WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman explains how Vince McMahon caused him to CLASH with Stephanie McMahon when he first joined the company
WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman has opened up on a clash with Stephanie McMahon when he first joined the company – and how it was set up by former boss Vince McMahon.
Heyman has been involved in wrestling since the age of 13, when he started out as a photographer at wrestling events before going on to take up both backstage and on-screen roles in the industry.
Now, he is a valued member of WWE, having first joined in the company in 2001. He is currently working on-screen as a manager of The Vision, while also helping out in various backstage roles.
McMahon, meanwhile, has also worked various roles, including as an on-screen authority figure and wrestler, whilst, early on in the 20th century, she led the creative team for programming.
Then, she worked under her father, Vince McMahon, who founded WWE and departed in January 2024. Vince made a name for himself through his leadership skills, and Heyman has detailed one particular move that his former boss made upon his introduction to WWE.
Speaking to Stephanie, Heyman told What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon: ‘When I came aboard, I was told: “My daughter runs the writing team, take her out of her game. I want you to be the disruptor in the room, I want you to be the contrarian opinion. Do not make that easier, there is no nepotism here, she earns that right to manage you or she doesn’t get to do it”.
Paul Heyman (left) has explained how Vince McMahon set up a clash between him and Stephanie McMahon (right, left)
Vince (pictured), had told Heyman to test Stephanie’s resolve, while ordering Stephanie to put his newest recruit in his place
Heyman was speaking as the latest guest on What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon
‘So I’m walking in to be the disruptor, the bull in a China shop, here’s the f***ing answers – and she’s told, “God damn it Stephanie, you’ve got to manage that Heyman guy. He’s out of control, he thinks this is his company, and it’s not. Rein him in. If you want to be respected as an executive, as a professional and as a manager of people, you can’t let Heyman take you out of your game. You have to show that you can manage someone like him”.
‘[We were] Completely pitted against each other.’
Stephanie, meanwhile, laughed as she listened to Heyman, replying: ‘This is all true. It’s fascinating in hindsight. We figured it out, anyway.’
It appears, though that it came after a bit of a feud. Now, the two get on well – but it hasn’t always been that way.
‘You were f***ing with me at 3am and I guess I was a little upset so I lashed out at you,’ Stephanie added.
Heyman replied: ‘You blasted me: “What the f*** is wrong with you? Who told you to make my life so f**ing difficult?” Your father!’
What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon featuring WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman is available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms
