Jey Uso’s recent victory over Austin Theory on RAW, while swift, ignited a wave of online criticism. However, behind the scenes, WWE remains resolute in their commitment to pushing “Main Event” Jey as a top babyface. The company is prioritizing his undeniable popularity and significant merchandise sales over the vocal disapproval expressed on social media.
Ignoring the Noise: WWE’s Unwavering Support
Despite the online backlash, WWE sources have confirmed that Jey Uso’s push will continue unabated. Dr. Chris Featherstone reported, “Sources from within WWE have confirmed that Jey Uso will continue to be pushed as a babyface for the foreseeable future despite recent online backlash.”
This statement underscores WWE’s confidence in Jey’s appeal and their determination to capitalize on his popularity. The company is clearly choosing to focus on the numbers that matter to them.
The Theory Match: A Spark for Criticism
The catalyst for the online uproar was Jey’s match against Austin Theory, which was drastically shortened. The match, originally slated for 11 minutes, was reportedly cut short to accommodate an extended John Cena promo. This decision left many fans feeling cheated and disrespected, resulting in over 61,000 dislikes on YouTube.
The truncated match became a symbol of what many fans perceived as a lack of respect for Jey’s momentum.
Merchandise Reigns Supreme: Jey’s Tangible Success
However, WWE’s decision to continue Jey’s push is not based on subjective opinions or fleeting social media trends. It’s rooted in concrete data, specifically, Jey’s impressive merchandise sales. “He was second in merchandise in recent sold-out Live Events that he wasn’t even advertised to be on, which WWE is very satisfied with,” Featherstone revealed.
This statistic highlights Jey’s ability to connect with fans on a tangible level, translating into significant financial success for the company. His merchandise sales demonstrate his drawing power and solidify his position as a valuable asset to WWE.
The Business of Wrestling: Metrics Over Opinions
WWE’s decision to prioritize merchandise sales over social media criticism reflects the business-driven nature of professional wrestling. While fan opinions are important, they are not always the primary factor in decision-making.
The company is ultimately focused on maximizing revenue and building its brand. Jey Uso’s merchandise sales demonstrate his ability to contribute to these goals.
Jey’s Future: A Continued Main Event Presence
Despite the online controversy, Jey Uso’s future in WWE remains bright. The company’s commitment to his push suggests that he will continue to be a prominent figure in the main event scene.
His ability to connect with audiences and generate merchandise sales makes him a valuable asset to WWE, and they are planning on utilizing him.
