Reports say TKO and WWE are planning to use a major ESPN personality in future storylines. Fans are already worried after recent celebrity appearances went badly.
What has changed at WWE?
WWE moved its big shows to ESPN in the United States last year. That move brought more crossover with mainstream sports TV. WWE stars now appear on ESPN shows like First Take to promote events. TKO, which owns WWE, has also pushed to bring in big names from outside wrestling to boost ratings and headlines.
Past celebrity stumbles
Recent celebrity spots did not go well with many fans. Rapper Travis Scott appeared at the end of the WrestleMania 41 main event between Cody Rhodes and John Cena. Many viewers and wrestlers called that moment a mistake.
Other celebrities have also drawn backlash. Country-rap artist Jelly Roll showed up on SmackDown regularly during the WrestleMania 42 season. A Randy Orton storyline that ended with Pat McAfee as the mystery caller also upset fans. After heavy criticism, both Jelly Roll and McAfee were used less on TV.
Stephen A. Smith could be next
Reports from UFCcoverage and the Wrestling Observer say WWE and TKO have discussed working with Stephen A. Smith. Smith is the loud, opinionated host on ESPN’s First Take. He often brings sports stars onto his show and is well known to TV audiences.
Smith has shown he likes wrestling. He had a short feud with performer Danhausen, who jokingly cursed Smith’s favorite basketball team. Smith has also said he might like to be a heel manager in wrestling. Sources say TKO is interested in Smith for the name recognition he would bring on ESPN and SportsCenter highlights.
Fan reaction and risks
Many WWE fans do not want more celebrities in storylines. The recent celebrity moments helped make some fans leave. Critics say bringing in Stephen A. Smith would be a big risk because he is a polarizing figure. Supporters inside WWE think his name value could reach more viewers and get media highlights.
WWE faces lower ratings and weaker attendance in some places. TKO appears to be chasing attention. That strategy can work, but it can also backfire when fans feel wrestling is being pushed aside for outside stars.
What to watch next
There is no official announcement yet. For now, watch for short TV appearances, talk-show crossovers, or a promo spot on a big WWE show. If TKO does bring in Stephen A. Smith, fans and critics will judge quickly on whether the move helps WWE or hurts its core product.
