'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
AEW utilizes several managers, ranging from veteran wrestlers like Arn Anderson to charismatic mouthpieces like Alex Abrahantes. But no one can hold a candle to Paul Heyman, arguably the best manager in all of professional wrestling right now.
In WWE, Paul Heyman's involvement has greatly boosted the careers of Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. The former ECW owner also has a history of pushing young talent and managing world champions such as Rob Van Dam, Big Show, Kurt Angle, and CM Punk.
Heyman is currently in the middle of the top storyline in WWE, caught in a rivalry between Lesnar and Reigns. While it's unlikely that he'll switch allegiances at this point in his career, it's interesting to imagine a scenario where Heyman gets involved with Tony Khan's company.
His experience and knowledge of the wrestling industry would be beneficial to the promotion's rosters. Here are five AEW wrestlers Paul Heyman would be the perfect manager for.
#5. AEW star Wardlow
Wardlow is growing into a star before our eyes. His powerbomb symphony is catching on with fans, and they are itching to see him turn against MJF. It's only a matter of time before he turns into a popular babyface. Last week on Dynamite, Mr. Mayhem dominated CM Punk but lost to a lucky roll-up. It was clear that momentum was on his side despite the loss.
Imagine a pairing between Wardlow and Heyman. Heyman can cover for Wardlow's mic skills while hyping his monstrous qualities. It'd be best to elevate Wardlow by letting him get the rub of being a Paul Heyman guy. If that doesn't happen in AEW, don't be surprised if WWE tries to make it a reality instead.
#4. AEW women's veteran Serena Deeb
Serena Deeb is enjoying renewed popularity at the autumn stage of her career. The 35-year-old has developed a reputation for being one of the best female wrestlers in the division. Her technical skills are unmatched, and she has now paired them with an aggressive side. She'd make the perfect Paul Heyman girl.
Heyman has previously managed someone who is of a similar mold to Deeb. Madusa was the first woman to be affiliated with him as part of the Dangerous Alliance faction in WCW. Both are alpha females with exceptional wrestling talent. The Deeb and Heyman pairing would immediately become a legitimate threat to the AEW Women's Championship.
#3. Former 'Paul Heyman' guy CM Punk
If Heyman ever makes his way into AEW, why not bring him back together with his former protege, CM Punk? The two forged a brilliant partnership back in WWE as The Straight Edge Superstar became the longest-reigning WWE Champion of the modern era at 434 days.
While Punk has taken on the mantle of a locker room veteran, it will be interesting to see how the company evolves the dynamic between the two. Perhaps it will give the edge that Punk needs to become a world champion once more.
#2. AEW EVP Cody Rhodes
The current AEW TNT Champion Cody Rhodes is perhaps the most divisive wrestler in the company right now. Fans are rejecting his de facto babyface persona and want to see him become a heelish character.
Perhaps Cody is waiting for the right time to pull the trigger and further the resentment amongst fans. There will come a tipping point. Perhaps pairing Rhodes with an evil manager like Paul Heyman might do the trick. There are hallmarks of the relationship between Tribal Chief Roman Reigns and his special counsel.
Reigns also had trouble winning over fans, but his heel turn and subsequent alliance with Heyman pushed him to the top of the industry. Rhodes could follow a similar path, especially if he goes back on his promise and challenges for the AEW World title.
#1. Pinnacle leader MJF
On his Grilling JR podcast, AEW commentator Jim Ross compared MJF to Paul Heyman when it comes to mic skills:
"Let me tell you this, statement of the night may be that MJF is a younger, actually athletic version of Paul Heyman. I was around Paul Heyman when he was in his 20s a lot and I helped Paul a great deal back when nobody wanted to work with him because he was so obstinate in their view. Well, I saw talent. Was he a pain in the ass? Absolutely. But he was our pain in the ass and he was my pain in the ass partner who made both of us better."
"So we did some good work in WCW before he ever got to WWE, I always thought. I enjoyed it, I can tell you that. So Max is a young Paul Heyman, only with muscles and athletic ability. That just tells you where he ranks in my lexicon of some of the smartest guys I’ve ever been around in pro-wrestling."
MJF is the best talent that AEW has discovered. His mic skills are better than anyone of his generation, and the heat he generates is scalding. While he might not wrestle often, he always delivers in the ring as well. Many fans have pegged MJF to become a world champion, and for good reason. He could be the face of the company for the next decade if Tony Khan plays his cards right.
Paul Heyman has been lauded for his ability to harness young talent with high potential. He can appreciate the skills that MJF brings to the table. The alliance between the two will be absolutely box office. The only question is which company will that be in?
