#3. PAUL HEYMAN THRIVES IN SILENCE
The Wrestling Observer recently reported the attendance and earnings for the recent "Extreme Reunion" show in Philly. It was apparently a giant clusterf*ck with some bright spots. And three-quarters of a six figure gate to boot.
Mark Madden hopes that it means the "extreme" movement is finally put to rest. Why? Because there were a few bad apples trying their damnest to ruin it for everyone? Or maybe, because you never understood ECW and that whole shtick in the first place?
In either case, Shane Douglas is fully capable of orchestrating future events with the "extreme" gimmick attached. And lining his pockets simultaneously.
THAT is the part that bothers me.
Paul Heyman, the one responsible for the success OTHERS are achieving still today, refuses to take part in any of it. Moreover, he refuses to do anything at all in pro wrestling. I don't get it.
I remember him telling me once, in regards to joining TNA, that unless the amount of money offered to him was so ridiculously large he simply couldn't refuse, it did him no good to return. TNA will never be willing to give him the complete control he believes he would need to turn it around, so why go into something you know you'll fail at, UNLESS the money is undeniable. Plus, as long as Heyman continues to sit on the sidelines while others (Hogan, Bischoff, Russo, etc.) go in and strike out, his stock goes up even further.
From a business standpoint, Heyman's absence is gold. But wrestling fans suffer as a result.
Is Heyman still capable of reinventing the wheel? Have others' failures made us believe Heyman is better than he actually is? Who honestly knows? The unfortunate part is that we will likely never find out.
Pro wrestling is high risk and Heyman can now afford to play it safe.
