WWE Superstar Paul Heyman Talks HOF, The Rock, Roman Reigns & More with Rich Eisen | Full Interview

WWE Superstar Paul Heyman and Rich Eisen discuss is impending Hall of Fame induction, the incredible origins of his career in wrestling that started all the way back in high school, the greatness of Roman Reigns and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s return to wrestling.
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[@renegadeoffunk32]

Everything Paul touches turns to gold. Could not be more deserving of the Hall of Fame ❤

[@alexjimenez7426]

I think he is tremendously talented and great wrestling mind but um ….. yeah… let’s no gloss over how he ran ECW.

[@natemcarthur359]

I was about to say. *ahem* ECW

[@tayubhussain46]

Curtis Axel?

[@OikPoinFive]

​lol! After wwe said Paul was going in hof i suddenly remembered he mngd Curtis Axel. Then remembered that weird angle when he mngd Ryback. Didn't Paul mng cm punk too?

[@OikPoinFive]

​@@tayubhussain46I remember when triple h suddenly came out and pedigreed Axel on raw and left the ring! I was like wth? Later on I realized he did this to get back at Axels dad, Mr Perfect, who quit wwf in late 1996 shortly after Mr Perfect turned on ic champ Marc Mero and then mngd HHH! But triple h you didn't get back at Mr P because he was dead. Hhh held long grudge vs Mr Perfect lol. He also was envious of Paul Roma, a midcarder! Why? Later I knew Triple H was jealous of Paul Roma joining the 4 Horsemen on his debut in wcw and hunter was in wcw then and probably wanted to tag w flair. Hunter and scsa were jealous of their former wcw colleague Johnny b Badd gtg a 1st guaranteed contract in 1996. Hunter took verbal jabs at Mero too!

[@lg3385]

"Ladies and gentlemen....my name is PAUL HEYMAN"

[@SaarMizrahi-qt3bl]

Paul Heyman could've been a legit inductee as far back as 2004 if WWE wanted it, and no one would've complained. 20 years later, he's far surpassed that. The GOAT of managers.

[@jeffwolfgang6955]

He could have been 10 years before that for his early work.

[@ramin9510]

Glad the WWE is giving him his flowers now while he's still around. Well deserved .

[@Dusterbugless]

He kept turning it down

[@thatboybear]

Most inductees are still alive. It’s just most get inducted after retirement. Heyman kinda bucked the trend with that one.

[@BreakingImageFilms]

It’s only because Vince was fired and doesn’t call the shots anymore. If Vince was still in charge there’s no way he would let Heyman go on a talk show or be in the hall of fame

[@MikeyD727]

He kept turning the induction down. They wanted him the hall of fame years ago

[@natebaxter9551]

He and Roman did First Take when Vince was in charge ​@@BreakingImageFilms

[@CuriousPug12]

man... i used to hate paul because he such a great heel manager but now i adore this man what a LEGEND and he deserve every accolades that comes to him

[@Skeezer66]

Can we acknowledge Paul Heyman as an all-time great?

[@mayson9817]

Everyone already knew that 🤔

[@batmaneatspizza]

We acknowledge him already as the goat

[@alexanderwatters6556]

Oh yeah

[@KitsGravity]

He is a big shot in wrestling and highly acclaimed. So everyone gives him credit for that. He is one of the most influential people in the business.

[@NK-wy8wp]

@@batmaneatspizzaidk about GOAT, people throw that word around too loosely nowadays.

[@tommycochran1019]

Heyman is the textbook “BS until you make it” candidate

[@_Pauper_]

& the 1st to admit it

[@OikPoinFive]

@johnnycochran1019'3d ago

[@csw3287]

Cornette Should Induct Paul

[@letschatandjam]

Paul Heyman has the greatest mind in professional wrestling. I grew up watching him. Thank you Paul for all the great memories.

[@sparkitmiguel]

tj bro i felt it when your voice got shaky speaking about and to the greatness that is paul heyman. flowers to you for being able to show such a beautiful soul the respect he deserves

[@tjjefferson5973]

I went on a little too long, but the man deserves his flowers, haha! Thanks for watching!

