Former WWE Raw commentator Jimmy Smith has made waves with a number of comments since his WWE release, particularly when it comes to the staged nature of WWE programming as compared to unscripted sports. When describing the WWE performers he worked with during his time on Raw, he drew especial ire when talking about Tribal Chief Roman Reigns.
During a recent appearance on MMA on SiriusXM, Smith said that many of WWE’s performers were visually impressive, but don’t know how to actually fight. He cited Roman Reigns as a specific example, saying that very few in the locker room have the fighting ability of Brock Lesnar.
“The WWE behind the scenes is more CM Punk than Brock Lesnar. Does this guy look like he can fight? That is what the WWE is about. Roman Reigns can’t fight. He looks like he can fight. He’s just a big muscular dude. Daniel Cormier does not (look like he can fight). You put (Cormier) next to Brock Lesnar, and it looks like a man and a kid, and WWE is all about that visual.” (h/t SEScoops)
Konnan Thinks Jimmy Smith Was Completely Out Of Line With HIs Comments Toward Roman Reigns
Former WCW star Konnan took exception to the comments made by Smith about the Tribal Chief, saying that Reigns could certainly prove a physical challenge for the commentator himself.
“Run up on Roman and see what happens. The guy was a defensive tackle for Georgia Tech, played organized football, he’s a Samoan. I guarantee you he can fight; I can guarantee you he can rip Jimmy Smith or whoever this guy is and beat the brakes off him. He does sound bitter to me, I don’t who he is, but that’s stupid.” (h/t Sportskeeda)
Agreeing with Konnan is WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, who recently took Smith to task over similar comments about playing a commentator on TV, questioning whether someone like Smith even belongs in the wrestling business.
Jimmy Smith joined WWE in May 2021 replacing Adnan Virk who had only been in the role for a few weeks. Smith worked across Monday Night Raw and on Premium Live Events. He remained with the company until a recent shake-up which saw him leave his position as WWE returned to two-person commentary teams. Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves now call the action on the red brand.