Tony Hinchcliffes debut on WWE Raw commentary has been slammed by fans onlineand now we know how it was received backstage, too. According to Fightful Select, people within WWE werent impressed either.
The comedian joined the April 7 edition of Raw to call the Tag Team Title match, but his attempt at bringing humor to the broadcast fell flat in a major way. Fans immediately lit up social media, calling the segment cringe and unwatchable, with some even questioning Triple Hs leadership for allowing it to happen.
Now, the internal reaction has came to light. Those we spoke to backstage in WWE admitted the Tony Hinchcliffe spot came across as a dud, Fightful Select reported. While Hinchcliffe may have tried to bring his brand of comedy to the table, it clearly didnt land with anyone watchingeither in the arena or backstage.
Despite the poor response, Hinchcliffe reportedly was very respectful at the show, which some sources noted, though that hasnt been enough to soften the fan backlash.
One particularly tone-deaf moment came when Hinchcliffe made a controversial joke referencing Big Es real-life neck injurya line that upset fans and even caught Big Es attention. The former WWE Champion didnt publicly go scorched earth, but the message was clear: he wasnt amused.
Social media didnt hold back. One fan wrote, Not a single person wants to hear Tony Hinchcliffe on commentary. Get this f***** dork outta here #WWERaw.* Another said, This #TonyHinchcliffe guy is not funny and ruined #WWERaw. Others echoed the same sentiment, with comments like F** Off Tony Hinchcliffe* and I speak for everyone when I say never give this guy a headset again.
To make things worse, WWE is still planning to use Hinchcliffe for the Roast of WrestleMania after Night Two of WrestleMania 41. Based on the current reaction, that might be a tough sell for fans who already feel like they didnt sign up for this version of Raw.
Backstage sources say he was polite and professional, but even WWE insiders are admitting that this one just didnt work.
Should WWE pull the plug on Tony Hinchcliffes involvement in the Wrestle Mania roast? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
