ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, fresh off a heavily booed appearance at WrestleMania 42, could be headed for a bigger on-screen presence with WWE this summer, according to multiple reports.
WWE officials are enthusiastic about growing Smith’s involvement in the promotion’s programming and have pitched an angle that could culminate in a major payoff tied to a premium live event airing on ESPN, sources told WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select. The developments were reported Wednesday. Both WWE and ESPN are said to be pleased with how the partnership has progressed so far, with Smith’s strong relationships with TKO Group Holdings executives playing a key role.
Smith has already dipped his toes into the wrestling world. He attended Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas on April 18 and drew loud boos from the crowd after WWE superstar Danhausen placed a “curse” on him during a First Take segment. Smith leaned into the reaction, embracing the heel role much like a veteran performer.
The 57-year-old New York native has long been a vocal WWE fan but previously turned down an on-screen opportunity. In mid-April on First Take, Smith revealed that WWE President Nick Khan approached him about a role similar to the one taken by fellow ESPN star Pat McAfee, who has mixed commentary duties with occasional in-ring action. Smith declined, saying he lacked McAfee’s courage for physical involvement.
“I actually want to do that,” Smith said at the time. “Your man Nick Khan talked to me about that. The difference is, I’m not as courageous as Pat McAfee. I ain’t trying to get hit by one of them big boys, at all.”
Despite passing on a physical spot, Smith has continued to cross over with WWE talent. He has hosted multiple WWE stars on First Take to promote WrestleMania and other programming as part of ESPN’s broader streaming deal with the company. On April 28, Smith appeared on Logan Paul’s “ImPAULsive” podcast and made it clear that if he ever fully committed to WWE, he would set his sights high.
“Well, you know what? I think Paul Heyman conceded — he confessed that his status at number one would be in jeopardy if I arrived on the scene,” Smith said. “And I think he’s right. I’m not saying I would get him, but I would come for him.”
WWE has not commented publicly on the latest reports. Any summer storyline would likely build on Smith’s existing media profile and ESPN’s carriage of select WWE events, including a potential tie-in around SummerSlam season.
Smith, whose contract with ESPN runs through 2027, has expanded his brand in recent years with a popular podcast, radio show and political commentary. A deeper WWE run could further blur the lines between sports media and sports entertainment — a space McAfee has successfully occupied for years.
For now, fans will have to wait to see whether Smith’s heel turn at WrestleMania was a one-night cameo or the opening bell on something bigger.
Courtesy of Black Sports Online.
