ESPN sources are "pleased and enthusiastic" about the possibility of Stephen A. Smith getting more involved with WWE through the company's partnership with ESPN, per WrestleVotes Radio on fightfulonline. Per the report, Smith already has a good relationship with a number of TKO officials, which has helped move the discussions forward. WWE President Nick Khan personally encouraged Smith to get involved with the WWE partnership. The plan currently calls for an expected on-air payoff to be pitched and delivered this summer, putting any potential Stephen A. Smith WWE appearance in the SummerSlam time frame. SummerSlam 2026 takes place on August 1 and 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Pre-sale is up now on Ticketmaster. #WWE #StephenASmith #ESPN #NickKhan #SummerSlam