Stephen A. Smith might not be stepping into a WWE ring, but his involvement with the company could be about to get a lot bigger.
After previously downplaying the idea of a full WWE run due to the physical risks, Smith still got attention recently by calling out Paul Heyman as someone he’d target on the mic if he ever got involved. Now, a new report suggests WWE may already be planning what comes next.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, WWE is not only happy with Smith’s current involvement, they’re actively looking to expand it. The report notes that both WWE and ESPN-side sources are encouraged by how things are going so far, with expectations that his role will continue to grow.
“We’re told the company is both pleased and enthusiastic about Stephen A. Smith becoming more involved in the WWE partnership, with all signs pointing to that continuing.”
That momentum isn’t random. Smith’s mainstream presence and strong ties within the TKO/ESPN ecosystem are seen as major assets, especially when it comes to cross-promotion. It also explains that WWE is already looking ahead to a potential payoff tied to one of its biggest upcoming shows.
“Smith, who is said to have a close relationship with several TKO officials, hosts ESPN Morning Talk show for a large daily audience. We’re told there is an expected payoff to his involvement coming this summer, likely as part of a tie in with WWE programming ahead of a big time PLE of course on ESPN.”
From there, the discussion shifted into why WWE sees value in someone like Smith, making it very clear just how his presence connects wrestling to a much wider audience.
“Getting guys like Stephen A. Smith on board, this goes a long way for what ESPN wants out of it, WWE and what WWE hopes to get with this partnership here in ESPN.”
They also made it clear this isn’t about turning Smith into a wrestler—but rather using him in a way that boosts crossover appeal. Finally, they addressed what his role could realistically look like, suggesting involvement in storylines without stepping into an actual match
“I think it does wonders for WWE in crossover appeal and having that mainstream touch point… If these people are invested and want to be involved, I don’t think it’s a bad thing. It can only help open more doors for the program. He’s not here to wrestle. He’s not going to have a match… But I could see him with a chair in his hand, laying one on somebody or being in the front row that we’ve seen celebrities do that have gotten involved. Well, I think the blueprint’s already been done… someone in a similar fashion… I think it was Jon Stewart when he got involved with John Cena all those years ago.”
At the end of the day, Stephen A. Smith may not be taking bumps, but WWE clearly sees him as a valuable piece moving forward. With a potential summer payoff being discussed and crossover appeal driving the push, this looks less like a one-off appearance and more like the start of something bigger.
Do you think Stephen A. Smith could work as a regular WWE personality, or should the company keep his involvement limited to special appearances? Let us know in the comments.
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