Andrew Ravens
There has been serious internal discussion about ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith crossing over into WWE, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio.
The report adds to the ongoing conversation about TKO’s influence on WWE programming, with Meltzer noting that some of the people who were critical of Pat McAfee‘s involvement in the WrestleMania 42 build are among those internally favorable to Smith.
Meltzer addressed the topic while discussing Kevin Nash’s recent comments urging TKO to stay out of WWE creative. He noted TKO’s interference is infrequent but poorly timed.
“They really don’t do a lot, but as I was told, they don’t do it much, but they seem to always do it at the most inopportune times,” Meltzer said. “It happened this year at WrestleMania, it sure did, yeah. We haven’t seen anyone forced on them.
“I mean, we haven’t seen anything with Stephen A. Smith — yet, although, boy, that name has been talked about. And I know it’s serious talk. Put it this way, a lot of the people who were not happy about Pat McAfee in fact are favorable to Stephen A., as far as internally it goes.”
Smith himself addressed the possibility last month, confirming that WWE President Nick Khan had spoken with him about an on-screen role. The 58-year-old said he had no interest in any physical involvement but did not entirely rule out an appearance. Given his respect for old-school heel managers like Bobby Heenan, a managerial character would be the most natural fit for Smith if he were to cross over.
WWE’s relationship with ESPN has grown considerably since the two sides entered a PLE deal in September 2025, with WWE receiving prominent daytime coverage during WrestleMania week and stars like Danhausen and Seth Rollins making ESPN appearances in the Backlash build. That relationship makes Smith a more natural crossover candidate than most celebrity names that get floated for WWE roles.
