Former WWE broadcaster Jonathan Coachman has voiced his frustration with the company, taking specific aim at Triple H for a perceived slight.
Coachman posted on Twitter that his exclusion from a tribute video celebrating the WWE-ESPN partnership “hurts a little.” The package aired during Wrestlepalooza. In a pointed message, he sarcastically thanked “TRIPS” for the omission.
He elaborated on his history with both companies, asserting that he and his team were instrumental in building the relationship WWE was celebrating. Coachman highlighted his work taking SportsCenter on the road to WrestleMania and conducting interviews for over two years as foundational to the partnership.
His criticism adds another layer to the mixed reception of Wrestlepalooza, the first PLE on ESPN’s new streaming service. In an official review on ESPN’s website, combat sports writer Andreas Hale gave the event a lukewarm C grade.
According to Hale, the show was saved from being “truly average” by the Vaquer vs. IYO SKY match for the vacant Women’s World Title, which earned a B-plus. By contrast, the heavily promoted opener between John Cena and Brock Lesnar received the lowest grade of the night, a C-minus. Hale noted that Lesnar’s dominant win felt more like a prelude to a future encounter.
This was Lesnar’s first match in two years, while Cena is in the final year of his career. Their rivalry is expected to continue, with WWE returning for Crown Jewel on October 11.