Paul Heyman has a response lined up for Stephen A. Smith after the ESPN personality questioned whether WWE’s Wiseman has lost his edge.

Speaking on First Take, Smith said Heyman had become too likable and suggested he had “gotten a bit softer.” The programme also shared the clip on X with a caption referring to him as “WWE Manager Paul Heyman,” a description that caught Heyman’s attention.

Heyman took to X to challenge that label and promised to address his friend’s comments soon.

“As I stated on another platform, I shall address this comedy routine by my dear friend @stephenasmith, 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’s criticism focused on his belief that Heyman should be someone fans love to hate, rather than a figure they are warming to.

“I wanna send this message to Paul Heyman. I love you, but I’m kinda disappointed in who you ended up being,” Smith said. “Paul Heyman has not stood out over the last few months the way I expected him to. He’s actually become a likable figure. It’s one thing for me to like you, but everybody is supposed to hate you. I would dare say that I think Paul Heyman has lost a touch of his luster because he has been too fixated on being liked. I’m kinda disappointed, I must say. I think Paul Heyman has gotten a bit softer.”

The exchange follows Smith’s own suggestions that he could make an impact in WWE.

During a First Take appearance in May, he claimed he could become WWE’s top heel “through the guidance and the tutelage of the great Paul Heyman,” adding, “I would outheel the heel and I dress a lot better than Paul Heyman.”

Smith also offered to manage Heyman’s former longtime client Roman Reigns when Reigns appeared on the programme in April ahead of WrestleMania 42. Reigns responded by joking that they would need to arrange a meeting.

WrestleVotes reported through Fightful Select in April that ESPN sources were “pleased and enthusiastic” about Smith becoming more involved with WWE through its ESPN partnership. The report also claimed an on-air payoff had been pitched for the summer, although WWE has not announced an on-screen role for Smith.

For now, Heyman has made it clear that Smith’s remarks will not go unanswered.

Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith, or does Paul Heyman still have the same edge? Share your thoughts in the comments.

As I stated on another platform, I shall address this comedy routine by my dear friend @stephenasmith, 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,… https://t.co/l5JRbds8uY

, Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) October 8, 2026