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For pro wrestling fans unhappy<\/a> with the current angle involving Pat McAfee\u2019s insertion<\/a> into the WrestleMania 42 main event storyline, it\u2019s good to remember it always could have been worse.<\/p>\n ESPN\u2019s First Take<\/em> dedicated a segment to discussing this weekend\u2019s WrestleMania 42. As part of that discussion, Stephen A. Smith seemed to admit that he had spoken with WWE officials about a potential role in their programming but ultimately decided not to pursue it.<\/p>\n After WWE\/ESPN announcer Joe Tessitore explains how McAfee has achieved \u201cnuclear heat\u201d with his appearances that are part of the angle between WWE champion Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, Smith added that he had a lot of respect for the way his ESPN counterpart has been able to do so while also getting in the ring.<\/p>\n During First Take\u2019s Wrestlemania segment (??), Stephen A. Smith implied he talked to WWE about some kind of on-air appearance but decided not to pursue it. pic.twitter.com\/dRnthR7VgH<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cI applaud Pat McAfee for that, because let me tell you something,\u201d started Smith. \u201cI go back to the old days of Bobby \u201cThe Brain\u201d Heenan and people like that. I love cats that are heels. I actually wanted to do that. Your man [WWE President] Nick Khan talked to me about that. See, the difference is, I\u2019m not as courageous as Pat McAfee. I ain\u2019t trying to get hit by one of those big boys. At all. I don\u2019t want no parts of it.\u201d<\/p>\n As for what Smith\u2019s potential on-screen role might have been, we can only wonder. He\u2019s already got soap opera-level acting experience<\/a> so he could handle himself on WWE TV. Smith probably would be able to embody the ethos of the classic heel manager. However, we agree with him that it would be very bad news physically if he had to get the ring and take some bumps.<\/p>\n Plenty of ESPN viewers already don\u2019t enjoy the ample crossovers between the company and WWE, which includes network coveage that could be going to other sports, so we can\u2019t imagine too many people would be happy seeing further synergy in the form of Smith. Best that he stick to what he does\u2026 best?<\/p>\n \n\t<\/div>\n\n