Following Jey Uso’s recent victory in the No. 1 Contender Battle Royal on the October 20 episode of WWE Raw, securing another shot at the vacant World Heavyweight Championship, WWE backstage sources reveal that the company remains unfazed by widespread negative fan reactions and online criticism[1][4]. Despite a surge of dislikes and negative feedback on social media and YouTube videos covering his win, WWE is pressing forward with its creative plans, positioning Uso as a key player in the ongoing World Title storyline.
Jey Uso’s Battle Royal Win – A Controversial Decision
Jey Uso emerged victorious in a high-stakes Battle Royal on Raw, outlasting multiple competitors to secure a championship match against CM Punk at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1[1][6]. This opportunity arose after Seth Rollins was forced to vacate the World Heavyweight Title due to injury, creating a sudden vacancy at the top of WWE’s card.
During the Battle Royal, Jey surprisingly eliminated his twin brother Jimmy Uso, who had previously aided him several times throughout the match[7]. This bitter twist added tension and drama but also contributed to a divided fan response.
Unprecedented Fan Backlash Across Platforms
Following the announcement of Jey as the next challenger, the backlash from wrestling fans was swift and robust. A prominent YouTube video highlighting Jey’s victory amassed over 90,000 dislikes versus roughly 15,000 likes, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among the audience[4]. Many fans voiced frustration that WWE is repeatedly pushing Uso into high-profile main event spots despite mixed reactions and previous title match losses.
Social media commentary echoed similar sentiments, questioning whether Jey Uso is the right pick to carry the World Heavyweight Championship and accusing WWE of ignoring fan sentiment. Notably, some viewers expressed disappointment that other talents were overlooked in favor of the Samoan star.
WWE Remains Unmoved Behind the Scenes
According to sources close to WWE and reported by Fightful Select, the company is largely indifferent to YouTube dislike metrics and online negativity[4]. The internal perspective is that these digital metrics do not translate into meaningful creative feedback, especially since dislike counts can be influenced by third-party tools and bots.
A WWE insider stated, “We’re focused on telling long-term stories and developing the talent we believe in. While fan reactions are always considered, they don’t dictate every creative decision, especially not based on social media dislikes.” The company’s creative team remains resolute in pushing Jey Uso forward as a singles star and sees his recent win and upcoming title match as a pivotal moment for his career.
What’s Next for Jey Uso and CM Punk?
Jey Uso’s title match against CM Punk at the November 1 Saturday Night’s Main Event is highly anticipated and will decide who becomes the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion[6]. Punk secured his spot by defeating LA Knight and Jey himself in a previous triple threat match, establishing a compelling rivalry enhanced by their intertwined history[5].
To further build anticipation, WWE plans a face-to-face confrontation between Punk and Uso on the October 27 episode of Raw, setting the stage for their showdown[5]. This buildup aims to give fans a storyline-driven reason to invest emotionally in the title bout despite the divided opinions on Uso’s push.
Long-Term Booking Strategy Over Immediate Popularity
WWE’s commitment to Jey Uso signals a strategic choice emphasizing long-term character growth over responding to immediate fan dissatisfaction. Multiple reports suggest WWE sees value in building Uso as a credible top-tier champion who can engage with a broad audience and carry storylines centered on legacy, betrayal, and redemption[3][4].
Industry observers note that WWE’s reluctance to alter plans based on social media backlash is not unprecedented. Historically, WWE has prioritized narrative continuity and internal talent confidence and often used fan skepticism to build more intricate stories.
Final Thoughts From Industry Insiders
A source close to WWE remarked, “Jey has earned his spot through perseverance and loyalty to the company. The backlash is loud, but we expect the big moments ahead to shift perceptions. Wrestling is about storytelling, and sometimes the payoff only comes after patience.”
Whether Jey Uso can overcome the negative fan reactions and cement himself as a beloved World Heavyweight Champion remains to be seen. WWE is clearly betting on his star power and continued momentum, while fans remain divided.
Keep following for more updates on WWE’s title scene and all major developments leading to Saturday Night’s Main Event.