Popular star makes bold statement after announcing AEW exit - "I want to be the Paul Heyman"

A top star who recently departed from AEW wants to follow in the footsteps of Paul Heyman. The star in question is none other than CJ Perry (fka Lana).

The 58-year-old is one of the greatest managers in professional wrestling. The veteran has managed championship-caliber superstars like Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Big Show, and more. The creator of ECW was inducted into the 2024 class of the WWE Hall of Fame at WrestleMania weekend earlier this year.

Speaking in an interview with USA Today, CJ Perry, who announced her AEW exit in the same interview, spoke about how she wants to continue her managerial role in professional wrestling. The former WWE star further stated that she wants to become a manager like Paul Heyman.

"I'm really focused on finding talent and cultivating them and helping them become the best wrestler, champion possible, I guess you could say I want to be the Paul Heyman." [H/T: USA Today]

​

Ronda Rousey praises WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman

Former RAW Women's Champion Ronda Rousey spent a notable amount of time in WWE. However, fans seemingly turned on her during her run with the Stamford-based promotion. Speaking in an interview with CBS Sports, Rousey called Heyman the backbone of the wrestling industry and explained how every major storyline leads back to him.

​

"I feel like he's the absolute backbone of that entire industry. People don't see the backbone. It is hidden underneath the body, but he is literally everyone's mentor. Every successful storyline has its roots back into him. I think the industry would be a shell of itself without him," Rousey said.

Ronda Rousey left the WWE in 2023 after putting over Shayna Bazsler. She has been very vocal about her time with the company and has bashed the creative for her booking. It will be interesting to see if The Rowdy One ever returns to WWE.

​