Why Stephen A. Smith was booed at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas

Stephen A. Smith got booed at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas this past weekend. This is the second time in a year he faced strong crowd disapproval, after a boxing match in September 2025.
By Newsroom | Sports News, Las Vegas |

A prominent ESPN personality, Stephen A. Smith, experienced a hostile reception from attendees at WrestleMania 42 this past weekend in Las Vegas. As celebrities were highlighted during the event at Allegiant Stadium, Smith's appearance was met with significant booing from the wrestling audience, a stark contrast to the cheers received by others, including athletes like Greg Kittle and Tyrese Haliburton.

This incident at WrestleMania follows a pattern of negative crowd reactions for Smith. A similar occurrence was noted at a boxing match between Alvarez and Crawford on September 15, 2025, where Smith was booed after being shown on camera, despite other personalities being applauded. His outspoken nature and controversial opinions appear to be factors contributing to this audience sentiment.

Smith has previously expressed a desire to be involved in the WWE, stating after attending WrestleMania last year that he "left WrestleMania last weekend knowing one thing… I’d like to be in the ring… as a manager." This ambition contrasts with the apparent disinterest shown by a current WWE figure, Danhausen, who recently invoked a curse upon Smith, calling him "very, very, very rude."

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Furthermore, Smith's opinions on wrestling itself have drawn criticism. WWE legend Triple H openly questioned Smith's assessment of wrestling's greatest performers in September 2025, after Smith had apparently left a few prominent names off his "top five" list. Triple H’s comments, made during an appearance on Good Morning America, suggested a disagreement with Smith's evaluation of wrestling history and its talent.

Historical Context of Crowd Reactions

Smith's public persona has been a source of both engagement and contention. Notable instances include his on-air exchanges with athletes like LeBron James and Kevin Durant earlier in 2025. These confrontations, along with his general commentary style, may contribute to the polarized reception he receives from various fan bases.

WrestleMania's Storied Moments

WrestleMania, the event where Smith was recently booed, has a rich history of memorable moments. From Brock Lesnar ending The Undertaker's streak at WrestleMania XXX to Kofi Kingston's WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 35, the event often serves as a stage for significant narratives within professional wrestling. Past spectacles include Hulk Hogan bodyslamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III and The Undertaker ending Shawn Michaels' career at WrestleMania XXVI.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did fans boo Stephen A. Smith at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas this past weekend?
Fans at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas booed ESPN's Stephen A. Smith when he appeared this past weekend. This shows many wrestling fans do not like his strong opinions. Other famous people like Greg Kittle and Tyrese Haliburton got cheers instead.
Q: Has Stephen A. Smith been booed by crowds before WrestleMania 42?
Yes, Stephen A. Smith was booed before. On September 15, 2025, people booed him at a boxing match between Alvarez and Crawford. Other famous people at that event got cheers, just like at WrestleMania.
Q: What does Stephen A. Smith want to do in WWE despite fan disapproval?
Stephen A. Smith wants to be part of WWE. After WrestleMania last year, he said he wants to be in the ring as a manager. However, WWE figure Danhausen recently called him "very, very, very rude" and put a curse on him.
Q: Why did WWE legend Triple H question Stephen A. Smith's wrestling opinions in September 2025?
WWE legend Triple H questioned Stephen A. Smith's wrestling opinions in September 2025. Smith had left out some big names from his "top five" list of wrestling's best. Triple H spoke on Good Morning America, showing he disagreed with Smith's view of wrestling history.
Q: What are some other times Stephen A. Smith has had public disagreements?
Stephen A. Smith has had public disagreements with athletes before 2025. He had on-air talks with LeBron James and Kevin Durant earlier in 2025. These talks, along with his usual way of speaking, might make some fans dislike him.