On August 18, during the live broadcast of WWE RAW in Philadelphia, Paul Heyman sparked controversy by launching a harsh verbal attack on wrestling legend Tommy Dreamer. The intense moment unfolded amid an episode featuring top WWE stars, highlighting Heyman’s forceful promo that startled fans and wrestlers alike.
Hostile Remarks Target Wrestling Veteran Tommy Dreamer
As Monday Night RAW kicked off with Seth “Freakin” Rollins and his faction The Vision showcasing their presence, Paul Heyman took center stage to deliver a provocative speech. After promptly introducing himself and acknowledging emerging talents such as Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, Heyman was interrupted by the arrival of Jey Uso. Uso challenged The Vision directly from the crowd, accusing them of overconfidence. Heyman then resumed, praising Philadelphia’s wrestling legacy and the unforgettable names from ECW, before sharply turning his focus on Tommy Dreamer.
Addressing Dreamer, who is 54 years old and a Hall of Fame inductee, Heyman referred to him as “late, great” despite Dreamer’s continued presence in the wrestling world. Heyman’s scathing words suggested that Dreamer should be dead, provoking immediate shock among viewers and the live audience alike.
“In the name of New Jack, the only real gangsta in this business. In the name of Rob Van Dam, smoking his opponents all the way down at the corner of Swason and Ritner. In the name of the late great Sabu, in a very move that nobody saw before. In the name of the late great Tommy Dreamer – yeah, I know, he’s not dead yet but he should be. In the name of the Dudley Boyz, putting everyone through tables.” —Paul Heyman, WWE RAW Live
This pointed comment was echoed multiple times during the segment, with Heyman openly mocking Dreamer’s status. When Bron Breakker questioned Heyman about Dreamer’s wellbeing, Heyman’s cynical reply confirmed that Dreamer was still alive, much to the amusement of the audience. Even Jey Uso stepped in to halt Heyman’s barrage.
“In the name of the late, great Tommy Dreamer… Yea I know he’s not dead yet, but he should be.” —Paul Heyman
Ongoing Tensions Between Jey Uso and Seth Rollins Increase Stakes
The night’s drama was not limited to Heyman’s tirade, as the simmering rivalry between Jey Uso and Seth Rollins intensified further. Prior to claiming the World Heavyweight Championship, Rollins and Uso’s relationship featured several violent backstage encounters and unexpected attacks during matches. Now, with Rollins holding the very title Uso once possessed, the competition has grown even fiercer.
This escalating conflict has set the stage for a high-profile Fatal Four-Way showdown at Clash in Paris on August 31. Scheduled to compete for the World Heavyweight Championship are Uso, Rollins, CM Punk, and LA Knight. This match was officially confirmed on WWE RAW by General Manager Adam Pearce in response to the mounting hostility and fiery exchanges among the four leading wrestlers.
Significance and Future Fallout of Heyman’s Provocation
Paul Heyman’s cutting remarks against Tommy Dreamer have added a new layer of tension to WWE RAW, illustrating how personal attacks can ignite intense reactions within the wrestling community. The unexpected nature of Heyman’s words, combined with the charged atmosphere surrounding the upcoming Fatal Four-Way match, suggests that Philadelphia’s episode will be remembered as a pivotal moment. Fans can anticipate further confrontations on-screen as past legacies collide with present rivalries, defining the path toward the much-anticipated Clash in Paris event.
