Born to a family of Holocaust survivors in The Bronx, Paul Heyman (b. September 11, 1965) is an influential figure in American professional wrestling. Commencing his career in 1986, Heyman swiftly became renowned for his skills in promotion, management, and executive roles. Currently affiliated with WWE, he lends his expertise to SmackDown as Roman Reigns’ ‘special counsel’ and ‘wise man,’ further solidifying Reigns’ standing as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Heyman’s career highlights include being the driving force behind Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) from 1993 to 2001 as CEO. Prior to helming ECW, he gained prominence as Paul E. Dangerously, managing talent in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and other platforms. In addition to his wrestling endeavors, Heyman co-owns the esteemed Looking4Larry Agency in New York City and has earned recognition as one of Advertising Age’s Top 100 Global Marketers.
Within the WWE framework, Heyman’s managerial prowess has aided six world champions to victory, including The Big Show, Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns. Critics frequently laud his exceptional management acumen and oratory skills. Despite primarily operating behind the scenes, Heyman has occasionally stepped into the ring, notably competing in the WWE Championship main event at the 2002 Rebellion pay-per-view. His multifaceted contribution to wrestling underscores Heyman’s dynamic influence on the industry.
Discover everything about Paul Heyman, from his early life, WWE career to personal life. Explore his biography, family, net worth, awards, FAQs, and more. Gain insight into his height, weight, salary, and details about his wife and children.
Paul Heyman Bio/Wiki Table
| Name | Paul Heyman |
| Age | 58 Years Old |
| Birth Date | 11 September 1965 |
| Birth Place | Scarsdale, New York |
| Height | 5’11” |
| Weight | 105 kg |
| Spouse | Marla Heyman |
| Debut | 1986 |
Early Life & Parents
Paul Heyman grew up in a Jewish Family, so he was exposed to the world of wrestling from an early age. He displayed a passion for sports, which later helped him turn into one of the most influential figures in the world of professional wrestling.
Paul Heyman’s father Richard Heyman was close friends with Vince McMahon Sr., the founder of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). Perhaps this was why he had a better perspective on the inner workings of the wrestling business.
During his teenage years, he started to work as a photographer at ringside for his father’s clients’ matches. It was one of the factors that fueled his love for the sport as he captured the intenseness of the matches up close.
After his high school years at Scarsdale High School, Heyman attended SUNY Purchase to study broadcasting and journalism. He made quite a name for himself while studying in college. His writings for wrestling publications and interviews with notable wrestlers showcase how talented he was.
His journey on the path of wrestling started in 1987 when he founded Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Slowly and effectively, it became a breeding ground for some of the most talented wrestlers in the industry. ECW proved Heyman’s vision and creative mind as a revolutionary force in professional wrestling. His early life was the foundation for the fame and success about to come in his life.
Paul Heyman Age: How Old Is Paul Heyman?
Paul Heyman, also known by his ring name “Paul E. Dangerously,” is an iconic figure in the wrestling world, famous for his spellbinding promotions and his role as a manager for numerous wrestling greats.
Born on September 11, 1965, Heyman has been a part of the wrestling industry for over three decades. As of 2023, the legendary promoter and wrestling manager is 58 years old.
Despite his age, Heyman’s influence on the wrestling industry shows no signs of waning, and his contribution to WWE continues to be significant.
Paul Heyman Height: How Tall Is Paul Heyman?
Known for his larger-than-life persona in the wrestling world, Paul Heyman stands tall at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters). His towering presence has always been a part of his charismatic appeal, both in the ring and outside it. Although not a competitor himself, Heyman’s stature, coupled with his powerful voice and persuasive speaking skills, continues to command attention and respect in the world of professional wrestling.
Paul Heyman Weight: How Much Does Paul Heyman Weigh?
Paul Heyman has been a familiar face in professional wrestling for many years. He has managed various top-notch wrestlers and earned respect for his business acumen and ability to deliver compelling promotions. Heyman weighs approximately 233 pounds (106 kilograms). His physique, while not that of a typical wrestler, adds to his authoritative presence in the wrestling scene. This weight, combined with his height and charismatic persona, makes Heyman a significant figure in the wrestling industry.
Paul Heyman Wife & Children, Marriage Status, Is He Married?
Paul Heyman has always kept his personal life somewhat private, but it’s known that he was married to Marla Heyman for a considerable period. The couple has two children – a daughter named Azalea Heyman and a son named Jacob Heyman. The family of Paul Heyman, despite his high-profile career in the wrestling industry, tends to maintain a low profile. As of now, it appears that Heyman is focused on his career in the WWE, where he continues to influence the wrestling scene with his unique blend of promotional skills and storytelling ability.
