Stephen A. Smith Says He’d Come For Paul Heyman If He Joins WWE

Stephen A. Smith isn’t stepping into WWE anytime soon, but if he ever does, he already knows exactly who he’s targeting: Paul Heyman.

Speaking during an appearance on ImPAULsive on April 28, 2026, Smith was asked point-blank about a potential WWE run. While he previously shut down the idea due to the physical risks, this time he made it clear that if he ever did step into that world, he wouldn’t be playing small. Smith pointed directly at Paul Heyman’s spot at the top of the promo game and suggested that position wouldn’t be safe if he showed up.

“Well, you know what? I think that Paul Heyman needs this competition. That’s some heavy competition right there. He was on my show today, and he conceded—he confessed that his status at number one would be in jeopardy if I arrived on the scene. And I think he’s right. I’m not saying I would get him, but I would come for him.”

That’s a change in tone from Smith’s earlier comments, where he praised Pat McAfee for getting physically involved in WWE storylines alongside Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, but admitted he wasn’t willing to take that same risk himself. Speaking previously on First Take, Smith revealed that WWE President Nick Khan had already floated the idea of him getting involved. But when it came down to reality, Smith didn’t hesitate to explain why he backed off.

“I love it. I want to applaud Pat McAfee for that. I actually want to do that. Your man Nick Khan talked to me about that. “The difference is, I’m not as courageous as Pat McAfee. I ain’t trying to get hit by one of them big boys, at all. I don’t want no parts of it, but I love that stuff because I think the sport needs it.”

So while Smith isn’t lining up to take RKOs anytime soon, his comments make one thing clear: if there’s ever a lane for him in WWE that doesn’t involve getting hit, he already sees himself going toe-to-toe with Heyman on the mic.

With crossover appearances continuing to grow and personalities from outside wrestling getting pulled deeper into storylines, the door isn’t exactly closed. It just depends on whether WWE can find a role that fits Smith’s strengths without putting him in harm’s way. If that ever happens, the battle of words between Stephen A. Smith and Paul Heyman might be too good for WWE to pass up.

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