Examining WWE's Best Options for Paul Heyman During Brock Lesnar's Absence

Paul Heyman is too valuable an asset to leave out of frame during Brock Lesnar's storyline suspension from WWE. Keeping a man that masterful with the mic, a storyteller on a level all his own, on the bench would be a mistake.

Even with his client not around, Heyman needs to be a part of WWE programming, be it as a manager, spokesman or commentator. 

Allow him to use his presence and gift of gab to elevate other stars. Let him be the bridge from Lesnar to the fans. Take advantage of his skills by sitting him next to Michael Cole and company.

It's not clear just how long Lesnar will be away after Stephanie McMahon suspended him on Monday's Raw, but a new report suggests that his absence won't be short. 

PWInsider.com's Mike Johnson writes, "Based on WWE sources we have spoken to, Brock Lesnar will be "indefinitely suspended" for some time." Johnson also notes that "tentatively, it looks like Lesnar will return towards the build for Summerslam."

Credit: WWE.com

While The Beast Incarnate may be hibernating until the summer, there's no need to have Heyman do so as well. Making him a key part of WWE TV is smart business.

Looking to Expand the Family

While Heyman and Lesnar have been attached for years, the slimy advocate has had his share of other clients. Not every partnership has resulted in great things (see: Cesaro, Curtis Axel), but being a "Paul Heyman guy" still has power.

To be managed by the same guy who stands in Lesnar's corner is a surefire way to get more spotlight. Plus, he can provide mouthpiece services and add character depth.

WWE shouldn't just stick him with a new Superstar, though. Milk his search for someone else to manage; make it a storyline onto itself.

After Heyman puts out word that he is in the market for new talent, wrestlers begin to approach him and, more importantly, try and prove themselves. Sheamus gets even nastier in the hopes of luring Heyman. The Ascension attack a prominent babyface to make a statement they hope Heyman notices.

This would essentially be the inverse of Randy Savage's manager search in 1985.

Having him head to NXT to seek out the next big thing could boost that show as well. Perhaps Finn Balor catches his eye, for example.

Midcarders and ignored Superstars get a chance to be a part of this angle. Fans get excited about the prospect of a new Heyman alliance. And in the end, one grappler, be it Paige, a turned Dean Ambrose or Balor, gets a major opportunity to shine alongside Heyman.

Telling Lesnar's Story

Heyman can maintain Lesnar's presence onscreen. We don't necessarily need The Beast Incarnate standing in the ring looking pissed off when his manager is so good at conveying what's in Lesnar' head.

He can serve as a means to update fans on Lesnar and keep his story going.

How is Lesnar reacting to the suspension? What's he busy doing back home? Is he training harder? What messages of ill will does he have to share?

Heyman is the perfect person to introduce all of those elements thanks to his unparalleled mic work. He's done similar things in the past, appearing when Lesnar can't, but WWE can take things further and have a narrative arc play out in the form of promos.

Maybe Lesnar is beginning to lose it and Heyman gets increasingly worried for everyone on the roster. Maybe Lesnar makes the slow shift to babyface status and Heyman provides glimpses of that change by informing fans of how different Lesnar seems to him.

Either way, Lesnar remains a part of WWE programming despite sitting at home and Raw and SmackDown benefit from Heyman killing it on the mic.

Join the Announce Desk 

WWE commentary is often a disappointment. Jerry Lawler, John "Bradshaw" Layfield and Michael Cole have their moments, but there is a definite lull in terms of quality at the announce desk.

Having Heyman join them from time to time adds new energy and an elite talker to the mix.

The company can have his "searching for a new client" story play out via commentary. Heyman can be scouting talent, talking up the strengths of potential signees.

This is also an easy way to have Lesnar stay involved in the narratives surrounding Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Heyman can remind folks that Lesnar has both men in his target sight. 

In addition, it would just be fun to have Heyman around more often. He's no stranger to commentary, as he previously manned the table with Jim Ross, Cole and others. 

Let him use his word wizardry to better matches again, perhaps even at an NXT TakeOver special.

WWE has a number of options in front of it regarding Heyman, but it most certainly needs to find a way to get him in the game. 

With his partner out of the picture, Heyman can still make a massive contribution to programming. Just stick a mic in his hand and wait for the electricity to flow.