On Friday night, the legendary Paul Heyman will take his place among the immortals, when he’s inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2024. And, quite frankly? That’s exactly where he belongs; there’s absolutely no debate. And the fact that WrestleMania 40 weekend is taking place in the fighting city of Philadelphia brings it all full circle.
As a mouthy manager, a precocious promoter, and eventually a ‘Wise Man’, he has worn many hats and played several roles in his pro wrestling lifetime. Along the way, he carved out a unique and decorated legacy. Each chapter of his journey through sports entertainment has been special – in its very own way.
Through different names, faces, eras, and trends, he’s the type of individual who has constantly evolved. Like a chameleon, Paul Heyman can seemingly change his colors and adapt to whatever environment he’s put in.
That’s why, in many wrestling circles, he’s known as a ‘survivor’. Just like he has been for over 35 years now.
Paul Heyman has been Hustling his Whole Life
There’s no doubt that Paul Heyman was a young man in a hurry. He started in professional wrestling as a teenager, working as a ringside photographer in the New York area. Eventually, he moved on to become a manager. That’s when his young career truly blossomed.
Bursting on the scene as ‘Paul E. Dangerously’ – a spin on Michael Keaton’s ‘Johnny Dangerously‘ character, as he and the actor looked similar in the 1980s – Heyman made his name traveling from territory to territory. From the East Coast, the South, Minnesota, to Jim Crockett Promotions and WCW. That’s where he truly came into his own – forming the ‘Dangerous Alliance’ and managing iconic superstars like Steve Austin, Rick Rude, Arn Anderson, Madusa, and many others.
When he moved on from there, he started the revolution that would eventually become Extreme Championship Wrestling. As one of the most influential and innovative promotions ever, it didn’t take long before other companies started ‘borrowing’ several of Heyman’s best ideas. (Even though – at the time – many professed to hate the ECW product and claimed to have ignored it.)
Paul Heyman started his pro-wrestling career at the age of 13.
Tonight, Heyman takes his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame.
Congrats, @HeymanHustle ? pic.twitter.com/xqTP17aReb
— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) April 5, 2024
Then, there’s his career with WWE, where he has undoubtedly been the best manager/advisor/advocate in the sports entertainment industry for the better part of this century. It seems that no matter who is in the main event title picture? One thing you can count on… Paul Heyman will likely be standing there in the ring with them.
He’s been that much of a focal point in the promotion’s programming and also just as influential behind the scenes. He’s also a big reason why the current WWE product has been so much better as of late.
Heyman’s Influence is Far-Reaching
To say that Paul Heyman has influenced the industry would be an understatement. He launched factions, promotions, and careers that we will never forget. He re-defined the role of a manager, or ‘cornerman’, in professional wrestling. But most of all? He boosted the careers of some of the biggest names of the modern era.
Even more amazing is that throughout the entire time, he’s also always remained one of the most talented onscreen performers and greatest orators that we’ve ever seen on our TV screens.
? BREAKING: Paul Heyman announced on #WWERAW that Roman Reigns will induct him into the HOF at #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/mVhSwKa6ph
— The Ringside Roster- Wrestling News & Rumors (@RingsideRoster) April 2, 2024
Many people pass through the world of sports entertainment without leaving any mark whatsoever. Not everyone has the appeal to do much more than be a flash in the pan and then go out with a whimper. But Heyman has left his bold fingerprints across five decades now.
It won’t just be an honor when he finally walks across the stage to step into the Hall of Fame. It’s a validation of a crazy, controversial, and yet amazing career.
The funny thing is? He still isn’t done. He’s already indicated that he’s not ready to retire anytime soon. So by the time it’s all over, Paul Heyman will be remembered forever as one of the most influential people that pro wrestling has ever seen.
And that’s not just a prediction… That’s a spoiler.
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Ryan K Boman is the author of the 2023 book, Pop Music & Peanut Butter: A Collection of Essays about Embracing Life with Laughter & Love. His previous work has appeared at The Miami Herald, SB Nation, Bounding into Sports, and Yardbarker. Follow him on social media @RyanKBoman.
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