Paul Heyman Breaks down WWE’s Evolution, the Death of Kayfabe, and the Real Message Behind WWE: Unreal

Kayfabe and excessive protection is an outdated concept from the 1990s and Paul Heyman is ready to embrace the future.

Paul Heyman Breaks down WWE’s Evolution, the Death of Kayfabe, and the Real Message Behind WWE: Unreal

Paul Heyman and WWE Unreal (via WWE)

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WWE has long prided itself on maintaining kayfabe, which is carefully guarding the illusion of reality in its storylines and characters. For years, fans believed The Undertaker was truly otherworldly, or that bitter rivalries spilled into real life. In truth, professional wrestling has always been a theatrical spectacle, with each performer playing a role to deliver the most captivating show possible. 

Recently, Netflix’s WWE: Unreal gave fans an unprecedented look behind the curtain. The 5-episode docuseries pulled back the veil on many long-kept secrets, featuring stars like Cody Rhodes, The Rock, John Cena, and Triple H. Viewers were introduced to backstage elements like the gorilla position, creative meetings, and the intricate process of building storylines. While some critics argue that this transparency spoils the magic, Paul Heyman strongly disagrees.

The WWE Hall of Famer shared his thoughts on The Ariel Helwani Show, emphasizing that adapting to change is essential for growth. Heyman spoke candidly about the old days, when defending the legitimacy of wrestling meant getting into real fights, and about how the industry has evolved.

I don’t want to be one of these people that says this phrase – ‘back in my day.’ I want this to be my day. I want next year’s WrestleMania to be my day, I want tomorrow to be my day. I want three WrestleManias from now to be my day.

Paul Heyman via The Ariel Helwani Show

He then touched on his own evolution within the business, stating that he wants to remain relevant, not just a relic of WWE’s past.

That’s why I latched on to Bron Breaker because he’s the future of WrestleMania. Oh, I want to be attached to his hip. Why? Because I don’t want it to be back in my day when I main evented with Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, and CM Punk. I want years from now to also be my day.

Paul Heyman via The Ariel Helwani Show

Heyman closed his remarks by defending WWE: Unreal, saying the series didn’t spoil anything for fans, because kayfabe, as it once was, is already gone. In his eyes, the show celebrates the depth and passion behind the product.

Part of this being my day is accepting Unreal for what it is. It’s not an exposé of our business. It’s letting people in to see the passion, to see the planning, to see the meticulous work that goes into it, to see the debates that go into, the decisions that are made for an industry that so many people think is one-dimensional. And it’s not. It’s not.

Paul Heyman via The Ariel Helwani Show

In an episode packed with a wide range of topics, Paul Heyman also addressed the fallout between Travis Scott and WWE. He revealed that Scott’s absence from SummerSlam wasn’t sudden; it had been planned well in advance.

Paul Heyman sheds light on WWE’s falling out with Travis Scott

The main event of WrestleMania 41 featured a blockbuster showdown for the Undisputed Universal Championship between Cody Rhodes and challenger John Cena. Leading up to the event, fans buzzed with speculation that The Rock and hip-hop megastar Travis Scott would appear to aid Cena in his quest for a record-breaking 17th world title. That speculation intensified after Cena stunned the WWE Universe by turning heel at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event, officially aligning himself with ‘The Final Boss’.

Paul Heyman, The Rock and Travis Scott
Paul Heyman, The Rock, and Travis Scott (via WWE and People Magazine)

As predicted, Scott did make a surprise appearance during the match, assisting Cena in securing the victory. However, following WrestleMania, both Scott and The Rock have been notably absent from WWE television, leaving fans wondering what happened to the high-profile storyline.

Recently, Heyman weighed in on the situation. During the same interview, ‘The Wise Man’ acknowledged the ongoing speculation and addressed the duo’s disappearance. He revealed that there were indeed creative plans in place involving Cena, Scott, and The Rock, but they ultimately didn’t come to fruition.

There was [a payoff for the Rock and Travis Scott storyline.] It fell apart. And we moved forward without it… The whole deal with Travis Scott. I don’t know if he’s done. Any meeting that I was in that involved Travis Scott, I got along with him fine. Have I heard things? I have. Do I know the accuracy of it? Haven’t heard Travis’ version of it.

Paul Heyman via The Ariel Helwani Show

‘The Oracle’ also addressed the glaring absence of The Rock from WrestleMania 41. Surprisingly, Heyman admitted he had no idea why ‘The Final Boss’ didn’t show up for the biggest Premium Live Event of the year. However, he was quick to point out that The Rock was never officially advertised for the event to begin with.

Heyman also clarified that his attention during WrestleMania 41 was fully tied up with his own ongoing storyline involving Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and CM Punk. Because of that, he wasn’t deeply involved with how the Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena angle played out.

What about The Rock? He was never advertised or booked for WrestleMania… I don’t know what happened with Dwayne. That is something you should have Dwayne come in to these beautiful Yahoo studios and answer for himself. I really don’t know. Or have Brian Gewirtz come in. And I am sure he could tell you their side of the story. I really don’t know.

Paul Heyman via The Ariel Helwani Show

With Heyman distancing himself from the creative direction surrounding The Rock and Cena, fans are now left hoping that either Dwayne Johnson or longtime collaborator Brian Gewirtz will eventually shed light on what went wrong.

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