first time in more than 10 years in June, when Heyman interrupted a promo in Chicago to warn Punk about tangling with Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline and asked his friend to protect him from the group.
Punk, in storyline, agreed to do it as a favor to an old friend and he can now ask a favor from Heyman down the road as WWE heads toward WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas in April.
For Heyman, it’s just another example of the intrigue that has made the Bloodline saga so successful, and the nature of the CM Punk character and the favor hanging over his head opens up a wide variety of possibilities for the story to go.
“I always look for intrigue. What’s the mystery here? What’s the water cooler conversation after this airs?” Heyman said. “Where are the potential trajectories this story can argue it should take and therefore the possibilities the audience can sink its teeth into and get passionately behind or against? Punk adds so much of that because he is among the most unpredictable characters and personas in WWE history.”
It’s what’s made Punk’s current run so fascinating to watch for Heyman because the former WWE champion is “presenting a character that on every level should not work.”
During Punk’s first tenure in WWE, he was “The Voice of the Voiceless” for fans wanting to rebel against what they were unhappy about with the company at the time. WWE is currently as popular as it’s ever been, but Punk has still found his place and an outpouring of love from the audience.
“How does a rebel continue to be the voice of rebellion against an establishment that is popular?” Heyman said. “How does a rebel age into his mid-40s and still be the voice that pushes for a progressive product? How does a rebel mature and not lose the very edge that made him so wildly popular?”
Heyman attributes it to that professional maturity Punk has found both on and off screen — learning through experience “what not to do.”
“It’s through the maturity he’s achieved that Phil Brooks can present the most articulate, most compelling rebel character not just in WWE, pro wrestling or sports entertainment history,” Heyman said. “I would suggest CM Punk is the most compelling rebel on screen today, be it television, movies or sports.”
Paul Heyman, the legendary wrestling manager and advocate, has been left stunned by the remarkable success of CM Punk in WWE. The former UFC fighter turned professional wrestler has taken the wrestling world by storm since his return to the company, and Heyman has been quick to praise his achievements.
In a recent interview, Heyman spoke about Punk’s impact on the industry, stating that he never expected him to reach the level of success that he has achieved in such a short amount of time. Heyman went on to say that Punk’s work ethic and dedication to his craft have been instrumental in his success, and that he is truly blown away by what Punk has been able to accomplish.
Heyman, who has managed some of the biggest names in wrestling history, including Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, has been vocal in his support of Punk and believes that he has the potential to be one of the all-time greats in WWE. With his undeniable talent and charisma, it’s no wonder that Punk has been able to win over fans and critics alike.
As Punk continues to make waves in WWE, it’s clear that his success has not gone unnoticed by Heyman, who will no doubt continue to support and advocate for him as he climbs the ranks in the wrestling world. It’s an exciting time for both Punk and Heyman, and fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for this dynamic duo.
WWE legend Bully Ray has discussed the favor that CM Punk is owed by Paul Heyman and how that could potentially come into effect in the next few months. With Royal Rumble around the corner, several WWE stars have declared their entry into the Rumble match, one of whom is Punk, who has vowed to win the match and fulfill his long-awaited dream of main-eventing WrestleMania.
Ray, in a recent edition of “Busted Open,” suggested a potential storyline for the favor that Heyman owes Punk, which could happen if Punk doesn’t win the men’s Royal Rumble match or the Elimination Chamber match. He proposed a story in which Roman Reigns wins the match, but Punk asks Heyman to remove Reigns from the spot in his favor.
“Could you imagine if Roman wins the Rumble, and Roman is going to do exactly what he said and face Cody, and Punk goes to Paul [Heyman] and says, ‘I need you to talk Roman Reigns out of his match and give it to me.’ Holy sh*t. You want to talk about intriguing. Paul Heyman caught between Roman Reigns and CM Punk right before WrestleMania, Roman wins the match. Could you imagine the look on Paul’s face?” said Bully. “You kind of play it up. It’s like the Godfather asking his favor back in return.”
Ray believes that Punk asking Heyman to get him into a WrestleMania main event match ahead of Reigns would get boos from the audience, despite how loved he is right now.
