7 Ups And 5 Downs From WWE Crown Jewel 2021

6. Heyman’s Nonverbal Greatness

Paul Heyman is widely regarded as one of the best talkers in the business. And while that’s true, you’ve got to give credit to the entire delivery of his performance Thursday at Crown Jewel.

Heyman did a backstage interview where he pledged to walk in with the Universal Champion Roman Reigns, and he promised to walk out with the Universal Champion. Of course, if you were paying attention, Paul E. didn’t specify which Universal Champion he would leave with, leaving the door wide open to double-cross the Tribal Chief and leave with Brock Lesnar.

But during the match itself, Heyman was masterful in his reactions, or lack thereof. Heyman is usually really animated during his client’s matches, wincing or pleading when his guy is hurt, and cheering him on as he pummels an opponent.

This time, however, Heyman sat there stoic throughout the bout. Most notably, when Brock racked off three German suplexes and hit an F-5 on Reigns, Paul E. didn’t move a muscle. He didn’t yell or wince. He just stood there.

If you were paying attention – and for once, the announcers didn’t draw a bunch of attention to it, so it was a real Easter egg if you were – it was a real treat to see a master at work. It telegraphed that something was coming, and even then, the outcome left more questions, which is in itself a fun bit.