Overview
- Smith, shown Saturday during Night 1 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, drew loud boos from the crowd and leaned into it by raising his arms, saying “thank you,” and smirking before about 50,816 fans.
- The appearance came as ESPN streamed WrestleMania 42 on ESPN Unlimited after signing exclusive U.S. rights to WWE premium live events in August 2025.
- Online reaction turned critical as users mocked the ESPN NBA analyst for attending WrestleMania during the NBA Playoffs while the Knicks beat the Hawks 113-102 in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden.
- The moment revived doubts about his Knicks loyalty, echoing guard Josh Hart’s March remark that Smith is a “part-time Knicks fan.”
- The broadcast also highlighted other athletes in the crowd, showing how WWE spotlights celebrities and how cross-promotion can draw louder pushback when fan bases and expectations collide.