WWE found itself in the middle of controversy once again after fans accused the company of showing “AI slop” during a video package on the April 28 episode of WWE NXT. What was supposed to highlight rising stars quickly turned into a big online debate about AI and how WWE is using it.
The video segment showed Zaria and Sol Ruca after their brutal Last Woman Standing match. It used dark visuals and dramatic narration to show Zaria’s thoughts after the fight and tease what’s next. But instead of the story, fans focused on how the video looked.
Fans lambast WWE for suspected AI usage in NXT video package
Soon after it aired, people started reacting. Many pointed out odd textures, strange facial details, and weird transitions. Many fans called out WWE for taking what they felt was a shortcut, especially for a billion-dollar company.
One fan wrote, “This is proof they use AI SLOP LOL,” while another said, “So the AI allegations are real.” One fan even joked, “I know damn well that ain’t supposed to be Sol Ruca.”
Some fans even thrashed WWE for releasing many talents at once to “save money” for this.
The term “AI slop,” which people use to label low-quality AI-generated content, emerged as the takeaway for the video package. It also raised concerns about WWE’s creative direction going forward.
This comes at a time when WWE has made a deal with Writer AI to help with creative ideas and workflows. They’ve also brought in Cyrus Kowsari as Senior Director of Creative Strategy to help manage AI, especially in areas like video and graphics.
At a recent internal meeting of TKO, President and COO Mark Shapiro disclosed how AI use could improve different parts of the business. Shapiro even said that WWE leaders are already using AI to study what resonates with fans and also the demographics that consume the content. However, they also stated that WWE is still in the early stages of using AI.
The reaction to this NXT video shows a bigger issue. In wrestling, where presentation is everything, small changes can lead to big consequences.
Read More: TKO Executive Confirms WWE’s Use of AI Behind The Scenes
