3-time WWE Women's Champion reflects on the impact of Paul Heyman's mentorship
WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman has been in the wrestling business for over three decades, popularly known for his managerial role and promo skills. Naturally, many wrestlers have had the opportunity to learn from The Wiseman.
One name who learned a lot from Heyman during her time is WWE is the two-time SmackDown Women's Champion, and a one-time RAW Women's Champion, Ronda Rousey.
The Baddest Woman on the Planet suffered an upset at the hands of Shayna Baszler in her last WWE match at SummerSlam 2023. Following that Rousey launched her memoir in which she criticized her time in the Stamford-based promotion and Vince McMahon's creative.
Despite bashing World Wrestling Entertainment, the former RAW Women's Champion holds utmost respect for Paul Heyman since the two worked together backstage. During an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Ronda Rousey claimed that the 58-year-old legend has encouraged her creatively and inspired her to do more.
"He’s [Paul Heyman] one of the few people who really encouraged me creatively. He showed me I’m so much more than just what my body can do. That’s how so many people see me–as an athlete, as a fighter. It’s all about performing, being on camera, focusing on what I can do physically–but it was different with Paul," she said. [H/T: Sports Illustrated]
Paul Heyman was attacked on WWE SmackDown
On the June 28 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, a "Bloodline Acknowledgment Ceremony" took place. Solo Sikoa took charge and asked Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu one by one to acknowledge him as the new Tribal Chief.
When Sikoa turned his attention to Heyman, the veteran refused to acknowledge him as the new leader of The Bloodline in the absence of Roman Reigns. The Street Champion got furious and brutally laid out The Wiseman.
After being Triple-Powerbombed through the announcer's table, Paul Heyman was sent to the hospital. Corey Graves on Monday Night RAW speculated that the WWE Hall of Famer could be on a hiatus for a long time. It remains to be seen if Roman Reigns potentially returns soon alongside the 58-year-old to end Sikoa's tyranny.