WWE in Serious Discussions About Working With Stephen A. Smith

WWE is currently engaged in serious discussions regarding a potential working relationship with ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, according to reporting from Dave Meltzer. The move signals a continued effort by the sports entertainment giant to further integrate itself into the mainstream sports media landscape through high-profile partnerships.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio on May 12, 2026, Meltzer indicated that Smith’s name has been circulating heavily within WWE’s internal circles. The discussions center on how the outspoken commentator and analyst could be utilized to expand the company’s reach and visibility among traditional sports audiences.

Internal Reception and Comparison to Pat McAfee

The internal reaction to the prospect of partnering with Smith appears to be markedly different from the company’s previous experience with Pat McAfee. While McAfee has become a staple of the WWE ecosystem, the process of establishing that relationship reportedly generated significant frustration within the organization earlier in 2026.

According to the report, the current sentiment regarding Stephen A. Smith is more positive. This shift in reception suggests that WWE leadership may be seeking a different type of synergy with Smith than what was established with McAfee, potentially focusing more on traditional sports journalism and debate rather than the personality-driven, variety-show format associated with McAfee’s platform.

The Strategic Value of Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith occupies a unique position in American media as the face of ESPN’s debate-style programming. His ability to generate viral moments and drive conversation across multiple platforms aligns with WWE’s objective of remaining a dominant topic in the cultural zeitgeist.

A collaboration with Smith would provide WWE with direct access to a demographic of sports fans who may not regularly follow professional wrestling but consume sports media through ESPN. This strategy mirrors the broader goals of TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE and UFC, which seeks to maximize the cross-promotional potential of its assets.

Potential avenues for a working relationship could include:

• Regular guest appearances on WWE programming to provide “sports-centric” analysis of storylines.
• Collaborative segments between WWE talent and Smith on ESPN platforms.
• A formal role as a brand ambassador or consultant for WWE’s sports-media integration.
• Special coverage of major events, such as WrestleMania, through Smith’s established media channels.

Expanding the Mainstream Footprint

The pursuit of Stephen A. Smith comes at a time when WWE is aggressively diversifying its distribution and promotional strategies. Following the transition of Raw to Netflix, the company has placed a higher premium on partnerships that can drive organic interest from non-traditional viewers.

By aligning with a figure as polarizing and influential as Smith, WWE can position its product not just as entertainment, but as a legitimate sports property worthy of the same level of scrutiny and debate applied to the NBA or NFL.

The professional trajectory of Smith, who has expanded his reach beyond ESPN through his own independent podcast and media ventures, makes him a versatile partner. His ability to navigate both the corporate requirements of a major network and the independent nature of digital media fits the current hybrid model WWE employs for its external talent.

While the specifics of the arrangement have not been finalized, the serious talk described by Meltzer suggests that both parties see a mutual benefit in a formal association. If realized, the partnership would represent one of the most significant bridges between the world of professional wrestling and the peak of American sports broadcasting.