Paul Heyman shared his perspective on Netflix’s documentary series WWE: Unreal, which offers wrestling fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes of WWE operations. The show highlights aspects of WWE Superstars that are not usually visible to the public. While several wrestlers have praised the series for its transparency, some have expressed concerns that revealing too much might diminish the mystique of professional wrestling.
Adapting to a More Transparent Wrestling Industry
On The Ariel Helwani Show, Heyman discussed how the wrestling world has evolved from a time when protecting the sport’s perceived legitimacy was essential, even if it meant defending it physically. Heyman acknowledged that embracing this new level of openness has been a significant change for him, as these behind-the-scenes glimpses from WWE: Unreal contrast with the secrecy that once defined the business.
Embracing the Present and Future of Wrestling
Heyman expressed his desire not to dwell on nostalgia or past glories. Instead, he wants to make the current and future moments in wrestling his own. He said,
“I don’t want to be one of these people that says this phrase – ‘back in my day.’ I want this to be my day. I want next year’s WrestleMania to be my day, I want tomorrow to be my day. I want three WrestleManias from now to be my day.” —Paul Heyman, Wrestling Manager
He also discussed the importance of aligning himself with emerging talent like Bron Breaker, viewing him as a key figure for WrestleMania‘s future. Heyman wants to remain relevant not just during his past high-profile main events with Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, and CM Punk, but well into the years ahead.
“That’s why I latched on to Bron Breaker because he’s the future of WrestleMania. Oh, I want to be attached to his hip. Why? Because I don’t want it to be back in my day when I main evented with Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar and CM Punk. I want years from now to also be my day.” —Paul Heyman, Wrestling Manager
Recognizing WWE: Unreal as a Positive Revelation
Heyman described WWE: Unreal not as an exposé but as a window into the dedication and complex decision-making involved in professional wrestling. He emphasized that the series shows the passion, preparation, and debates that make the industry far more complex than many perceive.
“Part of this being my day is accepting Unreal for what it is. It’s not an expose of our business. It’s letting people in to see the passion, to see the planning, to see the meticulous work that goes into to see the debates that go into, the decisions that are made for an industry that so many people think is one-dimensional. And it’s not. It’s not.” —Paul Heyman, Wrestling Manager
The Significance of Heyman’s Acceptance for Wrestling’s Future
Paul Heyman’s evolving attitude toward WWE: Unreal represents a broader shift in the wrestling world’s approach to transparency and storytelling. By welcoming this openness, Heyman is signaling a willingness to adapt and evolve alongside the industry. His focus on supporting new talent and embracing modern WWE content suggests that he intends to remain a vital figure in wrestling for years to come. This mindset could encourage other veterans and fans to appreciate the depth and passion that WWE continues to offer, even as it changes and reveals more about its inner workings.
