WWE Roast Sparks Backlash
The Roast of WrestleMania, held April 20, 2025, at the BleauLive Theater in Las Vegas, concluded WrestleMania 41 weekend with a comedy event featuring WWE talent and guest performers. Hosted by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, the roast included appearances from Paul Heyman, Nia Jax, Sami Zayn, The Miz, Braun Strowman, and Triple H.
The event drew attention for several controversial moments. Nia Jax made pointed remarks about Charlotte Flair, telling her to “go f*** yourself” and referencing her divorces. The joke was seen by some as a reference to Flair’s recent split from Andrade and drew criticism online.
Paul Heyman’s set also generated backlash. He made jokes involving Puerto Rico, sexual orientation, and underage marriage. Heyman also took aim at actor and former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr., referring to him as a “f***ing nobody” and questioning his credentials in the wrestling industry.
Comedian David Lucas mocked Braun Strowman’s appearance, saying he looked like “a meth lab exploded next to a GNC” and claimed he “smells like racism.” Pat McAfee made a brief appearance, and Triple H closed the event with an unannounced segment.
The roast was not recorded for television or streaming. WWE has confirmed it will not be made available to the public, citing the event’s content and a strict no-recording policy.
The following day, Paul Heyman appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, where he continued to stir controversy. He made inflammatory remarks about ESPN personalities Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith, and directed a xenophobic comment toward an audience member, saying, “Who’s the smart ass? You, the one that’s gonna get deported. Hey amigo, I may suck but it’s your mother that taught me how.” These comments prompted ESPN to cut the audio feed during the live broadcast.
Sources: SEScoops, Cultaholic, TalkSPORT, DMV Wrestling News, Mediaite
