Reports Point to Bigger WWE Role for Stephen A. Smith This Summer

Overview

• Multiple outlets reported Thursday, citing WrestleVotes via Fightful Select, that ESPN is enthusiastic about Stephen A. Smith becoming more involved with WWE with an expected summer payoff.
• Neither ESPN nor WWE has announced specifics, with coverage describing a likely non-wrestling role and often floating SummerSlam in Minneapolis as the target.
• Recent teases include Danhausen jokingly cursing Smith on ESPN’s First Take and Smith getting loud boos when shown at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
• Reports note Smith’s ties to TKO leadership, including president Mark Shapiro and WWE president Nick Khan, which could smooth the path to an on-screen spot.
• ESPN became the U.S. home for WWE premium live events last year, a shift that has fueled more talent exchanges and set up celebrity cameos at major shows.