Heyman has no interest in TNA, labels it WWE-Lite, feels it would be a step down

Paul Heyman was interviewed for a second time by the U.K. Sun to hype the debut of “The Heyman Hustle,” which debuts on Monday in the same publication. The following are the TNA and ROH-related highlights of the interview.

-“I have no interest in TNA. They don’t want someone to come in and completely change their formula. I don’t even think they want to hear that their formula is in need of changing.”

-“TNA is a vanity piece and they don’t want someone who comes in and says, 'We really have to address all these situations.'"

-“TNA is WWE-Lite. Their TV show is the same thing as ECW’s TV show.”

-“I think TNA has a major hurdle to overcome and that’s the fact that they have no brand. There’s no one on that roster that is branded TNA... Are there hot moments? Sure. Are there personalities to like? Sure. Is there a good work rate? Sure. But there is no TNA style, TNA persona, or TNA brand.”

-They had an opportunity to do this (branding) with the X Division, which is a totally unique concept you don’t see anywhere else in wrestling, MMA, or sports entertainment. That could have been their version of what UFC did with the Octagon, but they diminished the effectiveness of their own creation. They had a totally different and unique look and presentation, and then tossed it aside like it was just another gimmick. For the life of me I can’t understand why.”

-“I am very proud of Gabe (Sapolsky). He has learned from all of the strengths of ECW and also our weaknesses. He’s developed a niche audience that is loyal to the Ring of Honor product. With no resources, Gabe has branded Ring of Honor far better than the multi-million dollar TNA product.”

“I don’t talk wrestling with Gabe because I don’t want to influence his product. His vision works. Has he ever called me for advice on a finish, character, or angle? Sure. But I’ll give him a perspective where he can find his own answer. I don’t want to give him the answer because then it’s my answer not his. Everything he does needs to have Gabe Sapolsky’s booking DNA all over it. It’s not supposed to be my vision, it’s supposed to be his.”

To read the full interview, visit the UK Sun.

Powell’s POV: I wish the interviewer would have asked Heyman if anyone from TNA has reached out to him directly. It would say a lot about TNA if they didn’t at least reach out to someone with Heyman’s creative talents. Then again, they have Jim Cornette in the fold, yet still continue to stick with a creative team that is heavily criticized.

Heyman has to feel good about Sapolsky’s success, as he is part of Paul’s legacy in this business. Obviously, several of the wrestlers Heyman created gimmicks for wrestlers in ECW who have gone on to become stars in the industry, but he has to take a great deal of pride in the fact that someone who learned hands on from him creatively has established his own identity and is now widely regarded as the best booker in the industry.