Paul Heyman revisits 2006 WWE exit and returns to the Raw spotlight in 2026

Paul Heyman, long‑time WWE executive and former ECW promoter, recounted his contentious departure from WWE and ECW in 2006, describing a power struggle with Vince McMahon over the creative direction of ECW and describing the workplace as "miserable." After a five‑year break from professional wrestling, Heyman returned to the company in 2011 and later re‑established himself as a key adviser.

In June 2026, Heyman made a highly anticipated return on WWE Raw, appearing alongside Brock Lesnar and confirming a Hell in a Cell match for SummerSlam. A backstage encounter showed Heyman dismissing Austin Theory of The Vision, suggesting his focus has shifted back to Lesnar and indicating possible storyline changes within the promotion.