ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has a penchant for being outspoken and for being a total character. So maybe it’s not surprising that he’s involved in a ‘Twitter beef’ with a star in WWE. It’s maybe more surprising that it took us this long to get here.
Earlier this week, rumors suggested that Smith, no stranger to the TV business, could appear at WWE WrestleMania 39 this spring in L.A. Kurt Bardella, a Los Angeles Times contributor, tweeted in excitement about the possibility. He said that he’d love a battle on the mic between Stephen A. and legendary WWE manager, Paul Heyman.
Heyman corrected Bardella on his being a manager, as he presides as Special Counsel for WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Then, he had words for Stephen A.
1 – I'm not a manager. I'm #SpecialCounsel to the #TribalChief @WWERomanReigns
2 – @stephenasmith is not in my league. He's a screaming voice crying out for attention from the Ocean of Obscurity. I, on the other hand, reside on the Island of Relevancy! https://t.co/rJElzVdjm0
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) December 24, 2022
Heyman said the ESPN personality was “not in my league. He’s a screaming voice crying out for attention from the Ocean of OBscurity. I, on the other hand, reside on the Island of Relevancy!”
Well, it took until Christmas. But Stephen A. finally responded. Smith followed Heyman’s biting words with some of his own.
“What? What did you say @HeymanHustle. Land of obscurity!” Smith incredulously tweeted. He continued, “You’re lucky I’m busy otherwise I’d have to come take your job, and show the fellas what REAL representation should like like in the WWE.”
What? What did you say @HeymanHustle. Land of obscurity! You’re very lucky I’m busy otherwise I’d have to come take your job, and show the fellas what REAL representation should look like in the @WWE. Haa!!!. Only kidding buddy. Love your work. But I AM coming one of these days😀
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) December 25, 2022
Smith claimed he was only kidding and praised Heyman’s ongoing, legendary work. But he did end the tweet with a promise that he will come through “one of these days.” Buckle up, that could be a hell of a time.
[Stephen A. Smith on Twitter; photo of Smith in 2021 from The Tallahassee Democrat, via USA Today Sports]
