During WWE SmackDown in Buffalo, longtime commentator Michael Cole, a passionate New York Jets supporter, made a public appeal to members of the Buffalo Bills, urging them to win their upcoming NFL game against the Jets this weekend. Cole’s request was not just about AFC East team rivalry: a Bills victory could help the Jets move closer to securing the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—a possibility drawing attention as the NFL playoffs approach.
Buffalo Bills Enter Playoffs as Favorites
As the NFL playoffs near, the Buffalo Bills stand out as Super Bowl contenders, having almost made it to the championship in each of the last three seasons. Led by 2024 MVP quarterback Josh Allen, Buffalo is set to compete in the postseason, aiming to make a deeper run. Their strong performance this season has further energized the city’s fans and made them a team to watch moving forward. In sharp contrast with the Bills’ current success, the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders are also in the mix for the NFL’s top draft pick, increasing the stakes for this weekend’s matchups.
Michael Cole’s Plea to the Bills During SmackDown
With several Buffalo Bills players—including offensive lineman Dion Dawkins—attending SmackDown in their home city, Michael Cole took the opportunity to directly ask for their help in defeating the Jets. Cole’s appeal on live WWE television reflects his deep connection to his team’s future prospects and the potential impact of the game on the Jets’ fortunes in the upcoming draft. If the Bills defeat the Jets and the Raiders lose to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Jets’ odds of landing the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft could improve dramatically.
The Jets’ Ongoing Search for a Franchise Quarterback
The New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills share a conference rivalry but are positioned at opposite ends of the NFL spectrum. While Buffalo has thrived under Josh Allen, the Jets have struggled to find stability at quarterback, often finishing seasons near the bottom of the league standings. Over recent years, the Jets have invested high draft picks in quarterbacks such as Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson, but neither player developed into a franchise leader. Free agents Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields were also brought in, yet the puzzle remains unsolved, with the team still searching for its next star.
Parallels Between NFL and WWE Leadership
During the SmackDown broadcast, the conversation turned to leadership and star power. WWE has its own lineup of headline talents that could be likened to NFL quarterbacks. Before Cody Rhodes returned to WWE in 2022, names like Roman Reigns, John Cena, and Seth Rollins often served as the company’s primary crowd-drawers and story leaders. Since his comeback, Rhodes, known as The American Nightmare, has become a central figure by winning two Royal Rumble matches, the King of the Ring tournament, and the Undisputed WWE Championship twice. Like the Bills with Allen, WWE depends on such leaders for continued success.
What’s at Stake for Both Teams
This weekend’s game carries big implications for both franchises. For Buffalo, another victory could provide momentum heading into the playoffs and reinforce the team’s status as a favorite. For the Jets, a loss could offer hope, potentially granting them the top choice in the upcoming draft and a chance to select a new quarterback—something Michael Cole clearly yearns for. With fans from both sides watching closely, the match will have ramifications both on the field and in team-building strategies for the future.
