Jon Stewart stepped down from his long held position as the host of
the Daily Show at Comedy Central just weeks ago. He was there
for 16 six years. Last night he entered a different arena of entertainment when he stepped into the ring as the host of WWE’s SummerSlam PPV. At the company’s second most important PPV of the year, Stewart played an integral part in one of the biggest championship matches they have ever promoted. In a classic professional wrestling finish, he ran out at the finish with a chair looking like he was going to hit one man (Seth Rollins) and instead hit another (John Cena) in the surprise of the evening.
When it was announced that Stewart would host SummerSlam there was an immediate excitement. Not just in the wrestling world but, in the entertainment world as well. The WWE has a long history of using celebrities in roles such as this, and they know what they’re doing. Last night proved another success story.
When Stewart appeared at the end of the PPV, chair in hand, fans of course expected him to help Cena. Not many non-wrestlers would have been able to pull off a turn like Stewart did last night. Or even asked to try something like that by the company to begin with. It was impressive and most importantly fun to watch. If it leads to a Jon Stewart versus John Cena storyline that can only make things more interesting.
Despite the immediate appreciation from the crowd for his chair throwing actions, Cena is the babyface (good guy) character. Seth Rollins is supposed to be the heel (bad guy). Even the non-wrestling fan can tell that Stewart's actions have excitement and momentum behind them.
Stewart has had televised angles with Rollins dating back to Rollins’ appearances on the Daily Show.
The WWE has been building the storyline between the two for months. It led to Stewart’s first appearance on WWE TV. He appeared on Monday Night Raw in a funny skit that most people figured was just a one time thing.
Thankfully it wasn’t. Hopefully Jon Stewart will be back for more. The potential has been there for a Jon Stewart and WWE marriage for years. He has been reluctant to accept. Without the obligations of the Daily Show he has time to focus on other ventures.
Let's hope he's willing to make the WWE one of them. Because Cena vs. Stewart has all the makings for a WrestleMania angle.