Paul Heyman expressed strong opinions when asked about CBS’s decision to end the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and he’s already positioning himself as an ideal replacement. Speaking to TMZ in New York City, the WWE Hall of Famer reacted to the news that the show will conclude in May 2026 after more than three decades on the air.
He said, "I think that’s the dumbest move CBS has ever made. Why? They fired Stephen Colbert and canceled the show. CBS should have kept it going."
Heyman didn’t hesitate to pitch himself as the next host if CBS opts to keep the show alive. He believes that a show led by him would attract viewers who currently watch for Colbert.
He said, "Picture this every night, except Mondays when I’m on Raw — ‘Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. Welcome to the Late Show.’ If CBS wants good ratings, they should call me." It’s also worth noting that Heyman is a WWE Hall of Fame inductee.
CBS attributed the cancellation to financial reasons, stressing that the decision wasn’t related to the show’s content or performance. Some speculate that CBS may have felt pressure to cancel the show due to Colbert’s frequent criticisms of the Trump administration during his tenure.
Late Show originally premiered in 1993 with David Letterman, then was passed on to Stephen Colbert in 2015. As the program nears its last year, Heyman sees a promising opportunity for himself.
Fan Take: This news is significant for WWE fans because Paul Heyman’s potential move into mainstream late-night television could further elevate his already influential persona. His involvement could bring more visibility to WWE and possibly bridge the gap between wrestling entertainment and late-night TV audiences.
