WWE legend Paul Heyman believes the company may have discovered its next major breakout star. According to Heyman, once the timing is right, this new talent could follow a career path similar to iconic wrestlers like Stone Cold Steve Austin or Daniel Bryan.
During an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, Heyman was asked about the growing popularity of a wrestler named Cross and whether this was just an internet hype. Heyman confidently stated that the fanbase had already embraced Cross, both online and in live shows. He emphasized that the audience genuinely wants to see Cross rise to stardom, warning that if WWE doesn’t capitalize on this enthusiasm soon, fans may become even more insistent. When questioned if WWE should feature Cross more prominently, Heyman offered a devil’s advocate viewpoint, pondering whether Cross would have the same fan support if he held titles like the Intercontinental or US Championship now. He concluded that the current organic fan support is genuine and effective.
Heyman drew a notable comparison between Cross and Steve Austin’s early rise, highlighting the swelling fan momentum around Cross. He also referenced similarities to Daniel Bryan’s trajectory, with Ariel Helwani adding CM Punk to the comparison. Heyman reminisced about how Austin’s rebellious image captivated the WWE Universe, turning him into a superstar during the Attitude Era and suggested WWE might replicate this success by harnessing the grassroots excitement surrounding Cross and Scarlett. He said, “It reminds me of someone else… We chant his name, we bring his signature, we’re going to buy his t-shirt. We demand you make him a bigger star. The man’s name was Steve Austin.”
Timing appears crucial, with Heyman implying that WWE could once again turn growing energy into a major star if managed correctly. This is encouraging news for fans worried that Cross might have already had his last match or might leave WWE, as Heyman hinted that WWE is patiently waiting to elevate him into a megastar.
Fan Take: This is an exciting development for WWE fans because it suggests a fresh, organically grown superstar could soon emerge, much like Stone Cold Steve Austin or Daniel Bryan did in their primes. If WWE capitalizes on this momentum correctly, it could usher in a new era of fan-driven excitement and elevate the overall quality and appeal of WWE programming.
