On a recent edition of his “The Kurt Angle Show” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle discussed WWE removing Paul Heyman as the Head of SmackDown creative in late 2004, the impact of that move, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On the news: “I heard the day that he got let go, and I was really a little upset, a little surprised. Paul was really creative, and he did an incredible job with writing for SmackDown. I mean, he did storylines that were pretty cool. But the cool thing about it was he made SmackDown a wrestling show. We had so many good athletes on that show, and we weren’t the storyline show. SmackDown was more of a wrestling show, but the stuff that Paul Heyman added to it made it really intriguing. And it was just sad to see Paul go.”
On whether he was worried about who would replace Heyman: “No, I knew they would find a good replacement, and they did. There was a kid named Dave Lagana, and yeah, he got the opportunity. I believe Brian Gewirtz was still the head writer for Raw. Dave Lagana started writing for SmackDown. He was the lead writer, and he did a pretty good job. So he wasn’t Paul Heyman by any means, but he did a good job.”
On whether he experienced issues between Vince McMahon and Heyman: “I was going to the meetings, I think I told you that a couple of months ago. Every once in a while, Vince would have to yell at him because Heyman would get all excited. And Vince was like, ‘Shut the hell up, Paul.’ So yeah, it was one of those things. Vince always treated him like a redheaded stepchild. He just had this way about him that he just felt Paul was annoying, and Paul was just being him. Yeah, he was really creative. So Vince liked a lot of stuff he said. And some stuff he didn’t like.”
On the duo of Heyman and Brian Gewirtz: “Can’t get a better duo. Those guys are like a home run. Listen, Paul was more of a serious kind of program. But Brian was more comedy. Yeah, that’s about the only difference between the two. Brian was more of a comedy writer, and Paul was more of a serious program writer. He did a fantastic job. Yes, he did. He did a fantastic job.”
On the working relationship of Stephanie McMahon and Heyman at the time: “They always got along. Yeah, from what I saw, I honestly think they got along extremely well.”
On whether it was a weird change of leadership heading into a pay-per-view event: “Yeah, it was a little unique. But Dave Lagana was there for a while, so se had already been there. We were familiar with him. So it wasn’t that bad to the extent that it was like, “Guys, we’re we don’t know what to do. We’re lost.’ Dave Lagana picked up the pieces and kept going.”
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In the world of professional wrestling, the behind-the-scenes creative team plays a crucial role in shaping the storylines and characters that captivate audiences. One notable figure in this realm is Paul Heyman, who made a significant impact during his tenure as the Head of SmackDown creative in WWE. However, in late 2004, Heyman was removed from his position, leaving fans and wrestlers alike surprised and saddened by the decision.
During a recent episode of “The Kurt Angle Show” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle discussed Heyman’s departure and the impact it had on the SmackDown brand. Angle expressed his disappointment, stating that Heyman was incredibly creative and did an incredible job with writing for SmackDown. He praised Heyman for making the show more focused on wrestling and creating intriguing storylines that showcased the talent of the athletes on the roster.
Despite his disappointment, Angle was not worried about finding a suitable replacement for Heyman. He mentioned that Dave Lagana, a talented writer, took over as the lead writer for SmackDown. While Lagana wasn’t Heyman, Angle acknowledged that he did a good job in his new role.
Angle also shed light on the working relationship between Heyman and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. He revealed that McMahon would occasionally get frustrated with Heyman’s enthusiasm and tell him to “shut the hell up.” McMahon had a complex dynamic with Heyman, appreciating his creativity but also finding him annoying at times.
Heyman’s partnership with Brian Gewirtz was another highlight of his time on SmackDown. Angle described them as a perfect duo, with Heyman focusing on serious programs while Gewirtz brought comedy to the table. Their collaboration resulted in fantastic storytelling that resonated with fans.
In terms of Heyman’s relationship with Stephanie McMahon, Angle stated that they got along extremely well. This positive rapport likely contributed to the success of the creative team during Heyman’s tenure.
The timing of Heyman’s departure was also a point of discussion. Angle admitted that it was a unique situation, as the change in leadership occurred just before a pay-per-view event. However, Lagana had already been working with the team for a while, so the transition was not as disruptive as it could have been. Lagana picked up the pieces and continued moving forward with the creative direction.
Overall, Heyman’s removal as the Head of SmackDown creative in 2004 left a void in the WWE landscape. His innovative storytelling and emphasis on wrestling made SmackDown a must-watch show. While his departure was met with disappointment, the creative team, led by Lagana, stepped up to ensure the continued success of the brand.
In the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling, the impact of creative minds like Paul Heyman cannot be understated. Their contributions shape the narratives that keep fans engaged and invested in the product. Heyman’s time on SmackDown left an indelible mark, and his legacy continues to influence the industry today.