
WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show this week and delivered one of his most revealing interviews yet, offering rare insight into his current position within WWEโs creative structure, his behind-the-scenes mentorship of future stars, and the companyโs ambitious long-term storytelling strategy that now spans multiple years.
Heyman began by reflecting on the origin of his โWise Manโ moniker, originally bestowed on him by Roman Reigns during The Bloodline saga.
While fans may view it as an in-character title, Heyman confirmed that it represents his real-life influence in WWEโs backstage environment. โA lot of people come to me because Iโm the old guy now, because Iโve survived so many regimes,โ Heyman said. โI worked for Vince McMahon Sr. as a photographer. This is now the third or fourth generation of a regime that Iโve worked for.โ
He called the title a tribute to the legendary โThree Wise Men of the Eastโ โ Captain Lou Albano, Freddie Blassie, and The Grand Wizard, a nod to wrestlingโs past while embracing his present role as a guiding force for the future.
Heyman described himself as someone who โserves at the pleasureโ of Chief Creative Officer Paul โTriple Hโ Levesque, offering input as needed, particularly on long-term vision and character development. โSome days Iโm not needed that muchโฆ and other days, a lot of talents need a lot of direction, or motivation, or understanding about their performance,โ Heyman explained.
He emphasized that his creative contributions arenโt focused on scripting promos word-for-word but instead on helping talent tap into the emotional truth of their characters. โItโs not what you say, but how you say itโฆ The words are there, but itโs all about: Whatโs the emotion involved? What are we selling?โ he noted.
Heyman confirmed he works with any talent who seeks his advice, but he has taken a particular interest in a select group he believes will headline multiple WrestleManias. โBron Breakker and I are on camera together because I was working so closely with him behind the scenesโฆ Thatโs a guaranteed WrestleMania main eventer.โ
He had similar high praise for Jacob Fatu, calling him a future WrestleMania headliner as well. Heyman also mentioned Rhea Ripley as a generational talent whose potential depends on the right storytelling and matchups.
Heyman also provided a glimpse into WWEโs evolving creative structure, confirming that heโs part of multi-year storyline planning meetings, a far cry from the last-minute rewrites of past years. โWhen we start talking about next yearโs WrestleMania, or the year after WrestleMania, or the year after thatโฆ I go to those meetings,โ Heyman revealed. โThis Mania is the pathway to the next yearโs Mania, which is the pathway to the next yearโs Mania.โ
He credited the success of The Bloodline saga with empowering WWE to plan ahead and weave intricate, layered stories that reward long-term viewers.
As WWE continues to move deeper into the Paul Levesque era, itโs clear that Paul Heymanโs influence will continue to be felt, not only on-screen but behind the scenes as a mentor, strategist, and creative force. With talents like Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu in his circle, Heymanโs guidance could shape WWEโs main event scene for years to come.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for more on Heymanโs backstage role and updates on WWEโs next wave of main event talent.