In a surprising twist, WWE Champion Seth Rollins calls Jim Cornette a 'jackass'—but there’s a catch that’s sparking heated debates among wrestling fans. And this is the part most people miss: despite the harsh words, Rollins admits Cornette is 'entertaining' and even credits him with skills that Vince Russo lacks. So, is this a backhanded compliment or a genuine acknowledgment? Let’s dive in.
During a recent appearance on the Mohr Stories podcast hosted by Jay Mohr, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins was put on the spot when asked to choose between two polarizing figures in wrestling: Jim Cornette, often referred to as the 'tennis racket guy,' and Vince Russo, dubbed the 'Vince writer guy.' Rollins didn’t hold back, initially declaring, 'I hate them both. I think they’re both jackasses.' But here’s where it gets controversial: when pressed to pick one, Rollins leaned toward Cornette, admitting, 'If I had to pick one, it’d be Cornette. I mean, I kind of want to hang out with Cornette a little more. He’s super entertaining. The guy can still cut a promo.'
Rollins went on to explain why Cornette’s reputation might be misunderstood, attributing it to the modern media landscape. 'He’s a victim of the hot take culture,' Rollins said. 'He has to say the craziest thing that comes to his brain, and that’s how he makes his money on his podcast.' This insight raises a thought-provoking question: Are outspoken personalities like Cornette truly controversial, or are they simply playing the game of modern media?
Jim Cornette, never one to shy away from a challenge, responded to Rollins’ comments on The Jim Cornette Experience with his signature wit. Cornette interpreted Rollins’ mixed remarks as a veiled endorsement, suggesting Rollins was walking a fine line to keep the peace at home with his wife, WWE Superstar Becky Lynch. Cornette has been vocal about Lynch’s decision to step away from wrestling during her pregnancy, a stance he believes still causes tension. 'He said what he had to say to placate Becky, who’s still wounded about what I said about their child,' Cornette quipped. 'But should she really be that mad at me? I didn’t say anything personal about him otherwise.'
What’s fascinating here is the dynamic between Cornette and modern wrestling stars. While Rollins lumped Cornette in with Russo as an 'idiot,' he couldn’t deny Cornette’s entertainment value—a compliment Russo didn’t receive. Cornette seized this as a moral victory, declaring, 'See, a clear endorsement for me right there. Russo is not entertaining, and I am. We found common ground again.'
To drive his point home, Cornette playfully imagined Rollins’ internal monologue during the interview: 'I hate him, but if I think about it, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. I gotta say nice things if I really think about it… How can I say this without making my wife mad, but at the same time stick somewhat to the truth?' This satirical take highlights the complex relationships and unspoken respect within the wrestling world.
But here’s the real question: Is Rollins’ acknowledgment of Cornette’s talent a genuine compliment, or is it a strategic move to avoid further conflict? And what does this say about the evolving dynamics between wrestling’s old guard and its new stars? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit Jim Cornette and Brian Last (https://www.jimcornette.com/podcasts.html) with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
