WWE TLC: Wrestling’s greatest mic man Paul Heyman

Barnaby Read 18:37 07/07/2015
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  • Mega manager Paul Heyman has been at the heart of wrestling for over 20 years.

    In last week’s TLC, this column bemoaned the lack of Brock Lesnar on our screens but it is not just The Beast who we want more of, it is also his mega manager Paul Heyman.

    The 49-year-old ECW visionary is a true master of wrestling.

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    Not in the sense of the likes of John Cena, Hulk Hogan or Bret Hart, but in his use of the microphone and ability to sell a storyline.

    Heyman has been at the heart of professional wrestling since 1987 and has forged himself a career as a booker, manager, interviewer, CEO and star of the show.

    And on this week’s RAW we saw these attributes come together in true Heyman fashion as he set about hyping up this month’s Battleground main event between Lesnar and Seth Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight title.

    Taking to the ring alongside his destructive brute, Heyman did what he does best, coining such phrases as ‘The Mayor of Suplex City’ and ‘The Beast of Battleground’ to describe his ally.

    It is this wordplay and ability to develop a story to the liking (or disliking, they’re equally effective) of the fans that truly sets him apart from anyone else.

    It means that the absence of Lesnar week-in, week-out is less of a blow thanks to the mastery of Heyman.

    As long as he is in the ring, doing the talking on behalf of his wrestler, no momentum is lost and a rivalry can develop without the need of constant exchanges between the Superstars.

    Heyman’s true value can be seen in the fact that Vince McMahon moved to great lengths to get him on board at the WWE.

    The two had a fierce rivalry as two combatant companies and some of the things Heyman has previously roared in the direction of McMahon cannot be repeated in this article.

    But, McMahon being the savvy businessman he is, knew that Heyman would be an asset.

    Not an asset in the shape of diminishing a rival brand, but an asset that would improve his own company.

    And Heyman has done just that.

    You can be sure that the WWE Universe will look forward as much to Heyman’s promos as any of his wrestler’s matches, a rare commodity for a role that in recent years has diminished.

    With Heyman at the fore, however, the abrasive manager lives on and reverberates around your living room in fantastic voice.

    HEYMAN’S BEST QUOTES

    Heyman on life
    “You cannot achieve success without the risk of failure. And I learned a long time ago you cannot achieve success if you fear failure. If you’re not afraid to fail, man you have a chance to succeed. But you’re never gonna get there unless you risk it, all the way.”

    Heyman on his legal history
    “I’ve been sued more times than Martha Stewart.”

    Heyman to McMahon
    “Hey McMahon, I’ve gotta tell you something.  You impress me as an announcer.  If this WWF thing does not work out for you, we could actually give you a job in ECW”

    Heyman describing Jerry ‘the King’ Lawler
    “You said anyone can get extreme.  I doubt very seriously that the court jester sitting next to you could ever be extreme.”

    Heyman speaking after Lesnar defeats Cena at SumemrSlam in 2014
    “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman, and I’m the one behind the one who conquered the one who thought he was the one to beat the 1 in 21-1.” 

    Speaking after teaming with Lesnar against the Hardy Boyz at Judgment Day in 2002
    “For one thing, I’m not qualified to do this. For another thing, I don’t have the balls these guys have. It’s so easy to take what these guys do for granted. People don’t realize just how dangerous this business really is. Something as simple as a backdrop, if you land on your head just a little you can break your neck…It’s an exceedingly dangerous business, but these guys make it look easy. Tonight was a testament to their work ethic and a testament to their courage. It takes a lot of courage to do what they do so regularly.” 

    Referring to a 1992 WCW match vs. Madusa, the last time he had competed in the ring prior to Judgment Day
    “It took 10 years for people in this business to kill that from their memories!”

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