The Subtle Easter Egg In Paul Heyman’s “Wise Man” Nickname In WWE, Explained
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Paul Heyman is one of professional wrestling’s best talkers, with him taking his talents around the likes of ECW, WCW, and WWE over the course of his career, creating big movements and managing some of the best performers of all time, such as Brock Lesnar and CM Punk. He has gone under multiple ring names, including Paul E. Dangerously, in addition to having different titles like “advocate” and “special counsel”. He currently has a nickname in WWE, which has been given to him by his most recent associate, Roman Reigns. Heyman is called the “Wise Man”, and whilst on the surface this is just a standard nickname, it is actually a fun and subtle easter egg to Heyman’s past in the business and his journey to where he is today.
Paul Heyman Has Been Donned As The “Wise Man” By Roman Reigns
The Bloodline are arguably the best faction in professional wrestling today, with them being a huge highlight of WWE TV. The first two members of the current iteration of this stable were Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman, who joined forces in 2020. However, rather than a manager or advocate, much like Heyman’s role had been for others in the past, Heyman was referred to as being Reigns’ “special counsel”, in a more advisory and business role. Heyman is clearly second to Reigns, with him almost worshiping the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at times.
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Since then, The Bloodline has brought in The Usos, Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn, with the faction having fantastic chemistry and depth. Whenever Reigns is on-screen, Heyman is by his side, holding his titles or else doing his dirty work in terms of promos. Reigns shows a lot of respect towards Heyman, with their relationship being explained due to Heyman’s association with the Anoa’i family in the past. Reigns current heel character shows little respect for anyone, so it certainly means something even more when Reigns calls Heyman the “Wise Man”. Heyman’s way of words and experience in the business certainly justifies this nickname, but there is much more to it than just his personality and wisdom.
Paul Heyman Learned His Talents From The “Three Wise Men”
Heyman made his start in the wrestling industry, finding ways into the business, at the young age of 13, with him doing photography, writing his own newsletter, and featuring in Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Around this time, his attention was captured by heel managers, with him taking inspiration from three of the all-time greats of this role. Heyman studied the work of legendary heel managers, Ernie Roth, Lou Albano, and Freddie Blassie, who were referred to as the “Three Wise Men”.
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With Heyman studying their work so closely, learning from their wisdom, being referred to as the “Wise Man” is likely something that brings the child out of Heyman, showing a big sign towards the fact that he is now perhaps on the level of, or even greater than those he learned his craft from. It is easy to argue that Heyman is among the best managers of all time, and he has certainly earned the right to use this nickname, even with it being in reference to three greats.
This is likely something more rewarding to those in the industry rather than fans, as it isn’t something acknowledged on TV, with it very much remaining as a very subtle easter egg for those who are more familiar with the history of heel management in wrestling. Heyman’s current role in WWE has seen him put forth some of his best work. His character direction and performances are absolutely stellar, as he sells the fear of Roman Reigns whilst also showcasing an undying love for his “Tribal Chief”. Heyman is a big part of The Bloodline, with the “Wise Man” being as important as any other member.
