Paul Heyman Talks About The Art Of The Wrestling Promo [ESPN]

ESPN is currently featuring an interview with Paul Heyman, conducted by Brian Campbell of ESPN.com and the Cheap Heat Podcast. In an article titled, “Paul Heyman defines the art of the wrestling promo,” Campbell looks back on Heyman’s 35+ year career and the elements that comprise a captivating wrestling promo that engages viewers and draws money.

“Credibility. Authenticity. Believing in everything that you are saying,” Heyman said. “It’s something that some people are born with and don’t know how to tap into. And it’s something some people are not born with, but once they feel the affirmation of the crowd … [they] get that rush.”

“It’s sex. It’s music,” Heyman added. “And there’s a rhythm to it, and there’s an interaction to it. There’s something very deeply personal about it as well. So once you tap into that you’re hooked, and you seek that every time you dare open your mouth in a public forum.”

There’s much more to the article, including WWE’s reliance on scripts, the level of creative freedom he’s afforded with his own promos and what it’s like working with Vince McMahon. Check out the full interview over at ESPN.com.

Meanwhile, the timing of ESPN’s article about his unparalleled ability on the microphone was not lost on Mr. Heyman. His promo on last night’s WWE RAW from Minneapolis did not go exactly as planned. Heyman did his best to get the crowd to support Goldberg, but it just wasn’t happening in Lesnar’s hometown. There were some brief “Goldberg” chants, but they were drowned out by chants of Suplex City and Goldberg Sucks. Heyman tweeted on Tuesday evening:

Thank God the reporters at @WWEonESPN @ESPN didn't see my promo last night or they'd pull this story IMMEDIATELY! https://t.co/nzkPNmzs7t

— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) October 25, 2016