Despite not playing a snap since suffering an ankle injury, New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo was caught up in a WWE brawl on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
The cameo has sparked significant backlash, with T.J. Ward, a retired NFL All-Pro safety and Super Bowl champion, leading the charge. Ward slammed the rookie for taking the risk of a short NFL career.
What Happened at Monday Night Raw Involving Cam Skattebo?
Skattebo made an appearance on Monday Night Raw with Abu Carter, a rookie linebacker from the Giants, and comedian Andrew Schulz. The running back, who recently shared that he has regained whole ankle and toe movement and is eyeing an April return, stepped into a storyline confrontation with ‘The Judgment Day’ (Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor, and J.D. McDonagh).
The WWE mayhem was well-planned, with light shoving, mock punches, and a brief dust-up. Soon after the clips went viral, criticism followed.
Former Denver Broncos’ safety Ward said Skattebo’s participation in the stunt was careless and represents the kind of behavior that can damage NFL careers. “This how you make sure you have a short NFL career,” Ward reposted.
Critics viewed Skattebo’s sports entertainment experience as a potential distraction to his career, and the message he sent was blunt, dismissive, and infused with old-school football energy.
Despite this, many fans were quick to point out: It’s WWE. It’s scripted. It’s safe. Keeping everything aside, how couldn’t Ward see Skattebo holding his laugh back?
One user posted, “By attending a wrestling match and participating in a scripted scene that required zero wrestling?” Another said, “Wait until you find out….. ITS NOT REAL.”
They are not wrong. George Kittle, Rob Gronkowski, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson, Shaq, Giannis Antetokounmpo, The Ball Family, and numerous other prominent athletes from various sports have entered the WWE world for years without any issues.
WWE is designed to look dangerous, not to be hazardous. The importance of timing lies in rehearsing moves, pulling punches, and practicing moves. Showmanship is a form of art, not street combat.
A Growing Athlete & WWE Connection
WWE has been attracting crossover fans for some time now. In April 2024, Cade Cunningham, then a member of the Detroit Pistons, was captured on camera having a good time at WWE Raw with his teammate, Chimezie Metu.
In an interview with LandonBuford.com last year, Cunningham mentioned his desire to step into the WWE spotlight in the future.
“Yeah, it is possible for sure. I think WWE is fire,” Cunningham said. “I grew up loving WWE… I would be down to do it for sure.”
The crossover is thriving as athletes recognize WWE as an entertainment brand and a way to connect with fans in new ways. This does not pose a medical risk. Comedian Andrew Schulz made a joke about Skattebo appearing in the ESPN Instagram comment section. “All part of the rehab.”
Skattebo Pushes Back at Ward’s Comments
Despite Ward’s comments gaining traction, Skattebo didn’t hesitate to respond. His message was both honest and pointed.
“Aye, honestly if you don’t like that I’m having a good time while dealing with a tough time, then just go ahead and unfollow and casually move on. I’m not able to play football and have the fun I’ve been having my whole life, so I am doing things outside the box trying to find stuff to keep me happy. Enjoy the rest of y’all’s week and just don’t talk about me if you ain’t got nothing nice to say.”
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Someone who is battling through an injury would respond in a grounded, self-aware manner, rather than making poor decisions.
Skattebo did not risk his season. He didn’t risk his rehab. He didn’t break any unwritten NFL rules. He was present in one of the most controlled environments in sports entertainment, a stage that countless athletes have secured. Ward’s old-school viewpoint is not surprising.
The modern athlete can balance brand, personality, joy, and community engagement in ways past players could not. Finding happiness is crucial for a young player sidelined by injury.
Skattebo demonstrated that he can remain visible, connected, and himself even during a challenging period. A scripted WWE scuffle won’t cause his career to be shortened. His efforts to stay mentally healthy, energized, and engaged until he can pick up a football again may make it last longer. Whether fans or former players like it or not.
