The WWE has seen its fair share of guest-hosts, whether it be on RAW or during a pay-per-view, but there hasn’t been anyone better than Jon Stewart, who hosted last weekend’s SummerSlam.Â
In terms of star power, Stewart is at the top of the list for pop-culture hosts. For 16 years Stewart tackled the most important political topics using comedy as his strongest asset. Not only was he funny while discussing major newsworthy stories, he was possibly the most brilliant man on television. Going head-to-head with politicians or other members of the media, Stewart’s arguments always came out on top because his common sense mixed with brilliant point of view is a stroke of genius.
So how in the world was WWE able to get one of the best personalities in television to host SummerSlam? It could come down to a few different scenarios such as: Timing, money, or even the location. Personally, I think it’s because he’s a fan, and that fan inside of him shined during SummerSlam and the fallout episode of RAW.
It all started with the opening of SummerSlam on Sunday night. Stewart hyped the crowd and seemed incredibly joyful to be in attendance. He then brought out Mick Foley, attempting to use him for backup when he tried to interview Brock Lesnar. It was funny, he didn’t stutter on the mic, and he seemed like he belonged there; it was a perfect opening to the show.
Stewart would attempt to interview Lesnar by himself, but Paul Heyman stopped him, once again creating a funny moment throughout the episode. Afterwards, the unthinkable happened when Stewart ran into the ring during the WWE World Heavyweight and United States Championship match between Seth Rollins and John Cena. SummerSlam is known for their swerve endings, but this was one for the ages.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kzIjp6hDWA[/youtube]
With the referee down and out, Stewart ran into the ring with a chair. Already maintaining a feud with Seth Rollins since March, the obvious scenario was for Stewart to hit Rollins and allow Cena to get the victory. However, the opposite happened and Cena was struck with a chair, ultimately leading to a Rollins victory.
The near 16,000 in attendance and millions watching at home were speechless. Why would Stewart turn heel and hit Cena with a chair? Doesn’t he hate Rollins? Well, that answer was solved on RAW the next night, and it added to the beauty of Stewart’s amazing ability as a guest-host.
There aren’t too many guest-hosts who could pull that off, but Stewart did it perfectly. Stewart came on RAW and explained that he couldn’t stand there and watch Cena tie the great Ric Flair’s record for 16 world championships. It was a sincere response and although he respects Cena, it just didn’t seem right for him to pass Flair.
“The Man Who Doesn’t Give Up” didn’t appreciate Stewart costing him the title and took out his anger during their confrontation. Cena grabbed the former host of The Daily Show and delivered an Attitude Adjustment to him, leaving him motionless in the ring.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxZCRmfV5fw[/youtube]
The guest-host doesn’t usually take bumps, so props to Stewart for agreeing to this. There hasn’t been a solid bump taken by a guest-host like this since Kane chokeslamed guest-host Curly from The Three Stooges a few years ago.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKZTGhdm5QY[/youtube]
Even Stewart’s initial appearance on the March 2 episode of RAW was noteworthy, but his last two appearances has signified him as the best guest-host in WWE history. With time on his hands due to his recent retirement from The Daily Show, there could be a future in professional wrestling for him.
Regardless if he returns to the ring again, Stewart deserves the make-believe WWEÂ World Television Title.