Paul Heyman Professional Wrestling Career
Early Career (1987–1988)
Paul Heyman, a dominant figure in professional wrestling, found his inspiration at a young age when he observed Vince McMahon interviewing Superstar Billy Graham. At only 13, Heyman started his journey as a wrestling photographer in New York, later establishing his own photo lab. His passion led him to create ‘The Wrestling Times Magazine’ and contribute to notable publications like ‘Pro Wrestling Illustrated’.
Heyman’s proactive attitude saw him, at 14, acquire a backstage pass for Madison Square Garden, marking his official entry into professional wrestling. During this time, he studied under renowned heel managers Lou Albano, Fred Blassie, and The Grand Wizard. His rapport with Dusty Rhodes began at a Jim Crockett Promotions taping.
In 1985, Heyman’s photography skills caught the attention of New York Studio 54. The same year, he became the studio’s producer and hosted ‘Wrestle Party 85’, a show featuring Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Magnum T.A, and Bam Bam Bigelow’s debut.
Taking Bigelow’s advice, Heyman debuted as a manager in 1987, starting in the Northeast independent circuit. His journey led him to Championship Wrestling from Florida where he assumed the persona Paul E. Dangerously, reflecting his brash New Yorker attitude and reminiscent of Michael Keaton’s character in ‘Johnny Dangerously’. His career continued with stints in Memphis, the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA), and the American Wrestling Association (AWA), managing stars like Tommy Rich and Austin Idol.
After leaving AWA, Heyman returned to CWA, collaborating with Eddie Gilbert and Missy Hyatt. He developed a reputation as an innovative television writer and producer, becoming Gilbert’s assistant and the head booker for Windy City Wrestling in Chicago. Heyman’s career trajectory reflects his dedication and significant contributions to the world of professional wrestling.
National Wrestling Alliance/World Championship Wrestling (1988–1993)
In 1988, Paul Heyman, also known as Paul E. Dangerously, joined Jim Crockett Promotions (later known as World Championship Wrestling or WCW) as a manager. He resumed his role as the manager of the Original Midnight Express, feuding with the new Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) and their manager, Jim Cornette. Heyman also managed “Mean” Mark Callous, who would later become The Undertaker in WWE.
During this time, Heyman began to transition into the role of an announcer, teaming up with Jim Ross to call matches on WTBS’ World Championship Wrestling and other programming. Heyman acknowledged that he learned a great deal from working with Jim Ross, considering him one of his most influential mentors.
In 1991, WCW needed to restructure their villainous characters, prompting Heyman’s return to being a spokesman and ringside manager. He formed a stable called the Dangerous Alliance, with Rick Rude as the focal point. According to Heyman, he and Stone Cold Steve Austin both learned a lot from working with Rude. As the manager of the Dangerous Alliance, Heyman guided Rude to the United States Championship and led the Anderson-Eaton tag team (Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton) to the Tag Team Championships. The Dangerous Alliance enjoyed a dominant run in WCW throughout most of 1992.
Eastern Championship Wrestling/Extreme Championship Wrestling (1993–2001)
Following his departure from WCW, Paul Heyman tried to establish a new wrestling promotion with Jim Crockett Jr. in Texas, but their differing visions led to disagreements. Meanwhile, Eddie Gilbert was managing Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW), an NWA branch in Philadelphia, under Tod Gordon. When Gilbert’s unpredictable behavior led to a fallout with Gordon, Heyman stepped in as the creative lead.
Under Heyman’s direction, ECW became the flagship NWA promotion by 1994. That year, a conspiracy between Heyman, Shane Douglas, and Gordon, unbeknownst to NWA president Dennis Coralluzzo, saw Douglas denounce NWA after winning their World Heavyweight Championship, instead claiming his ECW title was a world-level championship. Subsequently, ECW separated from NWA and became Extreme Championship Wrestling.
Heyman encouraged wrestlers to publicly criticize WWF, NWA, and WCW. By 1995, he became ECW’s sole owner after buying out Gordon. He maintained a beneficial relationship with WWF, which involved talent exchanges and weekly payments from Vince McMahon.
However, ECW faced financial difficulties, with Heyman replaced by Tommy Dreamer in his final days. ECW closed in April 2001, and filed for bankruptcy the same year, owing $7 million. In 2003, World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. acquired ECW’s assets, including its video library. Throughout the company’s struggles, Heyman allegedly never disclosed the financial situation to his wrestlers.
Paul Heyman WWE Career
Paul Heyman is no stranger to the world of professional wrestling. With a career spanning over three decades, Heyman has left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping the narrative of sports entertainment through his work in both creative and on-screen roles. This article delves into Heyman’s illustrious journey in WWE, starting from his beginnings in 2001 and leading up to the present day.
