Country music star Jelly Roll is training rigorously alongside Jacob Fatu and other WWE veterans as he gears up for a highly anticipated SummerSlam tag team match this July in Orlando, Florida. His role as a WWE training partner has drawn attention due to the spotlight on his path from musician to in-ring competitor, challenging doubts from fans wary of celebrities entering the wrestling world.
Fan skepticism and comparisons to past celebrity WWE appearances
Online reactions to the upcoming SummerSlam tag match have been mixed, largely because Jelly Roll is stepping into the wrestling ring without prior professional experience. Many fans remain cautious after the unsatisfying WrestleMania storyline involving rapper Travis Scott, who reportedly did not fully commit to training. However, industry insiders suggest Jelly Roll’s dedication is much closer to that of Logan Paul, another celebrity wrestler who has earned respect within the WWE community.
Damian Priest highlights Jelly Roll’s serious commitment
Wrestler Damian Priest, who has experience working with celebrity wrestlers like Bad Bunny, pointed out Jelly Roll’s dedication recently. He explained that Jelly Roll has taken the same approach as Bad Bunny by moving to Florida and committing full-time at the WWE Performance Center, signaling a serious investment in developing his wrestling skills.
“Jelly Roll is doing exactly what Bad Bunny did — he moved to Florida to be at the PC full time because he’s taking it seriously.”
— Damian Priest, WWE Wrestler
Inside Jelly Roll’s intense training routine at WWE Performance Center
On The Pat McAfee Show, Jelly Roll revealed details about his daily life at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. He described how he has been spending several weeks living and training there, absorbing every learning opportunity from his coaches and notable wrestling figures. His coach, Matt Bloom, plays a critical role in his development, and Jelly Roll recalled an extraordinary training session when Undertaker and Michelle McCool attended just to observe and offer feedback.
“I have quietly been living in Orlando for about three or four weeks at the PC. Showing up every day like a piece of furniture over there. They can’t kick me out. I’m there from the moment I wake up till it closes almost. Matt Bloom’s my coach. I was training with Matt Bloom the other day, and Undertaker comes in with Michelle [McCool]. ‘They just want to watch for a minute, is that cool?’ ‘For sure.’ This is who he is as a human. The entire three-hour session, him and his wife stood on those ropes and gave me pointer after pointer…”
— Jelly Roll, Country Music Superstar and WWE Trainee
Wrestling veterans Kevin Owens and Jacob Fatu support Jelly Roll’s development
Jelly Roll also shared how wrestlers Kevin Owens and Jacob Fatu spent considerable time training and wrestling with him to elevate his skills during multi-hour sessions. He expressed appreciation for their mentorship, emphasizing their belief in his commitment to the craft.
“Kevin Owens, Jacob Fatu came in and wrestled with me the other day for three-four hours. These dudes are like pouring into me because they see that I’m trying to take it as serious as I can.”
— Jelly Roll
Transformation fueled by training contributes to Jelly Roll’s health journey
Part of Jelly Roll’s involvement in WWE training coincides with a significant weight loss journey. Since April, he has dropped from 540 pounds to 357 pounds and shared that the wrestling preparation has pushed him to continue transforming his physique. He revealed conversations with Hunter “Triple H” Hearst Helmsley, where the focus remained on his readiness to compete and the taxing nature of the sport.
“When me and Hunter [Triple H] started talking, the more I got involved with WWE over the last couple of years, every time I lose weight, they’re like, ‘Looking good.’ ‘Good enough for a match yet, or do I need to lose another hundred?’ ‘A little more, brother.’ [Laughs] I just kept pushing for it…”
— Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll admitted the physical demands have left their mark on his body, explaining he’s physically battered but driven. His progress reflects far more than just weight loss; it shows a resolve to endure wrestling’s challenges as a serious competitor.
“I knew how physically grueling it was, and I knew that’s what I needed at this point in my weight loss journey that this would be the fire that I needed but man, if I took my shirt off right now, not only would you be appalled by the loose skin, but you would see I am beaten.”
— Jelly Roll
Building anticipation for the SummerSlam tag match
Despite some fan skepticism, Jelly Roll’s dedication and strenuous preparation with key WWE figures such as Jacob Fatu, Undertaker, and Kevin Owens signal his earnestness in stepping into the ring. Teaming with Randy Orton against Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam has generated a fresh wave of interest, showing how his role as a Jacob Fatu WWE training partner has meaning beyond the celebrity curiosity. With this intensive preparation, the match could deliver an engaging and competitive spectacle at the two-day WWE event.
