WWEs planned SummerSlam weekend comedy show featuring Tony Hinchcliffe has officially been scrappedand internal sources are now pointing to one major reason fans just didnt care: Paul Heyman wasnt involved.
The event, originally set for Saturday, August 2 at 11 PM ET in Englewood, New Jersey, was supposed to be a lighthearted comedy night with WWE Superstars, special appearances, and Hinchcliffe leading the charge. Cody Rhodes was the only talent advertised before WWE pulled the plug.
While poor ticket sales were the immediate red flag, a new report from PWInsider reveals the decision to cancel also stemmed from the lack of star power compared to WWEs previous comedy event in Las Vegas. That show, a roast during WrestleMania weekend, featured Paul Heymanand his presence was credited with stealing the show and driving real interest.
Sources within WWE admitted there wasnt the same kind of hype for this SummerSlam weekend version. Without Heyman, the momentum just wasnt there. The company felt the event didnt carry the same weight, and with the added difficulty of drawing fans to a New Jersey venue late at night, it became clear the show was going to fall flat.
Internally, the response to Hinchcliffes involvement was lukewarm at best. WWE officials were reportedly relieved that the roast format wasnt being repeatedespecially after the mixed reactions from talent during WrestleMania weekend.
In the end, the combination of light ticket sales, weak energy backstage, and no Paul Heyman to elevate the show led WWE to cancel the event entirely rather than roll the dice on a low-energy comedy night.
Was WWE right to scrap the show without Heyman, or could they have made it work with a different approach? Sound off in the comments and tell us what you think.
