10 Biggest Wrestling Stories Of 2019 (So Far)

2. Paul Heyman & Eric Bischoff RETURN To Run RAW And SmackDown Respectively

eric bischoff paul heyman
WWE

In astonishing news, yesterday brought with it the announcement that Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff will return to WWE, in Executive Director capacities, to creatively oversee RAW and SmackDown respectively.

Per this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, "official changes are set for mid-July".

Vince McMahon hasn't relinquished this level of control in decades, but has he? Will he? Some will doubtlessly cry accusations of negativity and bias and everything else in the comments section, but really, to not question this would demonstrate a near-laughable lack of credibility. Vince has been here before. He's been here before with Paul Heyman, on two occasions, both of which began with constant squabbling and ended in a massive bust-up. As for Bischoff, what are the Nasty Boys up to these days? His TNA stint yields a significantly less apologetic strain of cynicism.

The news is astonishing now, but will it be astonishing in just a few months' time? Or will we revert once more to stories of Vince's autocracy? Vince is stretched as thin as his impatience; convoluting the power hierarchy yet further is an invitation to more nonsensical chaos. There is also the matter of Aleister Black to consider; from NXT enigma to main roster meme, his new role is, at best, very curious. Heyman is credited for it. This doesn't inspire optimism. There is no such thing as "never" is pro wrestling, but Vince McMahon never changes.

This is all fascinating, mind. Intoxicating. Just expect things to get more interesting than better.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!