When you look at who is front and center across most storylines that the WWE universe revolves around, that man has been Paul Heyman for a number of years now.
Heyman shows no particular signs of slowing down, but in the event he wanted to take a sabbatical or would shift focus to grooming a potential successor, there are some prospects already within WWE who could take over.
Here are six names who could replace Paul Heyman at the center of WWE’s top storylines.
6. Cody Rhodes
Beyond his exceptional acting abilities, one aspect that brings gravitas to Paul Heyman’s on-screen work is his deep history and roots within the overall professional wrestling industry.
Given that Cody Rhodes can boast a series of accolades that no one else on the roster could rival – including helping to create a challenger brand in AEW – there are likely to be decades of future stars who cite Rhodes’ history as influential.
Able to tap into his own story as a performer, an on-screen role for Rhodes of being an advocate and ‘wiseman’ to a future generation could make for incredibly compelling TV.
While the future could hold a range of ambitions for the real life Cody who could seemingly be equally likely to be involved in Hollywood projects or running for political office, if he were to stick around in WWE, he would be a perfect fit for a Paul Heyman-esq role.
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5. Seth Rollins
Among the performers that currently captivate audiences, Seth Rollins would make an incredible future Svengali and seemingly is already pivoting into the role.
While he has treated Bron Breakker adequately on-screen so far, the true test of Rollins’ penchant for sadism will come when Breakker disappoints him or steps out of line.
Seth Rollins has the unique opportunity to be a true ‘Visionary’ and craft a post-retirement origin story now, and circle back to it in the future when he is ready to stop in-ring wrestling.
Since Rollins’ stable is truly just getting started, there are years of compelling character work still to be told between all involved – including Paul Heyman – who may ultimately decide Rollins’ fate at the end of their working relationship.
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4. John Cena
While John Cena is currently on his farewell tour in WWE – he has only pledged to say goodbye to in-ring competition.
Cena has given many indications that he will stay involved in the WWE family beyond 2025.
But that was before the heel turn, and now that Cena is poised to potentially retire from in-ring competition as a fiercely hated bad guy, perhaps we haven’t truly seen the last of him.
Not actively wrestling would not negate him from continuing to stir the pot on-screen, particularly if he were to keep up his heelish persona – John Cena’s acting chops would make any future return as someone’s ‘special counsel’ incredibly intriguing.
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3. Paige
Since Saraya confirmed that she had officially departed AEW, she has remained occupied with wrestling-related appearances, her podcast and a new memoir.
However, fans continue to wonder if they will ever see Paige return to WWE.
While she competed in the ring during her time in AEW, she would also make an amazing backstage force shown as pulling the strings for multiple stories.
Devoid of female authority figures outside of NXT for the last several years, WWE could benefit from mixing it up.
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2. The Rock
Although he doesn’t appear on screen with nearly the frequency of Paul Heyman, the only other character potentially in the running to be the anchor of the current WWE cast might be The Final Boss, The Rock.
Given the savvy blend of reality and fiction already at play with Rock- since he is literally on the board of directors of WWE’s parent company, TKO – the assumptions about his influence extend far beyond on-screen storylines.
While certainly The Rock is a busy man with his multiple companies across industries that extend beyond entertainment, it would make complete sense for him to continue to traverse in and out of WWE TV.
And every time he does make an appearance, it seems to have some kind of lasting influence on whoever he interacts with.
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1. Charlotte Flair
Already the most decorated women’s star of all-time, Charlotte Flair shows no signs of ending her in-ring career anytime soon.
However, looking forward to the future, Flair has the ability to build storyline moments now that pay off later.
With a depth of history within the industry that cannot be challenged, and an incredible pedigree in addition to her own personal accomplishments, Charlotte Flair could be positioned as masterminding the future of the women’s division.
If portrayed in an elevated way, her traits that may come across as individually petty today could actually prove in the future to have been a part of a very calculated plan.
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