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Is Heyman greater than Heenan?

7K views 93 replies 56 participants last post by  Culebra75 
#1 ·
JBL seems to think Paul Heyman is better than Bobby Heenan.

I can see that.

I know its 2 different eras, and Heenan had a couple more years in than Heyman currently does, but Paul kills the Brain on promos and in crowd participation.

What will be the deciding factor on who is better, when its all said and done?
 
#24 ·
They're so different, it's hard to even compare them. They're GOATS in their own ways.
 
#25 ·
totally agree with what's been said here, I don't want to disrespect anyone, but those who are saying Heyman here ... don't know much about Bobby Heenan's work, specially in his prime, but even while not in his prime, he was still one of the greatest of all times, actually no, the greatest of all time ... when it comes to commentary and managerial roles in the business (and that's a bold saying as there have been some GREAT managers), Heyman however, definitely is very close behind Heenan.

Where would people stand in regards to Jimmy 'Mouth Of The South' Hart?
 
#26 ·
totally agree with what's been said here, I don't want to disrespect anyone, but those who are saying Heyman here ... don't know much about Bobby Heenan's work, specially in his prime, but even while not in his prime, he was still one of the greatest of all times, actually no, the greatest of all time ... when it comes to commentary and managerial roles in the business (and that's a bold saying as there have been some GREAT managers), Heyman however, definitely is very close behind Heenan.

Where would people stand in regards to Jimmy 'Mouth Of The South' Hart?
Never really cared for him. Thought he was obnoxious.
 
#34 ·
Yeah, Fuji was awesome, no doubt!

Jameson was gold. You forgot Johnny Polo.
I did indeed, Jim Cornette appeared around that time too if I remember rightly, with the Heavenly Bodies? .. Kimchee with Kamala, General Adnan too I guess with Sgt Slaughter.

Oh .. and of course The Genius, with The Beverly Brothers.

 
#33 ·
Heyman is a great talker, but a lot of times his promos don't seem fresh, imo. It never felt that way listening to Heenan.

Right now isn't the time to decide who's the better of the two, with Heyman being currently active in the product. Years after Heyman leaves WWE programming most people can look at this from a more accurate, clearer perspective.

On a sidenote, a wrestler named M.V.P. debuted during a battle royal in the early nineties. He dressed like a baseball player and wore face paint.

Vince McMahon: Just who is the M.V.P.?

Bobby Heenan: He's the guy in the baseball uniform.


Vince McMah
 
#41 ·
I respect people's opinions, without a doubt, that's what a public forum is for but hearing people saying certain things about Heenan being less than Heyman is ludicrous, I do genuinely wonder how much of Heenan's work is actually known by those saying Heyman here.

Again, I totally respect people's opinions but it's just Heenan is in an absolute league of his own, that although Heyman is close up there, due to him also being in a league of his own, I really don't see how anyone can say that Heyman is above Heenan, in regards to what basis Heyman takes over Heenan, I don't think it can be done really.
 
#43 ·
In regards to promos, I'd give the edge to Heyman, solely because the art of promos is drastically different compared to Heenan's time.

For the most part, Heenan cut backstage promos, away from the live audience, with limited time. Heyman gets to come out on live TV and gets ample enough time to speak. Big difference in atmosphere and in front of the live audience, you get the sense that he has the crowd in the palm of his hand.

But to Heenan's credit, whether it was 90 or 120 seconds, he made the viewer raise interest because he brought attention to whatever he was involved in and was always able to put over an angle and the opposition with his words, in such a short amount of time. I just think the ability to do that in front of a live audience every week gives Heyman the advantage.

But, Heenan was still a better manager because he got people over and as I said before, he was a "game changer" as a manager. He was more than just a guy at ringside, he was apart of the story. Heyman was initially in WCW but has only recently became a guy that could affect the outcome of the match again.
 
#44 ·
Well put and I respect your opinions, but Heenan was more than capable of performing and controlling a live audience, but as you said the art of promos is drastically different so from that perspective it is comparing apples to oranges.

You made a great point about Heenan's ability to get his point across in such a short period of time. Heyman needs longer to have an equal effect.

Heenan's ability as an outside interference is legendary. When I think of an outcome that a manager had the most direct influence on I will always consider Heenan costing Ultimate Warrior the IC belt ay WM5 at the top of the list.
 
#46 ·
They put the entire 1992 Royal Rumble on Heenan's DVD. Thats what a 70 minute match? Yeah Heenan was a fucking God as a heel commentator. Nobody compares in that category. As a manager too he was wonderful. Drew heat like a mother.
 
#47 ·
When comparing them as managers we must also look at the talent they were given to work with. I remember a little from Paul E Dangerously, but not a whole lot. He was given Brock. Brock's in ring prowess would have gotten him over but Heyman was needed to get him over faster and Heyman did an excellent job and then He worked with Punk, who was already over.

Hennan got Andre late in his career and done wonders with him in leading up to WM3 and he had Rude, who has mics skills on par with Punk, IMO. Most of the other talent he worked with, he was directly responsible for helping elevating them and making them much better.
 
#48 ·
I love Heyman, but Heenan is on a different level. GOAT heel manager and heel commentator. He was so quick-minded and funny, it just kept going moment after moment. Heyman is a smart guy but he has to stop and think at times. Heenan didn't have to stop, he just kept going and could come up with the material as he kept talking. He was the guy.
 
#49 ·
Both excellent talents in their own right but not exactly comparable.
Heyman is continually establishing his legacy in the wrestling world as we speak.

Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan's time in the WWF is legendary. His commentary pairing with Gorilla Monsoon added so much to the show, not mention all the legendary talents he's managed over the years, not to mention he did mix it up in the ring also from time to time.

There is only one Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan but just the same there is only one Paul Heyman.

Answering to the point, no. Not yet anyhow. But I think when his career is over it'll be (and should be) held in similar esteem but for different reasons.
 
#51 ·
That's tough you see because...

I get into Heyman's character more than Heenan's...

But I think Heenan had more actual talent.

Either way, as close as that one is, I do think Heenan is one of the best commentators (if not THE best) in wrestling history. The same can't be said for Heyman. His voice would drive you crazy and he would then be worse than JBL (the worst commentator in wrestling history).
 
#55 ·
You mean Heyman, the WCW personality? Or the total package of booker, businessman, ECW owner, ect?

As a character, I missed Heenan's days with the WWF and I still think Heenan played better on TV.

If you are asking who's more important, Heyman was. Heyman is a great character too, but Heenan was an announcer and incredible at it.
 
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