10 Things WWE Wants You To Forget About Paul Heyman

7. He Only Became A Commentator In 2001 When Jerry Lawler Quit

Paul Heyman officially became a WWE employee when he replaced Jerry Lawler as the main color commentator on Raw and Smackdown on March 5, 2001. It was the seat that was filled by Jerry Lawler for most of the previous decade. Lawler quit the company because his wife Stacy Carter (aka The Kat) was fired. At the time, WWE didn't mention why Lawler was removed and why they chose Heyman. It was just one of things that just worked out and the timing was perfect. For his part, Heyman was tremendous as a color commentator along with Jim Ross. They worked together in WCW, so they had great chemistry. Heyman could put over angles well while also siding with the heels in every situation. Within a few months he was a part of the Alliance storyline that saw him playing an on air character in addition to announcing, so it was a bit confusing at times. Lawler ended up coming back to WWE in November of 2001 after divorcing his wife and reclaimed his place as a commentator on Raw. Heyman hasn't returned to announcing although he was always great at it. If Lawler didn't quit, would Heyman have been brought in by WWE at that time? No idea, but it's a good thing he was available because he was a great fit. Thanks Jerry!