[@sparkitmiguel]

@@tjjefferson5973 thank you for bringing it every week! love the show, love you guys! man this is awesome. seeing you see this made my whole week

[@FrazTHG]

​@@tjjefferson5973You said pretty much what this die hard old school wrestling fan wanted to say. ECW alone was such a huge part of my wrestling heritage and seeing Paul at The Elks Lodge in Queens NYC give a speech about clearing Cablevision is a memory I'll never forget.

[@jackinthebox1990]

@@tjjefferson5973 you crushed it! Most fans wouldn’t have been able to get anything out haha

[@actingartwork]

Wanna know just how damned good this man is? When he answered Eisen's question about his HOF speech, he was wickedly sly about promoting the WM main event right out of the gate and flawlessly made it feel like a very honest response. Heyman is an absolute master of his craft.

[@pisto30]

TJ left out "Beautiful" Bobby Eaton from the Dangerous Alliance. If they ever decide to create a Paul Heyman Funko Pop, they definitely need a version of him with that iconic cellphone. Great interview, I wish it had been longer. Can't wait for the HOF.

[@316EMPIRE]

Bobby Eaton was the man.

[@tjjefferson5973]

Shoot, I did?? My bad. Much respect to Earl Robert Eaton! Appreciate you watching!

[@M6nster]

I like that they let him fanboy out with Paul. Hella dope!

[@tjjefferson5973]

Thanks!

[@CampItClub]

His Vince Sr/picture story sound like how Peter Parker got his job at the paper.

[@lulu-hm2xp]

I wouldn't doubt Heyman somehow encouraged that photographer to throw bottles 😂

[@jmacleod4934]

I had the pleasure of meeting Paul when he was traveling the South advertising for ECW's weekly tv show. Even though i was just security that had been assigned to him he still treated me with the utmost respect. He is a humble, down to earth, funny person (sorry if this breaks your kayfabe lol) it was truly a time i will never forget. Truly enjoyed or conversation.

[@jimlafferty1180]

Heyman is where he is because of his tenacity. Good for him. Great story that all can learn from.

[@JB-tp6uj]

I love how TJ just got to be a fan. You can tell he really respects the history of the business and Paul's place in it.

[@tjjefferson5973]

Appreciate that. I think I might have fan boy'd out a little TOO much, but Hey...it's not everyday you get to chop it up with The Wise Man! Thanks for watching!

[@JB-tp6uj]

​@@tjjefferson5973 Always a pleasure to watch. You guys have great chemistry.

[@MRHEEL-ys2rq]

I ACKNOWLEDGE THE WISE MAN

[@mambaregime]

Paul E Dangerously is Top Tier everything as far as Wrestling is concerned! People still chanting ECW 30 years later..most of em who never saw 1 match/show. Crazy that he's still going so strong...but somehow not surprising.!

[@joeshoffner4893]

Hey Paul Heyman ,You've showed real dedication throughout the years ,when you get inducted it's really about you no one else, it's a moment in time to give you recognition and acknowledgement of the hard work and sacrifices you've made to make WWE better throughout the years ,love your heart man

[@clinton.gannaway]

As a wrestling fan it was so awesome to see TJ light up speaking with Paulie! Thanks for the vid guys I was dying laughing!

[@sparkitmiguel]

same. very touching to see tj get emotional. you can tell he was nervous cause thats someone he respects and probably idolizes so much and we only get very few, if any, chances to do that in our lives

[@ill-nois2282]

Paul is invested heavily in this Bloodline story like a true professional. I just hope he can take a step back and smell the roses for the night of his HOF induction, well deserved.

[@keonhall9702]

Even when Rich inserted The Rock into the interview, Paul still made it clear that this is Roman’s time. That’s excellent work right there. He’s one of the greatest managers of all time.

[@BluesFanUK_]

Rock's not an attraction because of his global Hollywood reputation, he's the single biggest attraction to WWE right now because of the enormity of his success between 1997 to 2002 as a full time WWF superstar. He's basically doing a Stone Cold - stuck two fingers up at the PG era and is bringing some Attitude back.

[@josepheskandrous2567]

Finally someone said this

[@waynetables6414]

Paul isn’t being serious. It’s a work, he’s putting Roman over. He doesn’t put Rock over because he doesn’t need it

[@BluesFanUK_]

@@waynetables6414 Fully aware it's all a work, i'm sure even Heyman is dying inside having to spew that much BS, but his point on the Rock doesn't really have anything to do with Roman, a better work angle would be the greatest superstar of the Attitude Era elevating Roman to levels we've never seen before (or maybe that would be too laughable for him to say it out loud).