The WWE Hall of Famer added that if Punk wins the Royal Rumble match, the storyline of Heyman owing him a favor would be “null and void,” unless it continues until SummerSlam later this year. He thinks that the favor story would not be needed if “The Second City Saint” wins either the Rumble match or Elimination Chamber.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Busted Open” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Bully Ray, former WWE superstar and current wrestling analyst, recently discussed the possibilities for the favor that Paul Heyman owes WWE’s CM Punk on his podcast. With Punk’s return to WWE and Heyman’s history of being a master manipulator, there are endless scenarios that could play out.
One possibility is that Heyman could use his influence to book Punk in high-profile matches and help him secure championship opportunities. This could lead to Punk becoming a dominant force in WWE once again, thanks to Heyman’s connections and resources.
Another scenario could involve Heyman assisting Punk in settling old scores with past rivals or helping him form new alliances within the company. Heyman’s ability to strategize and manipulate could prove invaluable in Punk’s quest for success.
Additionally, Heyman could offer Punk advice and guidance on navigating the backstage politics of WWE, ensuring that Punk is able to maintain his momentum and avoid any potential roadblocks.
Overall, the favor that Heyman owes Punk could open up a world of possibilities for the former WWE champion. With Heyman’s expertise and connections at his disposal, Punk’s return to WWE could be even more impactful than fans ever imagined.
Paul Heyman has been one of the biggest names in WWE in the last decade and has now been spotted with another star in Roman Reigns’ absence. Video of the two emerged from backstage on RAW.
Heyman helped bring CM Punk back and into Roman Reigns’ WarGames team for Survivor Series. At the time, it was said that Heyman owed Punk a favor. While there have been all sorts of hints since then, and Punk has talked about how Roman Reigns owes him a title shot, the exact nature of the favor remains a mystery.
On his social media, CM Punk shared a video before RAW. In it, he is spotted sitting in the Gorilla Position on the red brand with Paul Heyman. The Hall of Famer is set to make a big appearance on the show tonight, but before that, he was sitting with Punk while Reigns was nowhere to be seen.
What the two talked about remains a mystery, with everyone wondering what’s happening with them.
It also remains to be seen how Reigns will react once he returns and finds that, in his absence, Paul Heyman has been hanging around with CM Punk.
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Fans were buzzing with excitement as Paul Heyman was spotted alongside a top star on Monday Night RAW this week. The wrestling manager, who made headlines last year with cryptic comments about a mystery favor he had done for a superstar, was seen in the backstage area with none other than the Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.
While Heyman and Reigns have been working together for quite some time now, the timing of Heyman’s appearance has sparked speculation among fans. With Reigns notably absent from this week’s episode of RAW, many are wondering what role Heyman may play in the ongoing storyline between Reigns and his challengers.
Could Heyman be plotting a new alliance or betrayal? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the wrestling world is abuzz with excitement over this unexpected development. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman has taken to social media to share a throwback photo from his early days as a manager. He is regarded by many as one of the greatest managers in wrestling history.
The Wiseman made his managerial debut on January 2, 1987, on the Northeast independent circuit under the ring name Paul E. Dangerously. He managed a team known as Motor City Madmen and went on to be a part of several other factions, such as Team Angle, Dangerous Alliance, and most recently, The Bloodline. The WWE Hall of Famer has also managed many wrestlers, including Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, Cesaro, Big Show, and Roman Reigns.
Paul Heyman recently took to X to celebrate the 38th anniversary of his managerial career. He shared an old photo of himself as Paul E. Dangerously with Motor City Madmen. He mentioned that the team wrestled Afa and Yokozuna, who were members of the Samoan wrestling dynasty.
“38 Years Ago Today — Paul E. Dangerously Makes His Debut with The Motor City Madmen against Afa The Wild Samoan and Kokina (Yokozuna). #Bloodline #SinceDayOne #GOAT,” wrote Heyman.
A former WWE writer just went after JBL for his comments HERE
You can check out the tweet below:
Bully Ray says Paul Heyman could repay CM Punk by taking out Seth Rollins
The Wise Man still owes CM Punk a favor, as he helped OG Bloodline defeat the new Bloodline at Survivor Series. It’s currently unknown what the favor is.
