Jelly Roll has become a regular face on WWE TV. Fans like his story and energy, but many worry WWE is using him too much. His frequent appearances could hurt bigger stories, especially the WWE Championship feud at WrestleMania.
How Jelly Roll joined WWE
Jelly Roll first drew attention when he performed at SummerSlam and delivered a dramatic chokeslam to Austin Theory. He later wrestled in a tag match at last year’s SummerSlam with Randy Orton against Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul. Orton and Jelly Roll lost that match, and reports said Jelly Roll asked to lose so the story could move forward.
Jelly Roll’s personal story — overcoming crime and addiction to find success in music — made him an appealing celebrity guest for WWE. He has shown passion for the business and has improved in the ring since his first appearances.
Too many SmackDown spots
Recently Jelly Roll has appeared on SmackDown many weeks in a row. He had a singles win over Kit Wilson, took part in backstage segments, and was in the show-ending brawl. That steady exposure has made him one of the show’s focal points.
There were reports from UFCcoverage that he might team with Royce Keys at WrestleMania 42, but nothing official has been announced. Still, the talk alone shows how often WWE is writing him into plans. That risks taking time and attention away from full-time wrestlers who need it most.
Why he does not belong in the WWE title story
The main concern is Jelly Roll being pushed into the WWE Championship feud between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Jelly Roll was at ringside when Orton turned on Cody Rhodes. In the following weeks he appeared in backstage scenes trying to calm things down. On the March 27 SmackDown, he walked into an RKO from Orton in a moment many fans called awkward and badly sold.
Fans remember when celebrity involvement hurt big shows, such as Travis Scott’s role at WrestleMania 41. Many fear a repeat if a celebrity who is overused is put into the main title match. The call from many viewers and writers is simple: give Jelly Roll a WrestleMania match if wanted, but do not make him a key part of the Rhodes–Orton title match.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Jelly Roll | Beat Kit Wilson on SmackDown; lost at last year’s SummerSlam with Randy Orton vs Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul |
| Randy Orton | Turned heel on Cody Rhodes; attacked Jelly Roll and security on SmackDown |
| Cody Rhodes | Targeted by Randy Orton in the build to WrestleMania |
| Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul | Defeated Randy Orton and Jelly Roll at last year’s SummerSlam |
Overall, wrestlers and fans want the title picture to stay about wrestling. A celebrity can add to a show, but only when used sparingly. WWE should think carefully before making Jelly Roll a major part of the WWE Championship match at WrestleMania.
