It all depends on how you look at it.
Given recent “press”, Heyman is looking a bit shaky having lost his position on the creative team and for his seeming feud with AJ Styles, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. He seems to be costing more than he’s worth but is he, though? Before we can even get into all that, we have to take a look at the foundation of the Wrestling Industry. Let’s not forget that it is absolutely saturated in kayfabe. Now, for those of you who don’t know what that is, it is basically the faux premise that the Wrestling Industry operates under. It’s why we refer to Big Show as Big Show and not Paul Wight.
It’s the make-believe under which we all watch and play. So, when contemplating any issue you may hear about, understand that it’s all subject to “kayfabe”. You really can’t believe any of it. Do you think the media is bad? Presume the WWE is at least 10 times worse. You can’t believe anything you hear or read. You can note that it was posted/published or that a statement was issued but you understand the information as just that. The information is available but it is inherently unverified.
Even what you think you know to be “true” is very likely utter kayfabe, real life allegations and litigation not included. If you saw it on The News, said person has problems. Nevertheless, you have to admit, you just don’t know for sure. That’s the point… you really shouldn’t. That’s where the fun is. You believe it to be real.
So, that brings us to the question again. Is Paul Heyman bad for business? Well, the fact that he’s subject of discussion could lead one to say no. We have to respect the man’s history in the industry and it would be folly to believe he doesn’t know what he’s doing. Could he have made some mistakes? Sure, but we all do. Also, understand that there’s a good chance the news we’re hearing isn’t news. Hopefully, it’s fodder for drama. We being fed this news of animosity make us wonder how this will change production. Though the word is that Heyman will focus on his on-air personality from here on out, it looks like his expertise in the industry won’t go to waste as the new rumour is that he’s set to do the booking for next year’s WrestleMania.
That doesn’t change everything but that does indicate that he is useful. So, we now focus on how Styles is booked if this is the case… Well, to be honest, how it is all booked will now be under scrutiny but remember the opening point. This could technically be some elaborate kayfabe. Yet, if WWE goes that far, the question of “Who cares?” arises.
Why bother? A possible reason could be, WWE values the kayfabe. If you want to maintain the control over the spin, then you have to distribute the news to spin in the first place. Regardless, we’ll see whether whatever is in play helps or hurts them, but just keep in mind this could be true to form. It would be no surprise if Heyman is an “all publicity is good publicity” sort of guy. You’re talking about him, right? Mission accomplished.