Stephen A. Smith Claims He’d Be a Bigger Heel Than Paul Heyman in WWE

TLDR

Stephen A. Smith claimed on the May 8, 2026 episode of ESPN's First Take that he would be a bigger heel than Paul Heyman in WWE, stating "I would out-heel the heel" and that he "dress[es] a lot better than Paul Heyman." According to a WrestleVotes Radio report, WWE officials are "pleased and enthusiastic" about Smith becoming more involved with the company, with an "expected payoff" planned for later this summer tied to a major WWE premium live event. WWE reportedly views Smith as a celebrity personality who could get involved physically in angles without becoming an actual wrestler, similar to Jon Stewart's past involvement with the company.