Off the Record with Paul Heyman (Part 1)

This is another good episode of OTR that I didn't see on Youtube. Talking to Michael Landsberg this time is the evil genius himself, ECW founder Paul Heyman. This interview was conducted in 2002, not long after Stone Cold walked out on the company (he would eventually return at No Way Out in 2003).

In this part of the interview Paul discusses the reasons for Austin's departure and whether Stone Cold was misused by WWE. He also discusses The Rock and why he is getting a tough time from fans (this was around the time the fans started booing The Rock which would eventually lead to his heel turn into Hollywood Rock in 2003). It's an interesting insight into Heyman's views on two of wrestling's biggest icons - Austin and Rock. Enjoy.

• Category

  Entertainment

[ReinEngel2]

Steve Austin walked not because they wanted him to lose to Brock Lesnar, but because they wanted him to lose to Brock Lesnar on a TV show, in a qualifying match to a tournament Austin didn't need to be involved in, with absolutely no build-up or promotion at all.

Austin is a class act who deeply cares about the business and its fans, and this proves it. Most see Austin as being a crybaby, taking his ball and going home. I see it as a guy who couldn't deal with Vince's bullshit any longer.

[kdubumbc]

now that part about the rock got me, i'm thinking heyman maybe wrote that storyline where the rock came back and took on austin and eventually goldberg. he was such a great heel, honestly if you didn't hate him a little bit at that time you were in the minority i think.

[fuckoffandfuckyou]

Yes, but i mean now in 2013. I miss the Rock as a Heel, i dare say he is better at being Heel than face.

[vadakinx]

They did. They did exactly what Heyman suggested after Rock came back from shooting the Scorpion King. Rock went heel and it was glorious. Rock's always been an awesome heel

[Frank Pignataro]

I cant stand this guy Michael Landsberg never lets people talk .. U should check out the undertaker interview Michael was so disrespectful.

[Catherine Wickett]

AMEN!

[AndySan]

Whenever I see "Paul Heyman, WWE Superstar", I die a little inside :(

[theycallmeLEGIT]

Certain number of times you can swear. Retarded but that's why. The word is fine you just can't say it on Television, the radio, ect a certain number of times depending on who runs the show/podcast/ect.

[fuckoffandfuckyou]

Paul is so right, The rock is boring now. If they turned him heel i would actually be excited for the first time in a long time!