WWE & ESPN Writer Shut Down Speculation Following Wrestlepalooza Grading Controversy

As previously reported, there was recently controversy over ESPN writer Andreas Hale giving WWE Wrestlepalooza a “C” grade in his report, which is said to have reportedly shocked and “surprised” WWE officials. The event marked the debut premium live event for WWE on ESPN as part of the two entities’ new multi-year partnership. Hale later defended his grading of the show, also stating that some fans were calling for him to be fired.

Although this led to talk and online speculation of WWE wanting Hale fired for his report, in a new Fightful Select Answers Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp reports that both parties are denying that’s the case. Hale himself directly stated to Fightful that WWE wanting him fired isn’t true. Additionally, WWE higher-ups have denied this being the case as well.

Sapp added that WWE doesn’t “care that much” about the ESPN writer delivering a fair rating for the PLE. As Hale himself stated on Off the Ropes, his “C” grade was not meant to be horrible. He stated, “People have to stop thinking a C is horrible. It’s not. I’ll never watch WrestlePalooza again, I don’t care to, but it wasn’t the worst thing ever. For something that promised ‘epic’ moments, it just fell short.”