Paul Heyman Slams CBS for Canceling The Late Show and Wants to Take Over

Paul Heyman isn’t mincing words when it comes to CBS’ decision to pull the plug on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert—and he’s already pitching himself as the perfect replacement.

Speaking to TMZ in New York City, the WWE Hall of Famer didn’t hold back. CBS announced earlier this month that it would retire The Late Show in May 2026 after 33 years on the air. The network said the move was “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” and “not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.” Heyman wasn’t buying that—and he sure wasn’t impressed.

“I think it’s the dumbest move CBS has ever made. Why? They fired Stephen Colbert and they canceled the show. CBS should’ve kept the show, renamed it ‘The Late Show starring Paul Heyman.’”

And of course, in classic Heyman fashion, he couldn’t resist cutting a promo about what his version of the late-night staple would sound like.

“Could you imagine every night, except for Mondays when I’m on Raw—‘Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. Welcome to The Late Show.’”

Heyman even reminded CBS exactly what he brings to the table.

“If CBS wants ratings, call me. WWE Hall of Famer, by the way.”

The original Late Show launched back in 1993 with David Letterman. Colbert took over the reins in 2015 and has kept the brand alive for nearly a decade. But now, with the show heading into its final year, Heyman sees a major opportunity.

Until that phone rings, Heyman will stick to his current gig—appearing on WWE Raw and managing the likes of Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed.

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