Though Paul Heyman has been off WWE television since the June 28 edition of SmackDown, following an ambush by Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline faction, the Hall of Famer continues to play a pivotal role backstage.
Recently, former World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest shed light on an invaluable conversation he had with The Wiseman during RAW last Monday.
Priest is set to face Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series: WarGames after winning a Fatal Four-Way Match to secure his contender status. The heated confrontation between The Ring General and Priest during last Monday’s RAW kick-off segment set the stage for their upcoming battle, showcasing Priest’s undeniable presence on the mic.
WWE analyst Peter Rosenberg praised Priest’s promo skills during an episode of the Cheap Heat podcast. In response, Priest shared how confident and comfortable he felt during his face-off with Gunther. But it was a brief conversation backstage with Heyman that left a lasting impression. According to Priest, Heyman offered insight that resonated deeply with him.
“For instance, Heyman was talking to me after and he was like, ‘You’re, there’s no distinction between, you know, the character and the person. Like, that’s you. That’s you now,’” Priest revealed.
This recognition from Heyman highlights Priest’s evolution in WWE—merging his character and real-life persona into a seamless, authentic force. It’s this kind of advice from seasoned veterans like Heyman that cements his status as one of the most influential figures in wrestling, even when he’s not in front of the camera.
Do you think Paul Heyman’s behind-the-scenes guidance could give Damian Priest the edge he needs against Gunther at Survivor Series: WarGames? Share your thoughts and let us know how you feel about Heyman’s continued influence on WWE superstars!