As WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman has taken a backseat in WWE recently for seemingly supporting The Vision and Oba Femi from afar, the WWE Hall of Famer was targeted by ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, who claimed that Heyman has become “soft” in recent months. The Oracle fired back at Smith with a recent video message on his social media where he took a jibe at Stephen A. Smith.Heyman is a WWE Hall of Famer in 2024 who has built his reputation through his work with several major names, including Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. His ability to deliver compelling promos and establish himself as a central figure in WWE storylines has remained a defining part of his career.
Paul Heyman responds to Stephen A. Smith’s comment about calling The Oracle for going “soft”
Paul Heyman responds to Stephen A. Smith’s comment about calling The Oracle for going “soft.” The Hall of Famer has hit back at ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith after the latter claimed that the legendary wrestling manager had become “soft” in recent months.Smith recently criticized Heyman’s on-screen persona, arguing that the longtime WWE figure had become too focused on being liked rather than maintaining the ruthless attitude that made him one of professional wrestling’s most effective villains.Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Smith said he believed Heyman had lost some of his edge and was disappointed with the change. However, he also made it clear that he continued to admire Heyman and missed his more outspoken personality.This didn’t sit well with Heyman; he responded by calling Smith a “Paul Heyman wannabe.” However, he quickly insisted it wasn’t meant as an insult, pointing out that Smith had previously admitted he admired Heyman’s style during an appearance with Roman Reigns.He added, “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. I am here to address the comments made about me on ESPN First Take by that Paul Heyman wannabe, Stephen A. Smith. Oh, calm down. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not being insulting when I say Stephen A. Smith is a Paul Heyman wannabe. The first time I ever appeared on camera with Stephen A. Smith, he admitted in front of the whole world and the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns that he’s a Paul Heyman wannabe.”The WWE veteran also rejected the claim that he had lost his edge simply because he is taking a backseat and behaved aggressively. Heyman also argued that after four decades in the wrestling business, choosing not to be constantly loud or confrontational should not be mistaken for weakness.Moreover, despite Smith’s criticism, Heyman’s response demonstrates that he is still willing to engage in verbal confrontations both inside and outside the wrestling world. Meanwhile, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed remain key figures in The Vision’s ongoing storyline, and Heyman’s next move could play an important role in determining the faction’s direction.