In a surprising turn following Jey Uso’s recent loss of the World Heavyweight Championship, veteran wrestler Stevie Richards has warned that WWE may inflict a prolonged punishment on Jey—a decision reportedly rooted in a significant backstage controversy. Richards aired these concerns on his “Stevie Richards Show” podcast, noting that Jey could bear the brunt of creative fallout for a “long time” .
The Trigger: Rikishi’s Public Criticism
The current storm centers on Rikishi, Jey’s father and WWE Hall of Famer, who publicly lambasted WWE’s creative team after Jey’s loss to Gunther on the June 9 RAW taping. Rikishi, incensed by what he deemed poor booking, didn’t mince words:
> “Those that are writing for this kid … if you can’t come up with something simple to promote and push your champion … get the hell out.”
Rikishi’s sharp, public criticism has apparently rattled the WWE hierarchy—prompting speculation that Triple H and the creative team might retaliate with a deliberate cooling-off period for Jey.
Stevie Richards’ Interpretation
Speaking on his show, Richards indicated that WWE’s Silence era may punish not only Rikishi but also Jey:
> “Back in the day, if you came to defend somebody publicly, they will punish that person and they will punish you as well… they could cool his kid off real quick for a real long time.”
Richards likened the situation to prior eras when backstage politics dictated on‑screen booking, and anyone who spoke out of turn often found themselves sidelined—whether or not they were directly accused of wrongdoing.
Short World Title Reign Adds Fuel
Jey’s 51‑day title reign—won at WrestleMania 41 against Gunther—came to an abrupt end on RAW. Critics have described this switch as abrupt, fueling suspicions of it being a punishment-driven booking decision. Wrestling journalist Patricki Chites summarized the sentiment by stating Richards “suspected backstage punishment over Rikishi”—reinforcing the idea that Jey’s loss was less about storyline and more about discipline .
Former executive Tommy Carlucci offered another angle, acknowledging WWE’s spotlight preference on Gunther due to his dominant “Ring General” persona, and suggested that Jey’s brief reign had more to do with maintaining that aura than any punishment . Nonetheless, the timing alongside Rikishi’s outburst has fanned the speculation flame.
What’s Next for Jey Uso?
Despite the loss, Jey remains in the spotlight—now embroiled in the King of the Ring tournament. He recently faced Cody Rhodes in the semifinal on RAW, delivering a standout match despite losing, which savvy supporters argue keeps him relevant despite the booking blow . Enough to label it a “punishment,” though, remains the pressing question.
The Bigger Picture: WWE’s Creative Control
WWE’s current regime under Triple H prides itself on tighter creative control. It’s no secret that public dissent—especially from second‑generation stars—can be viewed as insubordination. Richards is essentially reminding fans that WWE has a long memory—and historically, those who step out of line often take the fall.
Final Take
At this time, there is no official confirmation of WWE’s intent to punish Jey beyond standard storyline shifts. But with Rikishi’s vocal objections still echoing and Richards predicting a cold streak, the narrative is unmistakable: creative disfavor often translates into booking disadvantage. Whether Jey recovers quickly or remains off the radar will signal how strongly WWE enforces its backstage discipline.
As WWE continues tonight’s RAW and builds toward SummerSlam, eyes will be on whether Jey Uso remains in the title picture—or if this marks the begin
ning of a prolonged creative chill.
