Jeff Jarrett is pleased that Paul Heyman will become a WWE Hall of Famer later this year, but has questioned why his induction took so long.
On a recent edition of his “My World” podcast, Jarrett spoke about Heyman’s impending induction and recalled working with the Bloodline’s special counsel. He said,
“The first thing that came to my mind on ol’ Paul E, you know, he made his Memphis run and came down and managed Tommy Rich and Austin Idol. That’s the first place I met Paul. I think about that and the last couple of years that me and Paul actually traveled quite a bit together. He’s obviously a character and does some impersonations. We’re just gonna say, you know, he was executive director. He’s been behind the scenes, promoter, booker, and all that, but just as an on-screen talent, I have to ask myself, what took so long?”
Heyman is the first name to be confirmed for this year’s 2024 Hall of Fame class. Notorious tough wrestler Haku/Meng has been rumored for this year’s class.
Paul Heyman, the renowned wrestling personality and mastermind behind some of the most iconic storylines in professional wrestling, is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame later this year. While many fans and industry insiders are thrilled about this news, there are some, like Jeff Jarrett, who question why it took so long for Heyman to receive this honor.
Jarrett, a former professional wrestler himself and a close acquaintance of Heyman, recently discussed his thoughts on Heyman’s impending induction on his podcast, “My World.” He reminisced about their time working together and expressed his surprise that Heyman’s on-screen talent had not been recognized earlier.
“The first thing that came to my mind on ol’ Paul E, you know, he made his Memphis run and came down and managed Tommy Rich and Austin Idol. That’s the first place I met Paul,” Jarrett said. “I think about that and the last couple of years that me and Paul actually traveled quite a bit together. He’s obviously a character and does some impersonations. We’re just gonna say, you know, he was executive director. He’s been behind the scenes, promoter, booker, and all that, but just as an on-screen talent, I have to ask myself, what took so long?”
Heyman’s contributions to the world of professional wrestling are undeniable. He first gained prominence as the mastermind behind Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), a promotion known for its gritty, innovative style. Heyman’s creative genius and ability to push boundaries helped ECW become a cult favorite among wrestling fans.
After ECW folded in 2001, Heyman joined WWE (then known as WWF) as a writer and producer. He played a crucial role in shaping storylines and characters during the company’s highly successful “Attitude Era.” Heyman’s work behind the scenes eventually led to him becoming an on-screen talent, where he portrayed the character of a manipulative and cunning manager.
Heyman’s most notable on-screen role came when he became the advocate for Brock Lesnar, one of the most dominant and feared wrestlers in recent history. Heyman’s captivating promos and his ability to generate intense heat for Lesnar made their partnership one of the most compelling storylines in WWE.
In addition to his managerial skills, Heyman has also excelled as a commentator and a creative consultant. His unique insight into the wrestling business and his ability to connect with the audience have made him a valuable asset to any promotion he has been associated with.
While Heyman’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame is well-deserved, it does raise questions about the criteria and timing of inductions. There have been other individuals who have made significant contributions to professional wrestling but have yet to be recognized by the Hall of Fame. This has led to debates among fans and industry insiders about who should be honored and when.
Nevertheless, Heyman’s induction serves as a reminder of his immense impact on the wrestling industry. His innovative storytelling, charismatic persona, and ability to create memorable moments have left an indelible mark on the sport. As fans eagerly await his official induction ceremony, they can reflect on the legacy of Paul Heyman and appreciate his contributions to the world of professional wrestling.