Paul Heyman’s Creative Touch: The Untold Story Behind Bronson Reed’s Scrapped Mr. Nice Guy WWE Gimmick

One Big Thing

WWE Raw star Bronson Reed reveals Paul Heyman’s direct involvement in crafting his short-lived “Mr. Nice Guy” character, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process behind WWE character development.

Why It Matters

Paul Heyman’s influence on character development continues to shape WWE’s programming, even when concepts don’t make it to air. This insight demonstrates how WWE’s creative process evolves and how Hall of Famers contribute behind the scenes.

Key Details

• Reed returned to WWE in December 2022 with vignettes teasing a “Mr. Nice Guy” persona
• The character concept was developed with direct input from Paul Heyman
• The gimmick was intended to showcase the duality between Reed’s personal life and in-ring persona

By The Numbers

• The gimmick lasted only a few weeks before being scrapped
• Reed has been with WWE for two separate runs (2019-2021, 2022-present)

Direct Quote

“I’m a dad now, I’m a loving husband, I do everything I can to be a nice guy, but when it comes to being in the ring, I have to be a killer,” Reed told Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp.

Current Status

Reed has pivoted from the scrapped gimmick to become a dominant force on Raw, recently targeting Seth Rollins and interfering in his matches, including the November 4 four-way number one contender’s match.

Looking Forward

While the “Mr. Nice Guy” character didn’t make it to television in its full form, Reed’s current trajectory suggests WWE has found a better fit for his imposing presence and in-ring style.

What do you think about Paul Heyman’s vision for Bronson Reed’s character, and how do you think Reed’s career might have been different if WWE had fully committed to the “Mr. Nice Guy” gimmick? Share your thoughts in the comments below.