'Worth it': Legend backs WWE's bold Aussie plans

WWE will return to Australia this year for a monumental weekend and it's something Hall of Fame icon Paul Heyman is massively behind.

The company announced plans last month to run a three-day extravaganza in Perth as part of the TKO umbrella's plans to take over the city.

UFC will also run shows there in both 2025 and 2026, while the pro wrestling juggernaut have confirmed a pay-per-view event will emanate from RAC Arena this year. 

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The likes of CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes and potentially even John Cena could be in action at the event in the midst of his final year with WWE. 

Speaking to Wide World of Sports earlier this year, Heyman - who has been one of wrestling's great minds for the past four decades - explained why he was desperate to return to Australian shores sooner rather than later alongside Reigns.

"I've always had a great fondness for Australia," he said.

"From the time that I was in Perth and Brock Lesnar dove into the shark-infested waters, looking to fight a shark with his bare hands, to the box-office records that we sat back in 2002 with the 'Global Warning' show, which was Lesnar vs The Rock vs Triple H.

"I had a wonderful time in Sydney when I was given the rare opportunity of a tour of the Opera House with no one else in it.

"For Australia, to get the opportunity live in person to acknowledge The Tribal Chief himself Roman Reigns … that's worth the 22-hour flight all the way down to Australia."

The promotion last ran an event in Australia with last year's huge Elimination Chamber at Optus Stadium, drawing tens of thousands of fans to watch Aussie superstar Rhea Ripley win the main event.

Heyman has enjoyed an incredible past few years with WWE, working closely alongside Reigns and the rest of the Samoan dynasty known as "The Bloodline".

Their achievements, both inside the ring and out of it, has led to Reigns and his family being front and centre for the WWE 2K25 video game, which will be released on Friday.

"I think it's an acknowledgement by 2K Sports and WWE to the indescribably historic contributions that The Bloodline has made," Heyman said.

"It's well-deserved and a long time overdue.

"Roman Reigns is a commerce facilitator … under his reign, all puns intended, WWE hit a billion dollars per year for the first time. The top star, undisputed and uncontroverted in this industry, is Roman Reigns.

"When you get a chance to make history with The Bloodline and especially Roman Reigns since August 2020, you have to realise you are part of something very special."