There has been a shakeup behind the scenes of WWE. Back in 2019, WWE would look to help the creative directions of RAW & Smackdown, and they would do this by putting Paul Heyman in control on RAW, and Eric Bischoff in control of Smackdown. Bischoff never really go to start his positition before being sacked, and replaced by Bruce Prichard. While Heyman was doing a good job behind the scenes at RAW, he’s now been replaced in this role by Prichard as well.
Official Statement From WWE On Paul Heyman Being Removed
The news would first be broken by Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet and WWE Backstage, in a statement which would be echoed by WWE.com. “In an effort to streamline the creative writing process for TV, WWE has consolidated both teams from Raw and SmackDown into one group, led by Bruce Prichard. Paul Heyman will now concentrate on his role as an in-ring performer.”
This means the only involvement Heyman has in the company again is being the on-screen manager of Brock Lesnar. That is, if Brock decides to come back to the ring after his latest loss at Wrestlemania.
Streamlining the process and having one team in charge of both shows is not a bad idea, as despite the brand split, it’s all WWE in the end. RAW & Smackdown aren’t as disconnected from WWE as NXT is, often feeling like the same show with a different coat of paint on it.
Why Was Heyman Removed?
Monday Night RAW has been suffering in terms of ratings as of late, hitting record lows during segments like Drew McIntyre vs. MVP in recent weeks. While I doubt Heyman is the primary reason for these low ratings, WWE needed a scapegoat to fire to appease shareholders. If ratings slip again, Prichard will suffer the same fate and someone will replace him. The role of running these shows is a shakey one at the best of time, but WWE has enough people to cycle through to ensure someone is always in charge. Things won’t be dire until Vince McMahon himself is in charge of RAW & Smackdown, with no one willing to take the position.
It also doesn’t help that Vince McMahon himself doesn’t like Heyman. As noted by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter: One person on the front office side said, “I am shocked it took this long. Everyone knew it was coming. Vince did not like Paul.”
Do you think we will see a big change with Heyman out of the picture on Monday Night RAW? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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