How Paul Heyman Saved WWE SmackDown In 2002

WWE’s original brand split didn’t have the smoothest start, but its origins speak very much to the established anarchy of the present day rather than the hidden insanity writ large for much of an uneven 2002.

Booked to kick off after WrestleMania X8 following things becoming untenable for warring 50% company owners Vince McMahon and Ric Flair, the initial roll-out was staggered and stumbling thanks to a fall out with Stone Cold Steve Austin and the hasty re-booking of the New World Order. Considered Raw cornerstones in the brave new world with The Rock and Hulk Hogan sent to anchor SmackDown, the ‘Rattlesnake’ and the rejigged Kevin Nash/Scott Hall/X-Pac stable were to be lynchpins on the red brand. By SummerSlam, all bar a shelved ‘Big Sexy’ were gone from the company completely.

As too was Raw “owner” Ric Flair.

Amidst the madness of losing the services of Steve Austin and completely losing his patience with the nWo, Vince McMahon shocked the industry by bringing Eric Bischoff in as a red brand General Manager. Stephanie McMahon took up the role on SmackDown because the family just can’t f*cking help themselves, but the real story of blue brand control was far more intriguing that the one playing out on camera.

The Billion Dollar Princess’ had been the kayfabe gaffer of ECW one year earlier, despite Heyman’s string-pulling. In late 2002, life again found itself imitating art on SmackDown.