Jon Moxley is back in the headlines, but this time not because of a match or a title shot, but rather because of his explosive comments following WrestleMania. The former WWE star, now a prominent figure in AEW, didn’t hesitate to express his frustration with what he believes is the mismanagement of Roman Reigns’ career, placing the blame squarely on Paul Heyman.
WrestleMania, often described as the greatest stage of all time, was supposed to be a night of triumph and legacy for Roman Reigns. However, the outcome left many fans and former teammates in shock, including Moxley. In a candid interview, Moxley shared his emotional reaction, stating that Heyman’s influence did more harm than good to the former Shield member.
I watched that match, and all I could think about was how far Roman’s career had gone. Paul Heyman no longer lifts up superstars, he manipulates them. Roman isn’t the man I stood by years ago, as Moxley said.
This sudden outburst sparked widespread controversy in the wrestling world. Known for his outspoken opinion, Moxley explained that his criticism stemmed from a deep respect and concern for Roman, whom he considered like a brother. Along with Seth Rollins, the two formed one of WWE’s most iconic tag teams, “The Shield.” Their bond was forged through years of battles both in and out of the ring, which only added to the power of Moxley’s harsh words.
Meanwhile, Paul Heyman has long been known for his controversial management style. As Roman Reigns’ attorney and special counsel, Heyman played a pivotal role in shaping the “Tribal Boss” persona that has brought Roman tremendous success over the past few years. But for Moxley, this success has come at a personal and professional cost.
Moxley added, “Roman doesn’t need Paul. He never did. What he needed was people who believed in him for who he was, not someone who tried to copy every word and every moment of his career. The Roman I knew had guts. Now he looks like a puppet in Heyman’s hands.”
Fans are now divided. Some support Moxley’s view, echoing his concerns that Roman’s character has become artificial and overly managed. Others see Heyman as the genius behind Roman’s dominance and popularity in recent years.
Neither Roman Reigns nor Paul Heyman have officially commented on Moxley’s comments. However, insiders say the tension hasn’t gone unnoticed within WWE. It’s unclear whether this will escalate into a war of words or remain a one-sided criticism.
Regardless, Moxley’s statement has certainly sparked interest in the complex dynamics between former Shield members and raised questions about who holds the true power behind the biggest names in wrestling today.