Jey Uso experienced a remarkable rise in WWE during early 2025, culminating in a pivotal moment when he won the 2025 Royal Rumble. This victory secured him a chance to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania, where he stunned fans by making champion Gunther submit, claiming the title in a defining match. This rapid ascent, known as the Jey Uso WWE main event push, was influenced by more than just his in-ring talents.
The behind-the-scenes insights surfaced through the sports documentary series WWE: Unreal, released on July 29, 2025. The show revealed that Michael Hayes, WWE’s Senior Vice President of Creative Writing & Booking and senior producer, played a crucial role in advocating for Uso’s prominent push. Hayes’ motivation stemmed from deeper, personal connections rather than mere creative decisions.
Michael Hayes’ Desire to Honor His Mentors Through Jey Uso’s Career Advancement
On the Behind the Turnbuckle Studios podcast hosted by Jonathan Coachman, veteran WWE and WCW personality Vince Russo explained the personal history behind Hayes’ support. Both Afa and Sika Anoa’i—legendary figures and trainers within the wrestling world—served as Hayes’ early mentors. Since Jey Uso is their nephew, Hayes’ push represented a way to reciprocate the influence and training he himself had received.
“You guys saw on the Unreal show, you clearly saw Michael Hayes pushing for Jey Uso. Who trained Michael Hayes? Afa and Sika (Anoa). Do you guys understand that’s how far it goes back?” —Vince Russo, Wrestling Personality
“He was trained by Afa and Sika, and fast forward all these years later, and he’s trying to return the favor by pushing Jey Uso in those meetings. Do you understand how this works? That’s what I’m telling you guys. They’re exposing stuff that they think you’re not going to see. That’s how the wrestling business works,” —Vince Russo, Wrestling Personality
Russo emphasized that Hayes’ advocacy was not coincidental but an intentional effort to elevate Jey Uso, reflecting a longstanding bond and respect for his trainers. This layer of loyalty adds depth to Jey Uso’s rapid rise within WWE’s ranks and sheds light on how backstage relationships influence creative directions.
Recent WWE Industry Updates Amidst Ongoing Tensions
Meanwhile, WWE continues to grapple with backstage challenges. Notably, Triple H’s conduct during the SummerSlam post-show drew criticism for being offensive toward another WWE performer, unsettling fans and insiders alike. Simultaneously, fresh rivalries are expected to ignite on Monday Night Raw following SummerSlam, signaling ongoing shifts in WWE’s storytelling dynamics.
In addition to these developments, WWE’s top brass faces ongoing scrutiny. Despite reported friction, The Rock has not taken the step to remove Triple H from WWE leadership, even as some premium live events go unpromoted from his end. Behind the scenes, an intense verbal confrontation unfolded between Roman Reigns and a WWE legend after RAW, contributing to rising backstage turmoil.
The return of Brock Lesnar is also sparking conversation, as experts link his comeback to recent promos that targeted The Rock during SmackDown tapings, indicating complex inter-personal and professional dynamics at play. Outside of storyline maneuvers, TNA veterans have secured contract renewals, affirming their continued roles within the company’s evolving landscape. Additionally, a former four-time WWE champion officially entered free agency following their release in May 2025.
WWE’s community came together solemnly as well, with prominent figures such as Triple H and Stephanie McMahon attending the funeral of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, underscoring the somber mood permeating the wrestling world amid industry shifts.
The Significance of Hayes’ Influence on Jey Uso and WWE’s Future Directions
The revelation that Michael Hayes’ support for Jey Uso’s WWE main event push is rooted in personal loyalty to early mentors highlights how deeply interconnected backstage relationships are within the wrestling industry. This insight offers fans a rare glimpse at how creative decisions can be driven by respect, legacy, and gratitude, rather than just ratings or storyline needs.
As Jey Uso holds the World Heavyweight Championship, bolstered by Hayes’ advocacy, WWE’s landscape may continue to evolve with a blend of legacy influences and emerging talent. Future events, including upcoming WWE shows and story arcs, will likely reflect the ongoing impact of these behind-the-scenes alliances. For fans and industry observers, understanding these dynamics adds dimension to the spectacle both inside and outside the squared circle.