[@waynetables6414]

@@BluesFanUK_ it does have to do with Roman because what Herman is saying is that Roman made WWE so massive that an A list movie star like the Rock had to come and be part of it. He’s setting up their feud. It’s supposed to be ridiculous he’s just being a heel.

[@hawaiianaf2308]

Love how he got into the wrestling business.

[@anti-socialcustoms8441]

I will forever love this man.👑

[@trevorcarey3997]

I remember watching Paul in NWA in the 1980s when he was a manager with a mullet holding a cordless phone (used it to whack wrestlers) and now he's bald with a cellular phone to call the tribal chief.

[@mambaregime]

Paul blessed us with prime Missy Hyatt!

[@lifeasafanpodcast9529]

If the gimmick works just upgrade with the times 😅😅

[@_BigTimer85]

Ah yes, who can forget the brick cellphone that he carried everywhere

[@camschuster5947]

Can’t believe I’m saying this, but he has a case of being the greatest manager of all time. Never thought anyone would surpass The Brain Bobby. But Pauly is the 🐐 in my book.

[@DreamChaser1252]

Meh....... top 5

[@suites.74]

He gets bonus points for being a booker, owner, and advocate backstage for so many greats. He defended Undertaker when WCW didn't think he was worth it, he fought for Steve Austin before anyone else did. And of course he's the reason CM Punk became champion in WWE

[@lpn8585]

He is numero uno

[@DreamChaser1252]

@@lpn8585 he's not even in my top 5 but you are entitled to your opinion and I'm entitled to mine!!!

[@jensjesfjeld6238]

Respect that but I advise you to study the career of Jimmy Hart.

[@nunya6747]

Heyman is an absolute treasure, glad hes getting credit now

[@dakidfromknowhere765]

Rich really enjoyed this interview

[@ronaldmarbut8104]

The pop for Paul Heyman in philly when he's inducted will be insane

[@andymassingham]

I have been watching wrestling since ‘79. A total work in progress here, folks. Paul is the best talker/BS-er since Bobby Heenan. A lot of swerving/evading done brilliantly here by the current master. I was laughing a lot during this because so many doors are left open…he’s a very good actor. Looking forward to the shifting tides forthcoming. Good segment well played.

[@_Pauper_]

So accurate

[@willh69]

It's amazing that guys like this who you see growing up playing background parts are so phenomenally accomplished in and of themselves

[@thatboybear]

Paul Heyman and Eddie Kingston are two guys you can never quite tell when they’re working you or actually shooting. They slip so easily and smoothly into promo mode, that you’re just sitting there, nodding along, and then go, “Hey, wait; he’s selling a match. When did we pivot?” Dudes are just geniuses on the mic.

[@jeffwolfgang6955]

Heyman is always working us. And to him, it always is a shoot, because he believes it all. It's true even when he is lying.

[@coachmikegagliardicoachmik9041]

Amazing interview and amazing personality Mr Heyman has! Enjoy it

[@Fantasyremix]

Paul's appearance on the Rick Rubin podcast is one of the greatest you'll ever hear.

[@Roy-ms8vt]

The Wiseman speech is going be epic

[@magesentron]

Can you imagine? He's being inducted into the Hall of Fame and he's worried about what the crowd might think. That's the soul of a performer, on display, right there. I can't think of a more deserving individual for the Hall of Fame at the moment and I hope he has many happy years in the business and beyond.

[@GreenBayPack]

I can't wait to hear his speech. Love hearing his stories. He's done so much in his career. Everything from helping the future Taker get a meeting with McMahon even though he was working for WCW at the time, running ECW with no money, and eventually managing three of the biggest stars in modern wrestling history. Saying he deserves it is an understatement.

[@stuartscovel7526]

Really great interview

[@jamesbraxton6085]

Fantastic interview

[@copenormcbrokelegsproperra2909]

I know even Paul says Bobby "The Brain" Heenan is the greatest manager/talker type role in pro-wrestling. But I do think Paul has earned it to the point that's he practically tied now.

