Jon Moxley has once again made headlines, but this time not for a match or a title shot—it’s for his explosive comments following the aftermath of WrestleMania. The former WWE superstar, now one of the top figures in AEW, did not hold back in expressing his frustration over what he believes is a mishandling of Roman Reigns’ career, placing the blame squarely on Paul Heyman.
WrestleMania, often dubbed the grandest stage of them all, was supposed to be a night of triumph and legacy for Roman Reigns. However, the outcome left many fans and former colleagues in shock, including Moxley. In a candid interview, Moxley shared his emotional reaction, stating that Heyman’s influence has done more harm than good for the former Shield member.
“I watched that match, and all I could think about was how far off-track Roman’s career has gone. Paul Heyman doesn’t elevate stars anymore—he manipulates them. Roman isn’t the same guy I stood beside years ago,” Moxley said.
This unexpected outburst has stirred massive discussion across the wrestling world. Moxley, known for speaking his mind, made it clear that his criticism comes from a place of deep respect and concern for Roman, who was once like a brother to him. The two, along with Seth Rollins, formed one of WWE’s most iconic factions, The Shield. Their bond was forged through years of battles inside and outside the ring, making Moxley’s harsh words all the more powerful.
Paul Heyman, meanwhile, has long been known for his controversial management style. As the advocate and Special Counsel to Roman Reigns, Heyman has been instrumental in shaping “The Tribal Chief” persona, which brought Roman massive success over the past few years. But to Moxley, that success has come at a personal and professional cost.
“Roman doesn’t need Paul. He never did,” Moxley added. “What he needed was people who believed in him for who he was, not someone trying to script every word and moment of his career. The Roman I knew had heart. Now, he just looks like a puppet in Heyman’s game.”
Fans are now divided. Some support Moxley’s view, echoing concerns that Roman’s character has become too manufactured and over-managed. Others argue that Heyman has been the genius behind Roman’s dominance and relevance in recent years.
Neither Roman Reigns nor Paul Heyman has officially responded to Moxley’s comments. However, insiders say the tension has not gone unnoticed within WWE. It’s unclear whether this will escalate into a war of words or remain a one-sided critique.
Regardless, Moxley’s statement has certainly reignited interest in the complex dynamics between former Shield members and raised questions about who truly holds the power behind the biggest names in wrestling today.
