“It’s Just a Great Combination”: Jim Ross Recalls How Paul Heyman Could Have Elevated a Deceased WWE Superstar During His Time With a Rival Promotion

Paul Heyman is arguably one of the greatest managers in pro-wrestling history. The former ECW owner boasts of an impressive ‘clientele’ that comprises past and current WWE champions. His skills have seen many good wrestlers getting elevated to the ‘great’ level. Recently, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross discussed Heyman’s impact in the business. He also spoke about a missed opportunity pertaining to a deceased superstar.

Paul Heyman could have managed Stone Cold Steve Austin’s tag team partner

Before having a legendary singles career, Stone Cold Steve Austin was a tag team wrestler. However, that was before his time in WWE. In WCW, The Texas Rattlesnake and Brian Pillman formed a successful yet short-lived team. Pillman, who died at a young age in 1997, could have been one of the famed ‘Heyman Guys’.

That did not happen as the booker in WWE’s rival promotion didn’t approve of the plan that featured Heyman, then known as Paul E. Dangerously, working with Pillman and Dennis Condrey at SuperBrawl II in February 1992. Instead, Pillman took on Jushin Liger and won the WCW Light Heavyweight Championship after jostling for 17 minutes.

Reflecting on the missed opportunity on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross said, “The influence that Heyman would have had on young Brian Pillman would be insurmountable. It’s just a great combination.”

Things could have been different had he worked together with Heyman. The 57-year-old is one of the prime reasons behind the success of current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. His work with Brock Lesnar and CM Punk all ended with title runs for them.

Pillman later went on to form the tag team with Austin in WCW. Ross also pointed at a missed chance for the duo.

Jim Ross recalls how one of the greatest tag teams did reach its full potential

During the podcast, the 71-year-old WWE Hall of Famer reminisced about Pillman. He spoke about the former WWE superstar’s pro-wrestling career and, as usual, regaled the listeners with The Hollywood Blondes. For the unversed, this was the name of the WCW tag team comprising Stone Cold Steve Austin and Brian Pillman.

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Despite Austin’s not-so-thrilled take on his partnership with Pillman, Ross thought they were magic. He said the duo revolutionized the tag team scene and were genuine.

“There’s just no telling that had things worked out differently, how far they’ve gone as a tag team,” the legendary commentator said, before stating that they could have been one the greatest ever tag teams.

So, what do you think about Ross’ claim about Paul Heyman and Brian Pillman? Let us know in the comments.

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