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When Paul Heyman responded to the oft-whispered claim that back in 2000, when he was claiming to be in California trying to save the original ECW, he was instead actually filming the remake of Rollerball that hit theaters in February 2002, for the first time, he went on the record on an allegation that has floated around for years. Thus, he provided, for the first time, his side of a story that has stated by former ECW talents over the years since the company closed in January 2001.
So, let's break down Heyman's claims, based on some research into the production history of the film that can actually be proven.
*Based on media reports in the Montreal area as well as articles about the film in trade papers and IGN.com, Rollerball was originally filmed between the summer and fall of 2000.
*While there were scenes shot in the United States, none of the film at all was filmed in Califiornia, so the idea of Heyman filming there is 100% incorrect.
*Now, this doesn't mean that he wasn't there at some point to audition but unless someone can produce records of the auditions that prove Heyman was there, it's impossible to say whether he was or not nor whether he got the job in 2000.
*Heyman, however, stated that he got the job after he began working for WWE and shot his scenes in the summer of 2001. Rollerball was originally set to be released in July 2001 but was pushed back due to terribly negative reaction, including AintItCoolNews' Harry Knowles declaring a screening he attended being one of the worst films he'd ever seen. That early feedback lead MGM to order re-shoots and re-tooling of the entire film, including the ending.
*Heyman stated that he filmed scenes in Yonkers, NY. According to tourist website VisitWestchester.com, the film indeed shot scenes at Yonkers Stage in Yonkers in 2001 (same time frame as the mandated re-shoots), including building a complete skating rink for the game. The faciity is a large production house (you can click here for its official website) and would be a short drive from Heyman's well known home in Scarsdale, NY. It makes sense that Heyman shot his scenes there, possibly even replacing material the studio decided to discard with another actor as part of the re-shoots.
*Heyman said he booked his gig for the film through WWE. Shane McMahon had a brief role in the film and WWE was involved in promoting the film's 2002 release. So, there is some evidence of WWE's involvement in Heyman's casting as well. Heyman filming in Yonkers during that time period also makes sense when you factor in the WWE involvement, given he would also have WWE Creative duties and wouldn't have the time/freedom to work on a major outside project in that time period, unless it was WWE-approved.
So, what would disprove Heyman's claims?
*Proof (photos, production logs, film dailies, etc.) of Heyman on set during the initial filming in 2000 - none of which have ever been shown to exist.
*Proof of Heyman being cast in 2000 (audition logs, videotaped auditions, a dated contract, etc.) - Again, none of which have been shown to exist.
Without hard evidence showing that Heyman was on set before 2001, when ECW was already in bankruptcy, Heyman's claims today do indeed hold up to scrutiny.
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