Kayla Braxton Reflects on Her WWE Journey and Partnership with Paul Heyman

Kayla Braxton's Rise in WWE

As an interviewer and host in WWE, Kayla Braxton has become one of the standout personalities of this era. She stepped into the spotlight following the departure of Renee Young in mid-2020. However, like her predecessor, she also decided to leave WWE to pursue other opportunities.

Throughout the pandemic, Braxton demonstrated remarkable dedication by continuing her work with WWE, which led to a popular storyline with Paul Heyman. Their collaboration included the Bloodline storyline and appearances on the Talking Smack show.

This dynamic partnership with Heyman significantly boosted Braxton's popularity within WWE and beyond. In a recent interview with Denise Salcedo, she candidly shared that she initially found the collaboration challenging, despite the privilege of working with such a legendary figure in wrestling.

Kayla Braxton on Her Growth Thanks to Paul Heyman

In discussing her passion for horror films and her reasons for leaving WWE, Braxton reflected on her experience with Paul Heyman, which became a pivotal aspect of her WWE career. Initially, she was hesitant about his involvement in Talking Smack, feeling it took away from her airtime. However, as they worked together during the pandemic, especially in the Thunderdome, their relationship improved.

“So, we had the panel show. I didn’t really know Paul, hadn’t worked with Paul that much at the time. I just knew that this really big, loud man was on my kickoff show all of a sudden, taking up all my airtime,” Braxton explained, acknowledging that she wouldn’t have reached her full potential in WWE without Heyman’s guidance.

“I was getting really frustrated with him, but then the more I got to work with him…man, I would not have become the broadcaster I had become if it weren’t for Paul Heyman.” (quotes courtesy )

Heyman's initially boisterous persona ultimately helped Braxton evolve into a more recognized and reliable figure on WWE television. Their professional relationship flourished to the extent that she was exclusively chosen to interview members of The Bloodline during their peak under Roman Reigns, which kept the Heyman storyline alive.

Joining WWE in 2016, Braxton began her journey with the NXT brand and concluded her time with the company after the June 28, 2024, episode of Friday Night SmackDown at the iconic Madison Square Garden. She received a heartfelt farewell from WWE, highlighted by a tribute from WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in front of the audience, marking the end of her impressive eight-year career with the wrestling organization.