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Stephen A. Smith Eyes WWE Role With Roman Reigns Endorsement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Aug 7, 2025 8:45 AM ET

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has made it known that he'd entertain making a career move and having a seat at the WWE table.

During a segment of ESPN's "First Take," as part of an interview with WWE superstar Roman Reigns, the sports personality revealed he’d love to step into a role similar to that of longtime WWE figure Paul Heyman, especially with WWE partnering with ESPN in 2026.

“I wish I was [involved in the ESPN-WWE deal], but I was not,” Smith said. “The geniuses that work, that run this company, along with the great Nick Khan—because he is great—I mean, they have all more to do with it.

“But I must say, when I think about Paul Heyman, I do feel like, you know, step up in there. There is room.”

"When I think about Paul Heyman, I do feel like, you know, there's room for someone else to step up in there."@stephenasmith on becoming a manager in the WWE pic.twitter.com/s0FO9nQHCj
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 6, 2025

Roman Reigns Endorses Stephen A. Smith's WWE Move, Dismisses Paul Heyman

Roman Reigns wasted no time making his stance clear, later fostering a response from Heyman. The former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion said his relationship with Heyman is finished, and he’s ready for new partnerships.

I have always appreciated the kind words bestowed upon me by @StephenASmith on @ESPN's @FirstTake. The term "manager" is outdated and antiquated. If someone wishes to compete with me, they need to be an #Advocate, a #Wiseman or an #Oracle. It is invigorating to know how many… https://t.co/RhCt1JtrCK
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) August 6, 2025

“He’s a piece of trash,” Reigns said of Heyman. “We’re not on the same page anymore. Last time I was here, we were like this, and it’s not like that anymore.

“So, there’s definitely a job over there’s some space to be filled, if you know what I mean.”

It’s a bold endorsement from one of the most powerful figures in professional wrestling, and a direct shot at the man who guided Reigns through years of dominance as “The Tribal Chief.”

Paul Heyman Responds: “Manager Is Outdated”

Heyman, meanwhile, took to X to share his thoughts on the comments from Smith and Reigns, proclaiming himself the "GOAT" of the industry.

“It is invigorating to know how many people still want to take their best shot at replicating the #GOAT of @WWE and all of sports, entertainment, and sports-entertainment,” Heyman wrote.

Never one to stay quiet, Heyman added his take on the label that was attached to him by the ESPN personality and the latter's aspirations to become a WWE “manager.”

“The term ‘manager’ is outdated and antiquated,” Heyman tweeted. “If someone wishes to compete with me, they need to be an #Advocate, a #Wiseman, or an #Oracle.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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