[@raffin2040]

Good interview. It’s always fun when pro wrestling crosses over into the mainstream. Heyman is one of the greatest talkers of all time. Love listening to him cut promos 😂

[@BarbellsandBBQ]

I could listen to Paul tell stories for hours. Good stuff

[@robtom619]

Legend.

[@Lgp2324]

Great listen.

[@mauriceproctor4967]

Watching him for decades he is one of the best guys ever. He is a talent that wrestling needed for a long time. And he can cut a promo.

[@spc3461]

Mr Paul Heyman the wise man of pro wrestling industry.

[@joer9323]

I truly love hearing this man talk about his history in the wrestling business. So much knowledge and insight in that marvelous brain.

[@danielriverasr2845]

Lived down the block from the Wisemans old stomping grounds (gun hill and reservoir) never knew this!

[@davesollows7534]

Paul ...still a class act out of school..i agree about learning as you earn i started to dj in 1986 ... i have guys now who went to school for audio / video that can't do what i do .. keep that same energy Mr. Heyman 😊

[@Sugarshaine94]

Damn I wish he was in-studio, amazing interview and well deserved. Heyman had a mind for the business and wanted to change so much about it. A trendsetter and beyond! ECW! ECW! ECW!

[@dharris1084able]

Simple.. I see Paul I click

[@BadBoy47]

One of the smartest men in not just wrestling but all of entertainment. One of the GOATs of pro wrestling

[@Ifoughtpiranhas]

King Haku/Meng for WWE HOF '24!

[@lpn8585]

Feel so Happy for TJ. You should clip the TJ segment and make its on video for it. TJ’s awesome. Rich you might want to bankroll a TJ wrestling show on Roku too. He knows his stuff.

[@yankeezfan4life1]

Paul Heyman speaking about anything is pure gold! He shoots off the hip so effortlessly and has the whole room laughing our asses off while in awe at the same time.

[@stingrey1571]

roman reigns as the tribal chief is one of the key moments proving vince macmahon had lost it. he insisting on roman being cena 2.0 and it wasnt working.

[@SeanzViewEnt]

Incredible

[@CTNoah2785]

Protect this man at all costs. He is a gem A living legend

[@JustinBanet]

One more have enjoyed hearing about your start as photography, finding your place to fit in, and your journey. Loved what you added to wrestling/sports entertainment. Ladies and gentlemen, gentleman and ladies comes from listening to you. Its kinda a local thing here in Louisville that went worldw 2:56 ide. Keep going. And congrats on your induction into the hall of fame.

[@chayes995]

Great interview! Live the fact that Paul was out of character throughout this interview, nice to see this side of this great wiseman!

[@johnthomas2501]

i was there in 83 to see them in panama city florida

[@PeterTeehan]

There are G.O.A.TS in every faucet of life but then there is Paul Heyman. He is one of one, there will be no one else like him. Celebrate the moment because whenever does write the final chapter there will be no other that can match him.

[@brianguider3873]

This was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@babayagaslobbedaknobba]

Congrats on a great career, Wiseman!

[@brianhopson2072]

Pretty good interview. I'm a little surprised he brought up brock. Heyman is always a fun guy to listen to.

[@boreilly82]

Quality stuff here from Heyman, as usual. The man sure can speak.

[@noblewarrior8848]

In the entire history of professional wrestling, if there was one person I could have dinner with it would be Paul Heyman

[@cantgetright742]

Paul E. Is one of the greatest of all time. Definitely the greatest in modern times. Thanks Paul.

[@CLP921]

I would love to see Paul Heyman in studio with rich. Watching this live made my week. 😊

[@tjjefferson5973]

I've wanted those 2 to connect for years now. I knew they'd have a great chat. Thanks for watching!

[@ShadyLizack]

His hof speech is going to be legendary 🙌

[@IceMan2035]

So well deserved

[@alfredarroyo4668]

You can hear TJ being so excited I love it!

[@JustJefferson]

That’s why Paul never misses when he goes out there. Very few have ever read the room as well as Paul can and he made a career out of always killing it with speeches. He’s the best.

[@LBlucher13]

I love that Dusty Rhodes played a key role in Paul Heyman's ascent to wrestling stardom since both are so deserving to be on the Mount Rushmore of Promo-Cutting.