“I think that until the Royal Rumble comes along, maybe the repayment of the favor comes into play. If Paul Heyman repays the favor by costing Seth Rollins in some way, shape, or form for CM Punk. Yeah, there may be a chance,” he said.
On RAW next week, the much-anticipated CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins match will finally happen. It’ll be interesting to see who will emerge victorious.
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In an Instagram post titled “38 Years of Wrestling: A Throwback with Paul Heyman,” WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman shared a nostalgic photo from his early days in the wrestling world. Heyman, known for his managerial skills and iconic promos, reflected on his journey in the industry and thanked fans for their support over the years.
In the caption, Heyman wrote, “38 years ago today, I stepped into the ring for the first time and began a journey that would change my life forever. Wrestling has been my passion, my joy, and my purpose. Thank you to all the fans who have supported me throughout the years. Here’s to many more years of making memories in the squared circle. #38YearsStrong #WrestlingLegend #PaulHeyman”
Fans and fellow wrestlers flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages and fond memories of Heyman’s career. Many expressed their admiration for his contributions to the industry and his unmatched charisma in and out of the ring.
As Heyman continues to leave his mark on the wrestling world, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this legendary figure in sports entertainment. Here’s to many more years of Paul Heyman’s unparalleled talent and passion for the wrestling business.
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WWE, Hall of Famer, Paul Heyman, wrestling anniversary, throwback photo, WWE legend, wrestling career, professional wrestling, WWE history, wrestling icon, wrestling memories, wrestling legend, WWE superstar, wrestling milestone
Vince McMahon and Paul Heyman were on opposing ends in the wrestling industry during the ’90s, when Heyman ran his ECW promotion and was the second competitor to WWE behind WCW. While their rivalry was legitimate, the two men ultimately were on the same side when Heyman signed with WWE in 2001, becoming a renowned manager.
Things, though, weren’t rosy between the two wrestling promoters, according to former WWE star Matt Hardy. In his “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” podcast, he claimed McMahon and Heyman once had a blowout backstage during ECW’s December to Dismember pay-per-view in 2006.
“We heard there was a big dust-up between Paul Heyman and Vince. And I guess, as the show was going on, there was big arguments and I guess the show, as it was going down, Vince wasn’t happy with it,” Hardy claimed. “There had always been a lot of tension between VKM and Paul Heyman, and I think a lot of that just comes from professional pride.”
He further suggested that McMahon sees himself as the greatest promoter while Heyman sees himself as a “breakthrough promoter” and that these two ideologies would naturally clash, especially during an infamous PPV, like December to Dismember.
“I feel like there was probably a little, you know, personal pride in the matter as well, and then, you know, Vince, like, made him eat the bullet for the show not being good,” said Hardy.
Heyman eventually left WWE at the end of December 2006, but returned six years later and has played a prominent role on WWE television since.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
In a recent interview, WWE legend Matt Hardy shared a story about a heated backstage altercation between WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and former ECW owner Paul Heyman.
Hardy revealed that tensions were running high between McMahon and Heyman during the early 2000s, as WWE was in the midst of a rivalry with Heyman’s ECW promotion. According to Hardy, the altercation took place at a backstage meeting where McMahon and Heyman were discussing business matters.
“Vince and Paul were going back and forth, arguing about something related to the business. The tension was palpable in the room,” Hardy recounted. “Things quickly escalated and before we knew it, Vince and Paul were standing nose to nose, shouting at each other.”
Hardy added that the situation became so intense that other wrestlers and staff members had to step in to defuse the situation before it escalated further. Despite their differences, both McMahon and Heyman were able to eventually resolve their issues and continue working together in the future.
“It was definitely a memorable moment backstage, that’s for sure. Both Vince and Paul are fiery personalities, so it’s not surprising that things got heated between them,” Hardy said.
The incident serves as a reminder of the high-pressure environment that exists behind the scenes in the world of professional wrestling, where egos and strong personalities often clash. Hardy’s firsthand account sheds light on the complex dynamics that can exist between top wrestling executives, even when they are working towards a common goal.
