Grammy-nominated country music artist Jelly Roll is set to make his WWE SmackDown debut on July 11, 2025, kicking off what is anticipated to be a storyline spanning multiple episodes and potentially dominating this year’s SummerSlam event.
According to WrestleVotes via Backstage Pass Radio, WWE insiders believe Jelly Roll’s appearance will not be a one-time event. Initially, the idea was to have the singer make an in-ring cameo at SummerSlam 2024 by delivering a Chokeslam to Austin Theory. Jelly Roll continues a trend of WWE collaborating with music stars like Bad Bunny and Travis Scott to boost viewership, a strategy encouraged by TKO. While some fans are skeptical about mixing non-wrestlers into storylines, Jelly Roll is a genuine WWE fan, and his Chokeslam on Theory was praised as one of the best in recent times. His inclusion is expected to draw fresh attention, especially given his recent significant weight loss and viral personal story shared on social media.
Once weighing over 400 pounds, Jelly Roll has shed almost 200 pounds, and his public journey overcoming addiction and troubled past promises compelling material for WWE storytelling. This kind of real-life struggle can fuel powerful rivalries and resonate deeply with the WWE audience.
SummerSlam serves as a prime spotlight for WWE, and the timing is perfect for Jelly Roll’s involvement at the two-night event scheduled for August 2-3, 2025, at MetLife Stadium. This format offers plenty of opportunities to introduce new storylines, and Jelly Roll’s participation is expected to increase mainstream interest, exactly what WWE aims for. There is also talk of a potential feud involving WWE legend John Cena, continuing a storyline dynamic that includes Jelly Roll’s past SummerSlam moments alongside R-Truth.
Fan Take: This crossover highlights WWE’s ongoing effort to blend music and wrestling to reach new audiences while maintaining compelling storytelling rooted in real struggles. For WWE fans, Jelly Roll’s involvement could bring fresh energy and emotional depth, potentially redefining how celebrities are integrated into wrestling narratives.