The Early Days (2001-2002)
In March 2001, Paul Heyman made his WWE debut, replacing Jerry “The King” Lawler as a color commentator on “Monday Night Raw.” Heyman’s quick wit and unique perspective, honed during his years in ECW, brought a fresh angle to the broadcast team. His tenure as a commentator, however, would be short-lived as his true talents lay elsewhere.
Heyman assumed the role of the lead writer for “SmackDown” in mid-2001. His creative influence was quickly felt, as the show began showcasing captivating storylines and high-octane matches that resonated with fans. Heyman’s tenure as a writer led to what many fans consider to be the golden era of “SmackDown.”
The Advocate of the Beast (2002-2007)
Heyman’s on-screen character would undergo a significant transformation in 2002 when he became the on-screen manager for Brock Lesnar, dubbing himself “The Advocate.” The Heyman-Lesnar pairing was an instant hit, with Heyman’s mic skills beautifully complementing Lesnar’s raw in-ring talent. The duo dominated WWE for years, culminating in Lesnar’s victory over The Rock at SummerSlam 2002 to become the youngest WWE Champion in history.
Despite occasional separations and feuds, the partnership between Heyman and Lesnar remains one of the most impactful in WWE history. Their alliance continued well into the 2000s, with Heyman guiding Lesnar through multiple successful title reigns.
The Heyman Hustle (2007-2012)
In the latter part of the 2000s, Heyman took a step back from on-screen roles and focused on his backstage influence. He was instrumental in building new stars and enhancing the WWE product’s overall quality. Heyman was pivotal in the development of the “ECW” brand under WWE’s banner, showcasing his creative genius and his ability to work with emerging talent.
Paul Heyman Guys Era (2012–2014)
Paul Heyman returned to WWE after a five-year absence and formed alliances with Brock Lesnar and CM Punk. Heyman managed their feuds and championships and later introduced a new “Paul Heyman Guy”, Curtis Axel. Heyman had multiple confrontations and betrayals with his clients, especially CM Punk, leading to several matches and feuds. This period also marked Heyman’s return to the WWE alongside Brock Lesnar, who took on several prominent WWE superstars.
Lesnar’s Sole Managership (2014–2020)
During this time, Heyman primarily managed Brock Lesnar after their return to WWE. Lesnar had various championship runs and feuds with John Cena, Seth Rollins, The Undertaker, among others. Lesnar’s reign as Universal Champion marked a major period in his career, and Heyman was by his side through it all. Lesnar’s eventual departure from WWE in 2020 ended this phase.
Special Counsel (2020–present)
In August 2020, Paul Heyman, a notable figure in the WWE universe, teamed up with Roman Reigns as his special counsel. Their alliance came to an end in December 2021 when Reigns fired and attacked Heyman. However, Brock Lesnar, another significant figure in WWE, saved Heyman from this attack.
Heyman then aligned with Lesnar in January 2022, shortly after Lesnar won the WWE Championship. However, this partnership was brief, as Heyman betrayed Lesnar at the Royal Rumble event later that month by giving the WWE Championship belt to Reigns, allowing Bobby Lashley to seize the title from Lesnar. As a result, Heyman re-aligned with Reigns.
Despite this setback, Lesnar won the Royal Rumble match and reclaimed the WWE Championship at the Elimination Chamber event. This win set up a Champion vs. Champion Winner Takes All Championship Unification match against Reigns at WrestleMania 38. In the end, Reigns defeated Lesnar at WrestleMania 38, claiming both the Universal and WWE Championships.
Awards and Accomplishments
Paul Heyman’s exceptional contributions to the wrestling industry have accumulated numerous awards and accomplishments.
Heyman is the founder and promoter of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Through ECW, he introduced new match concepts, elevated the use of hardcore elements, and allowed wrestlers creative freedom. His innovative approach to storytelling and presentation gained ECW a loyal following.
He was the ECW World Heavyweight Champion, even though it was short-lived.
In 2001, Heyman joined the creative team of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where his unique perspective and storytelling abilities shaped WWE’s programming.
In 2005, Heyman was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame as a promoter, and manager.
His duo with Brock Lesnar as his on-screen advocate is one of the most dominant forces in WWE history. Heyman’s compelling promos and ability to elevate Lesnar’s character have been widely praised.
In 2013, Heyman received the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Manager of the Year award due to his skills as a manager and his impactful presence in the wrestling industry.
Heyman was named the Best Booker by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter multiple times to recognize his expertise in creating compelling storylines and captivating audiences.
He managed and guided several wrestlers to championship victories. His willingness to take risks and ideas as a promoter, manager, and creative mind had a lasting impact on the wrestling industry. In 2018, he was awarded the “Year-End Award for Best on the Mic.”
His most recent accomplishment is the Faction of the Year award in 2022.
