The Many Faces Of Paul Heyman - Ranked From Worst To Best

4. Mentor To 'The Next Big Thing'

Paul Heyman
WWE.com

Brock Lesnar had one of the most impressive rookie years in WWE history. He debuted the night after WrestleMania X8, kicking-off a seemingly unstoppable spree of destruction by obliterating Spike Dudley and Al Snow on Raw. He became 2002 King Of The Ring a few months later, earning him a shot at The Rock’s WWE Undisputed Championship, and after just 126 days on the roster, ‘The Next Big Thing’ took the gold.

The efficiency with which Lesnar tore through some of WWE’s biggest names remains unparalleled, and he did it all with Heyman by his side. Though Brock was an athletic phenom, he lacked charisma and microphone skills, which Paul more than made up for. They complimented each other perfectly, and without Heyman, it’s hard to imagine Lesnar’s career taking off the way it did.

The Heyman/Lesnar union eventually came to an end that November, though they’d reunite later in their careers. This was a short phase, but one of the most impactful of Heyman’s career. It was the first time he’d managed a singles wrestler in WWE, and that wrestler just so happened to be the most impressive debutante the company has ever seen.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.