10 Greatest Paul Heyman Creations

When 'The Mad Scientist' was on form, there was arguably nobody better.

Paul Heyman ECW
WWE.com

Paul Heyman is one of the most polarising individuals in the wrestling world. Labelled a genius by many of his peers yet branded a conman by others, the New Yorker is a walking enigma of the pro wrestling landscape.

Regardless of the opinion, one thing that cannot be denied is his creativity and his passion, with one fuelling the other in equal measure. Heyman's outside the box mentality and brazen fortitude saw him achieve a level of success that few have even come close to replicating. If there was a Mount Rushmore of wrestling innovators, his face would certainly feature.

In an industry where everything has seemingly been done before, Heyman has made a career out of delivering fresh ideas and new concepts. However, not every 'Paul Heyman Guy' is strictly a Paul Heyman creation; look no further than CM Punk for proof of that. Conversely, there are times when his influence is unjustly downplayed altogether - like his contributions to the commentary table - continuing the peculiar pattern of praise for wrestling's favourite advocate.

In a business where credit is rarely given yet often sought, we take a look at ten of Paul Heyman's greatest creations and give credit where credit is due.

10. One Night Stand

Paul Heyman ECW
WWE

Following the success of The Rise and Fall of ECW DVD, nostalgia and interest in ECW was at an all-time high. Sensing this, Vince McMahon sought to capitalise by promoting a one-night only PPV event as a reunion show, after the suggestion of such by Rob Van Dam and subsequent support from the Dudleys.

With the project given the green light, the ECW brains trust of Paul Heyman and original right hand man, Tommy Dreamer, were tasked with reuniting the band for one last hurrah. The resulting show was quite simply a masterpiece.

As close to the original as it could get, One Night Stand was a perfect window into the past. From the venue and the hostile crowd in attendance to the roster and the attire of the wrestlers themselves, it was a total throwback to the ECW of old and the fitting farewell that the company deserved.

The event was so successful that it spawned a sequel one year later and an ill-advised rebirth of ECW as a stand alone brand. Sadly, the revived brand was a far cry from the original; nevertheless, the original One Night Stand PPV remains one of the greatest events WWE has ever produced and a large part of the success can be attributed to Heyman.

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Contributor
Contributor

Occasional wrestler, full-time gym rat and lifelong lover of the grapple game. Would probably buy you a shot of Jack at the bar in exchange for witty banter...and preferably more Jack. @MartynGrant88 for more wrestling-related musings and weight room wisecracks!