Paul Heyman set the record straight about Austin Theory's path to WWE, publicly crediting talent scout Gabe Sapolsky for discovering the rising star.
Responding to a social media post about Theory's WWE journey, Heyman clarified his role in the process. "For the record, @BookItGabe deserves all the credit for the discovery of @_Theory1," Heyman wrote. "As Executive Director of @WWE #RAW in 2019/2020, I drafted Theory from @WWENXT for (ironically enough) @WWERollins' group."
Heyman praised Theory's evolution since those early days, describing him as "a seasoned veteran with a chip on his shoulder ready to step into the spotlight." The acknowledgment highlights Theory's transformation from NXT prospect to a main roster performer positioned for a potential push.
Sapolsky, a respected figure in wrestling talent development, graciously responded to Heyman's recognition. "I love the independents! Talent like Austin Theory make my job relevant and keep me inspired so everyday I have the same enthusiasm as I did on day 1," Sapolsky shared.
The public exchange between Heyman and Sapolsky reflects their long professional history. Sapolsky served as a writer and booker during ECW's groundbreaking run in the 1990s, working closely with Heyman during one of wrestling's most influential eras before building his own legacy as a talent scout and independent wrestling promoter.
