"They didn't get along" - WWE veteran claims Paul Heyman wanted to replace AEW legend in major role

WWE veteran Dutch Mantell claims that Paul Heyman was after an AEW legend's role during his WWE run. The name in question is none other than Jim Ross.

Good Ol' JR was the voice of WWE's Attitude Era and called the action alongside his broadcast partner Jerry 'The King' Lawler. However, another commentator came onto the scene. It was none other than Paul Heyman. After Jerry Lawler left the promotion, Paul Heyman replaced him and called RAW is WAR with Jim Ross.

In a recent edition of his Storytime with Dutch Mantell podcast, the wrestling veteran claimed that JR and Paul Heyman did not get along and also exchanged heated words against each other. He stated that Heyman was looking to take JR's job in the Stamford-based promotion.

"Paul Heyman and Jim Ross, they didn't get along behind that camera. You could tell when Jim's temper would run a little bit short with Paul. Paul didn't give a crap and you know Paul, he could never tell what Paul was up to. I think Paul was actually trying going after Jim's job for awhile and Paul was very good at play-by-play. He's good but play-by-play is a heel. You're trying to get yourself and the talent over but a play-by-play as a straight up commentator, you've got to get the whole show over. But Paul and Jim did have some words spoken in anger out there all the time. [From 01:14:23 to 01:15:23]

Jim Ross left WWE to sign with AEW in 2019

Jim Ross departed from the Stamford-based promotion in 2018 and went on to sign a deal with AEW that emerged onto the scene in 2019. JR used to provide commentary regularly on Dynamite during its initial years. However, due to his health, Ross has toned down his involvement and occasionally appears to call the action in All Elite Wrestling.

JR inked another deal with AEW earlier this year which will keep him with the promotion for another year. The veteran has helped out a lot of talent backstage during his run in the company.

It will be interesting to see if Jim Ross returns to WWE once his AEW contract expires.