The Secret History Of ECW | Wrestling Timelines

August 23, 1985 - The First Paul Heyman Guy

Paul Heyman, a charismatic, cutthroat workaholic who launched his first business before he hit puberty, promotes his first wrestling show: Wrestle Party ‘85, at the famous Studio 54 nightclub Heyman was working in as a producer.

Heyman had operated on the outskirts of the business as a DIY photographer and newsletter publisher. He did so at a shockingly young age, driven by his shamelessness, balls, and relentless drive.

At Studio 54, the precocious Heyman masterminds the introduction to wrestling of big man Bam Bam Bigelow, around whom the show is promoted. This is the origin point of Heyman’s career and identity as a promoter. With outrageous hyperbole, Bam Bam is presented as an impossibly formidable force who will destroy everybody and change everything. It’s a simple and difficult tactic, all at once: the easiest thing to say, but the hardest thing to sell. It works - Bigelow becomes a legend of his time and one da headlines WrestleMania - through a combination of Heyman’s searing conviction and ability to back up his words.

The show is attended, amongst others, by Ric Flair - who is hardly going to turn down an invitation to a party, as Heyman knows all too well. The carny world seems to admire Heyman’s fearless gumption.

Thereafter, Heyman is “in” the secretive, protected wrestling game, playing manager, interviewer and manager in his early journey.