Paul Heyman has been instrumental in putting countless professional wrestlers on the map, but he has never seen a roster that rivals the one WWE currently has.
Heyman has worn many hats in his nearly four decades in professional wrestling. He ran Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) for eight years and was head writer for WWE SmackDown in 2002 and 2003. Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, John Cena and Rob Van Dam are just a few of the athletes who worked under Heyman's direction. You could fill a Hall of Fame class with just the superstars he mentored. The quality of talent Heyman has worked with is what makes his awe of today's WWE roster so significant.
“We have the deepest, most talented roster in the history of the industry,” Heyman boasted to CBS Sports.
Heyman primarily works alongside Roman Reigns in The Bloodline, but his status as The Wiseman extends behind the scenes as well. Heyman says it's “no secret” that many of today's talent seek his expertise.
“I love doing it,” Heyman said. “During the show, there are so few veterans available for immediate feedback or final observations. I've survived this industry long enough now that I'm the old man. So I’m the old man they ask to pass on their wisdom.”
Heyman gave an impassioned speech praising today's squad. He highlighted the development of World Heavyweight Champion Gunther, particularly the seriousness with which “The Ring General” speaks, and the unrivaled drive of Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker.
“I look at today’s lineup in awe,” Heyman said. “I see that Gunther, for whom English is a second language, masters the language quickly. He knows how to draw an audience and can now modulate his voice to control the emotions in the room. And you have to believe he's still translating that.” his head before it comes out of his mouth.
“Bron Breakker’s weekly growth is absolutely stunning and impressive. Everyone around him is inspired to improve their game because he is so driven and ambitious.”
Heyman was equally complimentary of the women's department. In particular, he praised the long-standing feud between Women's World Champion Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley.
“How can you look at 2024 and not envy someone who gets to do a scene with Liv Morgan?” Heyman said. “My God, what she's done with her personality over the last six or seven months is worth examining in depth in terms of the nuances and idiosyncrasies that she lets the audience see while maintaining the role of antagonist.”
“And on the other hand, how can you ever look at a scene with Rhea Ripley and not say, 'I'd love to be in a scene with her. I would love to play out that character and that persona and her portrayal.' introduce yourself to the audience.
Heyman also recognized WWE undisputed champions Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, who will compete in Saturday night's main event in December, as well as Survivor Series performers CM Punk, Damian Priest, Jey Uso and Sami Zayn.
The WWE Hall of Famer identified Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque, also known as Triple H, as the common denominator for the roster's strength today. Heyman – who has had a history of falling out with the previous WWE regime – celebrated Levesque's desire to work with talent and develop their strengths.
“We are led by a creative visionary in Paul Levesque who loves working with these talents to discover not only their inner greatness, but also the greatness they leave on the table and forget at home,” said Heyman. “It’s an inspiring creative environment that allows all of these talents to thrive today.”
“I am admittedly the biggest fan of this ensemble cast called WWE Raw, SmackDown and NXT that I think you will ever find.”