[@kshinokevin]

Imagine seeing Paul E. Dangerously (Paul Heyman) getting a bit role on Law and Order : SVU with Fin (Ice T), Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) or Organized Crime (if this TV show get's renewed) = with Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni). With the latter, it would be a full circle.

[@OriginalRyan]

Epitome of turning passion into work.

[@leeblankley2029]

PH is one of the best things to ever grace the WWE. Such a powerful guy who for me is largely underrated. Congrats on the induction to the HOF

[@alant9517]

The lag from his video but perfect audio quality is hilarious

[@puckingrufus56]

Love that Paul isn’t writing a speech. He’s gonna call it in the ring like a true GOAT. 🐐

[@standardprotocolformat6090]

Great insight into How Paul got started

[@davidbridgeman5828]

Paul is the head of the table! Congratulations Paul on the HOF induction!

[@marcrapaccuiolo2406]

I can listen to Paul talk all fn day 😂

[@briansopha7616]

Hope they let Paul talk. He's someone that everyone loves and has a great personality. Long overdue

[@JKralik2777]

So excited for him to get inducted in philly. Where it all started with ecw

[@donniew1968]

Paul Heyman took fake it till you make it and turned it into an art. A true legend in the wrestling business and a true visionary.

[@Platform28]

2nd greatest manager of all time Paul Heyman, just behind thee greatest manager of all time Bobby The Brain Heenan!

[@Feegle32]

I would still put Corny at #2, but both of them put Heenan first.

[@Platform28]

@Feegle32 good point.. Cornett was amazing and is so under rated

[@musicmakemehigh7170]

He should have already been in the Wrestling Hall of Fame....... Paul Heyman is one of the greatest talents that's not a wrestler in the business. Bobby The Brain was great, Heyman is in the same room.

[@dhornjr1]

I was thinking the same thing. He should have been in sooner. But, maybe they were waiting to get the ceremony to Philadelphia, the home of ECW, to do it.

[@longjohn526]

I heard he turned it down a couple of times because it wasn't the right time

[@KlaySmith-mn6dj]

He said it himself recently that he kept turning it down because his work wasn’t finished. He’s only accepting now because its Philadelphia and he can’t really turn that down.

[@thatboybear]

They typically induct folk after they retire, so I wouldn’t have expected him to cross so soon.

[@baileyslife3469]

I had no idea about that Vince senior story or the dusty Rhodes story incredible

[@bigoz169]

There's going to be the biggest pop of the ECW chant the world has ever heard or seen tell me I'm wrong.

[@JustJefferson]

Another thing…. I never thought there would be another talent to come along that would surpass Bobby Heenan as the single greatest entertainer in Wrestling….. but it’s Paul. There’s nothing he doesn’t do well. I would only say that Bobby was a tremendous worker as well, that would be his only edge on Paul (And his comedic timing) but all around, the longevity, being literally a hall of fame worthy performer/leader in WCW/ECW/WWE…. Writing, managing, performing…. The epic speeches that made grown men willing to die for him, the promo’s where he instantly got people over , those who got over simply by aligning with him….. he’s never botched anything in the mic, I’d put his mic work up against anyone ever in the business…. I just can’t put this guy over enough. He’s money, always has been…. Always will be.

[@randys8974]

Such a good story teller

[@Mrx35ful]

I agree with you. The Dangerous Alliance is the most unrated wrestling faction ever. Rick Rude, Steve Austin, Arn Anderson, Bobby Eaton, Medusa, Larry Zbyszko.

[@Ndihrkop]

I could listen him talk about anything and it would be exciting.

[@Rick-Rarick]

Legendary.

[@ginoabboud4365]

You can see Paul getting emotional while hearing a fan really appreciate him and bring up new Jack especially

[@calvinball1]

Paul Heyman has had such an outsized impact on wrestling. I don't believe the WWE would have stayed at the top of the mountain without him. His work in ECW influenced the WWE greatly. Without it I don't think we get the Attitude era with TLC matches. Then he was a lot of the creative behind the Smackdown 6 era, still beloved to this day, he ushered Lesnar onto the center stage, and now is a creative force behind the Bloodline and a whole industry revival. I don't know if you can point to another individual who has had a bigger positive impact on wrestling.

[@mangotoosmooth]

I acknowledge my wise man ☝🏻

[@gplaven]

Heyman is a legend.