These awards and accomplishments exemplify Paul Heyman’s remarkable career and continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers and creative talents.
Legacy
Heyman’s work and accomplishments were praised by various wrestlers and critics. Former ECW world heavyweight champion Ravon, Tazz, and former WWE commentator and manager, Jim Cornette mentioned him as a genius. However, there have been occasions when Heyman had a few disputes with wrestlers.
Still, his praises made everyone forget about the few feuds he had. Eric Bischoff, a professional wrestling promoter and booker, said on a talk show, that working with Heyman didn’t get him too excited. Both of them working on their own thing.
They also had small to big arguments but by the time they were in WWE, they were both well known. Eric and Heyman both stepped into WWE after their life in WCE and ECW. So, they often talked about their generic feelings and their time together, which created a bond of friendship between them.
In 2021, another professional wrestling commentator Jim Ross, who has past working experience with Heyman in WCE and WWE praised his smartness. He mentioned him as the biggest Antagonist that stated facts. Overall, Paul Heyman is considered one of the greatest minds in professional wrestling history.
Net Worth Of Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman, also known as “The Advocate,” has accumulated a net worth of approximately USD 10 million as of 2023. His involvement with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), one of the renowned wrestling brands, has played a significant role in contributing to his financial success.
Although ECW faced financial challenges and eventually ceased operations in 2001, Heyman’s sale of the company has bolstered his net worth. Furthermore, his work as a manager and creative consultant in WWE has been instrumental in his financial prosperity. Throughout his tenure, which began in the mid-2000s, Heyman has held various positions, including being the head writer for Smackdown, where he collaborated with Jimmy Ross. His contributions have shaped WWE’s programming and storylines, nurturing the careers of notable stars such as Eddie Guerrero, Edge, and Rey Mysterio.
Aside from his involvement in wrestling, Heyman has ventured into various other fields. His pursuits have encompassed writing for wrestling magazines and books, as well as engaging in media production. All these endeavors, combined with his association with WWE, have contributed to his impressive net worth of 10 million dollars.
Paul Heyman Salary and Brand Endorsement
Paul Heyman is proved to be the voice of one of the greatest living attractions of WWE. He is paid 2 million dollars currently. But, in 2001, when he originally started working he earned 310,000 bucks. As a supervisor and essayist, he invested a long measure of energy in WWE, which is paying off for him.
He had the option to make over 10 million dollars with his yearly compensation. Except for WWE, Heyman is also a benefactor of the honor-winning New York City firm.
Paul Heyman’s House and Cars
Paul Heyman has tried to put his private and work lives strictly separated. So, many are still unsure of where his house is. However, we can say that it is located in Scarsdale, New York City. His property costs 1,249,000 dollars. Among all the cars in his carport, the 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe and the 2015 AUDI A8 are the most remarkable assortments.
| Car | Price(USD) |
| 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe | $76895 |
| 2015 AUDI A8 |
$42973 |
10 Facts About Paul Heyman
- Paul Heyman began his career in professional wrestling as a teenage photographer before becoming a manager under the name Paul E. Dangerously.
- Heyman’s major contribution to the industry is the Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).
- Upon his arrival in ECW, then known as Eastern Championship Wrestling, Heyman took on a creative role and eventually became the head booker.
- In a dramatic event in 1994, ECW parted ways with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), marking its transformation into Extreme Championship Wrestling.
- Heyman purchased ECW in 1995, enabling him to fully implement his vision for the company.
- Despite ECW’s apparent hostility towards WWE and WCW, Heyman managed to establish a secret working relationship with WWE, leading to unique cross-promotions.
- Heyman aimed to present a wrestling show that offered fresh content for fans, including provocative storylines and unique wrestling styles.
- ECW’s deal with The Nashville Network (TNN) in 1999 led to creative tensions due to the network’s demand for more sanitized content and higher production quality than ECW could provide.
- Financial issues plagued ECW under Heyman’s ownership, leading to its bankruptcy in 2001 and subsequent purchase by WWE.
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Heyman left ECW after the December to Dismember event due to creative differences with WWE’s expectations.
Paul Heyman’s Social Media Accounts
- Instagram: @paulheyman
- Twitter: @HeymanHustle
- Facebook: @TheHeymanHustle
FAQs
What is Paul Heyman’s real name?
His real name is Paul Heyman.
How old is Paul Heyman?
Paul Heyman was born on September 11, 1965, which makes him 58 years old as of 2023.
Where is Paul Heyman from?
He was born in The Bronx, New York, U.S.
How tall is Paul Heyman?
He is approximately 5 ft 11 in (180 cm), according to different sources.
Does Paul Heyman have any children?
Yes, he has two children, a daughter named Azalea Heyman, and a son named Jacob Heyman.
