Grammy-winning country music sensation Jelly Roll is making major waves in WWE, not only for his in-ring potential but also for his rapidly improving promo abilities — skills he credits to legendary WWE Hall of Famer and creative genius Paul Heyman. During a candid conversation on the acclaimed podcast What Do You Wanna Talk About? hosted by Cody Rhodes, Jelly Roll opened up about how asking Heyman to critique his very first WWE promo became a pivotal moment in his wrestling career.

Known primarily for his music, Jelly Roll (real name Jason DeFord) has surprised many by taking his wrestling journey seriously, attending rigorous in-ring training and embracing every facet of the storytelling craft, particularly promos — the cornerstone of WWE character development. According to sources close to WWE, Heyman’s mentorship elevated Jelly Roll’s confidence and polish on the mic far beyond initial expectations.

“Every person I’ve asked to help me was just like, ‘All it took was asking,’” Jelly Roll explained on the podcast. “The first time I grabbed Paul Heyman, ‘Yo Wiseman. Lifelong fan of you. I’m fixing to shoot my first promo out here. I want you to pick it apart.’ I come in, ‘Ten out of ten, ten out of ten. You want me to be nitpicky?’ I was like, ‘Mr. Heyman, I’ve been praying to have a moment with you like this.’ He picked down my promo to the point where I learned so much for him that time. I learned my lesson, I’m not going to let him criticize me after. I’m gonna go in (before) and be like, ‘This is what I’m thinking and cooking. Talk to me about it.’” (Fightful[1])

This quote encapsulates the invaluable learning curve Jelly Roll experienced under Heyman’s guidance. Heyman, renowned for being one of WWE’s most articulate and strategic minds behind the microphone, offered detailed, constructive critiques that helped Jelly Roll refine his delivery, tone, and emotional engagement. Their collaboration speaks volumes about WWE’s culture of mentorship, where veteran voices help new stars accelerate their growth.

The timing of Jelly Roll’s promo evolution coincided sharply with his WWE television debut, where he was featured prominently leading into SummerSlam 2025. At that marquee event, Jelly Roll teamed with Randy Orton against the formidable pairing of Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul. Despite the loss, Jelly Roll’s performance was noted for its intensity and willingness to absorb high-impact spots, including a memorable top-rope splash through a table by Logan Paul that showcased Jelly Roll’s toughness and commitment (411Mania[2]).

WWE insiders and commentators alike have praised Jelly Roll’s rapid transition from music star to serious WWE competitor. Wrestling journalist reports from PWMania and Fightful highlight how Jelly Roll’s promo work, once uncertain, is now becoming a highlight of his segments, largely because of Heyman’s direct involvement and coaching (PWMania[5]).

Sources close to Cody Rhodes confirmed that beyond promos, Jelly Roll is viewed backstage as a driven talent eager to learn and contribute creatively. His respect for veterans like Paul Heyman — a man whose resume includes managing legends like Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, and Roman Reigns — has ingrained a strong work ethic and craftsmanship mentality.

Cody Rhodes himself offers additional insight into Jelly Roll’s ascent. On the same What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast, Rhodes lauded Jelly Roll’s determination and capacity to absorb advice quickly, making him a rare multi-disciplinary performer able to cross over from mainstream music fame to the physical and storytelling demands of WWE (Fightful[1]).

The story of Jelly Roll and Heyman also sheds light on the broader WWE environment where talents outside traditional wrestling backgrounds are welcomed, nurtured, and transformed with expert guidance. Heyman, known behind the scenes as a “promo whisperer,” exemplifies how mentorship within WWE remains strong, adapting to the evolving entertainment landscape.

Looking ahead, fans can expect Jelly Roll to continue refining his in-ring work and promos, potentially climbing higher on WWE’s card hierarchy. His close association with Paul Heyman signals that WWE views him as an investment worth cultivating, possibly positioning him for more prominent storylines and opportunities.

For wrestling fans tracking WWE’s emerging stars post-SummerSlam 2025, Jelly Roll represents a unique blend of mainstream appeal and wrestling seriousness. His promo growth journey is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of asking for help—sometimes from the best in the business.

As WWE expands its programming and talent roster, such stories reinforce how much behind-the-scenes collaboration drives the success of new performers. When veterans like Paul Heyman take time to dissect promos and offer nuanced feedback, it not only benefits individual wrestlers like Jelly Roll but also elevates the entire presentation of WWE’s storytelling.

WWE.com and Fightful will continue to monitor Jelly Roll’s trajectory closely, offering updates on his career progression, upcoming matches, and promo highlights. Meanwhile, listeners interested in the candid conversation with Jelly Roll and Cody Rhodes are encouraged to check out the full episode of What Do You Wanna Talk About?, which provides additional insights into the wrestling industry and its crossover talents.

If quoting any part of this story, please credit Fightful for the original transcription of Jelly Roll’s interview content.