WWE has canceled its planned “Late Night with Tony Hinchcliffe” comedy show scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, in Englewood, New Jersey. The cancellation, first reported by PWInsider, comes just one week before SummerSlam weekend officially kicks off.
The event was set to take place at the Bergen Performing Arts Center and was billed as a late-night entertainment option for fans traveling to the New York–New Jersey area for SummerSlam. Only one WWE performer—Cody Rhodes—had been advertised, and ticket demand never picked up. One source at the venue told PWInsider that the event was canceled by WWE and that ticket sales had been “light.”
This would have been WWE’s second foray into comedy this year, following the controversial Roast of WrestleMania during WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas. That show, also hosted by Hinchcliffe, drew widespread criticism for awkward pacing, offensive jokes, and targeting individuals who weren’t present. The roast generated backlash from fans, media, and some within WWE itself, leading to questions about whether the company would attempt a similar format again.
WWE had been testing new ways to mix comedy into major event weekends, as noted when plans for the SummerSlam comedy show were first outlined. The poor reception of the roast and sluggish ticket sales for the follow-up appear to have convinced WWE to quietly pull the plug.
Ticket refunds are being processed. SummerSlam itself remains scheduled for August 2–3, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Source: PWInsider