There’s no denying the pro wrestling influence in Stephen A. Smith’s persona, and now Cody Rhodes is inviting the ESPN star to step into the squared circle at WrestleMania—not as a wrestler but as a manager for his upcoming match against John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania 41 this weekend. During Thursday’s episode of First Take, the reigning WWE champion offered Smith the chance to accompany him to the ring during WWE’s biggest event of the year.
“Stephen A, I feel like I’ve heard you mention multiple times that you want to get into the management side of things or at least touch it one time,” Rhodes expressed. “Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan, Mr. [Paul] Heyman, these legends. This is easy. Come and do it. You could manage me, and it’s an easy night at the office.”
Cody Rhodes invites Stephen A. Smith to be his manager at WrestleMania…👀 pic.twitter.com/V95fpXDvLa
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 17, 2025
Excited co-hosts Molly Qerim and Peter Rosenberg reacted enthusiastically to the idea of Smith seconding Rhodes at WrestleMania, but the $100 million ESPN star had to decline the offer due to NBA playoff commitments this weekend. However, he did express interest in managing Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 in New Orleans, confidently predicting that “The American Nightmare” will still hold the WWE championship then. “I got other duties, that’s the problem!” Smith exclaimed at Rosenberg, who tried to coax him into committing.
Smith felt “honored” by the offer, mentioning he would discuss it with his bosses. “The offer will exist. It’s out there in perpetuity,” Rhodes said. “Take it whenever. It’s an easy night for you.” In a humorous remark, Smith added, “I’ll go against [The] Rock for that,” referencing Rhodes’ on-screen rivalry with “The Final Boss.”
Though Stephen A. Smith may not make it to Las Vegas on Saturday, Cody Rhodes could reach out to Shannon Sharpe, who has already offered to fight Cena on his behalf. Additionally, a WrestleMania appearance could serve Smith well in his political ambitions, as the WWE Hall of Fame has proven a viable stepping stone to the White House.
