For years, WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman has exhibited a deep and insightful grasp of the professional wrestling landscape. He is an essential part of WWE right now, but it appears there was a time when he could have joined TNA.
While speaking on Inside The Ropes, Paul Heyman shared that he was in talks to join TNA in 2010 after leaving WWE. During this time, TNA had been trying to contact him since he left WWE, but at first, he wasnt interested in coming back to wrestling. However, after many phone calls, emails, and messages on Twitter, Bubba Ray Dudley, Taz, and Tommy Dreamer encouraged him to listen to what TNA had to say.
Heyman wanted to run TNA in a new direction, inspired by how Dana White leads UFC. He believed that if he was given the chance, he could succeed, but if he failed, that was part of the game. He thought TNA should focus on younger talent instead of relying on the older stars that WWE used at the time.
Heyman noted that WWE had many legends like Hulk Hogan, Sting, and Mick Foley, which made it hard for TNA to promote younger wrestlers. Heyman wanted to bring Daniel Bryan to TNA, who was also interested in the idea. He envisioned building the promotion around younger wrestlers and a more MMA-like style.
However, TNA didnt want to let go of its older stars. They were set in their ways and didnt see that holding onto legends might stop them from attracting new fans. In the end, Heyman decided not to join TNA because he felt they werent ready to change. He didnt want to come back to wrestling and fail again, especially after his experience with the new ECW, which he thought had been poorly managed by WWE. He realized that TNAs focus on legends would likely prevent it from succeeding, so he chose not to pursue the opportunity further.
It is certainly shocking to think that there was a time where Paul Heyman almost joined TNA Wrestling. Nevertheless, this will always remain one of pro wrestlings biggest What if? scenarios, but Heyman is more than happy in WWE at the moment and that is what truly matters.
What's your opinion on Paul Heyman almost joining TNA? Do you feel TNA should have listened to his idea? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
