Stephen A. Smith Says Paul Heyman Has Lost Some Of His Luster, WWE Hall Of Famer Responds | WWE

Stephen A. Smith has a message for Paul Heyman after watching the WWE Hall of Famer become more likable in recent months. Speaking on First Take, Smith said he misses the version of Heyman who was not concerned with being liked by everyone. His comments focused on the change he has seen in Heyman and what he believes made the WWE figure effective in the first place. Smith also argued that Heyman has lost some of his luster by focusing too much on being liked. Heyman responded to those comments on social media, calling Smith’s remarks a “comedy routine” and saying he would address them soon.

Stephen A. Smith says Paul Heyman has become too likable

Smith did not hold back when he addressed Heyman on the show. “I want to send this message to Paul Heyman. I miss you, I love you, but I’m kind of disappointed,” Smith said. “You’ve been a bit quiet in my estimation. Paul Heyman has not stood out over the last few months the way that I expect him to. “He’s actually become a likeable figure. It’s one thing for me to like you, but everybody is supposed to hate you.”

He does not want Heyman to become someone the audience simply likes. “I would dare say that I think that Paul Heyman has lost a touch of his lustre because he has been too, too fixated on being liked. I’m kind of disappointed in him, I must say,” Smith said. “I think Paul Heyman has gotten a bit softer.”

Paul Heyman responds to Stephen A. Smith

Heyman did not ignore Smith’s criticism and response on social media. Where he said he would address the comments and took aim at the way First Take described him.

Heyman wrote, “As I stated on another platform, I shall address this comedy routine by my dear friend Stephen and I shall do so sooner rather than later. And by the way, FirstTake, you may refer to me as a WWE Hall of Famer, an Advocate, an Oracle the Wiseman or the GOAT, but calling me a ‘manager’ is like calling ESPN ‘a TV station. Sheeeeesh!”

Smith and Heyman have previously discussed Smith’s interest in WWE. Smith has talked about wanting a WWE role and previously joked that he could become a bigger heel than Heyman.