Paul Heyman Removed From WWE Talking Smack

It's out with the Heyman, in with the McAfee on Talking Smack...

by Andy H Murray
Paul Heyman
WWE

WWE have removed Paul Heyman from the Talking Smack lineup, reports Dave Meltzer in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Heyman had occupied a regular Talking Smack spot since joining the show in November 2020, serving as an analyst alongside current host Kayla Braxton, though he was replaced by SmackDown announcer Pat McAfee on last week's episode. This was a permanent change.

Meltzer notes that WWE had no specific reason to replace Heyman with McAfee, stating that it was simply a "company decision."

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This may not sit well with the Talking Smack faithful. McAfee remains a popular figure, and he's an animated character, but Heyman's interactions with talent were a regular highlight. Roman Reigns' special counsel was adept at drawing the kind promos that may not make it to Raw or SmackDown. Several went viral over the course of Heyman's stint, though they are now consigned to history.

Renee Young and Daniel Bryan hosted Talking Smack during its original run between August 2016 and July 2017. The show was brought back in August 2020, with Heyman replacing Xavier Woods three months later. Woods had occupied the role while injured.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.