Ron DeSantis Seemingly Met With 'You Suck' Chants at Florida WWE Event
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis seemingly received a hostile reception at the WWE, with the crowd at the wrestling event booing him as he appeared at the event.
Fans at WWE's Saturday Night's Main Event appeared to chant "you suck" as DeSantis waved to the crowd before the wrestling began.
Newsweek could not immediately verify the veracity of videos purporting to show the incident and has contacted the governor's office via email for comment.
The Context
DeSantis has served as Florida's governor since 2019, winning reelection in 2022. Under the Florida state constitution, he is limited to two terms, meaning he will leave office in 2027. He launched a presidential bid in 2024, before dropping out and endorsing President Donald Trump, who had criticized DeSantis for contesting the Republican primary.
What To Know
Videos of DeSantis attending the Saturday event went viral after crowds appeared to shout "you suck" repeatedly at him.
In one video, which received over 300,000 views, DeSantis can be seen entering ringside at the Yuengling Center in Tampa before the main event as crowds began the chant.
"Governor Ron DeSantis just showed up and the crowd started booing him and chanting 'you suck,'" a social media user who attended the event said on X, formerly Twitter.
"THE WWE CROWD IS BOOING Governor Ron DeSantis", a post by another account, with over 200,000 views, said on X.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference held at the ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operation office on May 1, 2025, in Miramar, Florida.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference held at the ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operation office on May 1, 2025, in Miramar, Florida.
Getty Images
However, another video claimed that there were no boos at the event, with the family of another attendee writing: "My husband and ex-husband took my son to see WWE tonight for his birthday. Yes we are weird like that. No DeSantis wasn't booed.
"They sent me this video because it's the second time our family has seen Ron DeSantis this week."
The Yuengling Center has a capacity of more than 10,000. Saturday's event saw the World Heavyweight Championship Match between Jey Uso and Logan Paul, as well as an appearance by wrestling star John Cena.
The next Saturday Night's Main Event will take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on July 12.
What People Are Saying
Before the event, Ron DeSantis posted a picture of him and wrestling star Hulk Hogan, saying on social media: "Great to see the Hulkster and throw back a cold Real American beer in Clearwater Beach."
What Happens Next
DeSantis will vacate the governorship in 2027, though there is no clear successor who has put themselves forward for the election yet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
12 minutes ago
- USA Today
Judge who faced Republican impeachment demands will handle Trump's Epstein request
A judge who faced Republican impeachment calls has been assigned to handle the Trump DOJ's request to release testimony tied to Jeffrey Epstein. A judge who faced Republican impeachment calls in February has been assigned to handle the Trump Justice Department's request to release the grand jury testimony that led to charges against Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Manhattan federal Judge Paul Engelmayer was targeted by Republicans after temporarily blocking Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing the Treasury Department central payment system in February. Engelmayer has now been assigned to Maxwell's federal sex-trafficking case, after President Donald Trump's Justice Department made a request in the case on Friday to release the grand jury transcripts, with redactions to shield "victim-related and other personal identifying information." Those transcripts would show witness testimony that formed the basis for charges against Maxwell. But the caveat on redactions could disappoint members of the public who are clamoring for a list of any potential Epstein clients who may have participated with him in a sex-trafficking ring, or for the government to release records beyond the grand jury testimony. The Justice Department made a similar request Friday in Epstein's federal sex-trafficking case, for which Epstein was awaiting trial when he was found dead in a jail cell in 2019. In addition to his federal sex-trafficking charges, Epstein was convicted in 2008 of a sex offense involving minors. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of trafficking a minor to Epstein. She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence and appealing her conviction. Although Epstein's death was ruled a suicide by New York's chief medical examiner, conspiracy theorists have continued to question that conclusion and suggest Epstein may have been killed to protect powerful people who could have been involved in a sex-trafficking ring with the disgraced financier. Epstein rubbed shoulders with many rich and powerful people, including Trump and former President Bill Clinton. There's no evidence that either of those men participated in any criminal conduct with Epstein. In late 2002, Trump was quoted in a New York Magazine story calling Epstein a "terrific guy" and someone who "likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side." For Epstein's 50th birthday in early 2003, Trump sent him a letter saying they have "certain things in common" with a drawing of a naked woman, according to a July 17 Wall Street Journal report. Trump denies writing the letter and sued the newspaper's publisher over the story July 18. The two men's friendship ruptured around 2004, at about the time they had a power struggle over an oceanfront Palm Beach mansion, according to the Washington Post. Members of Trump's own circle, including FBI Director Kash Patel, have fueled those conspiracy theories for years. But in a memo released July 7, the Justice Department and FBI said a "systematic review" of documents related to Epstein "revealed no incriminating 'client list'" and supported the conclusion that he died by suicide. No further disclosures in the case were warranted, according to the memo. Facing mounting pressure from members of his own base following the memo, Trump said in a July 17 Truth Social post that he directed his attorney general, Pam Bondi, to produce pertinent grand jury testimony, subject to court approval. "Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval," Trump posted on Truth Social July 17. Engelmayer will now be tasked with handling that request in Maxwell's case. Following his February ruling on DOGE's access to the Treasury payment system, U.S. Rep. Eli Crane, a Georgia Republican, introduced a resolution calling for Engelmayer's impeachment, which was co-sponsored by fellow Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Taylor Greene is one of the Republicans to have broken from the Trump administration when it comes to the Epstein memo. "No one believes there is not a client list," she posted on X July 8. Contributing: Reuters
Newsweek
13 minutes ago
- Newsweek
WWE Legend Umaga's Son Makes Impactful Debut
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The legendary Anoa'i wrestling dynasty has a new star on the rise. Zilla Fatu, the son of the late, great WWE legend Umaga, made his shocking and impactful debut for TNA Wrestling at last night's Slammiversary pay-per-view. Fatu appeared as part of a multi-man tag team match, making his first appearance for a major national promotion. His arrival was accompanied by a powerful introduction from his tag team partner. 'This is the son of the late, great Umaga. He didn't grow up with his dad around. He's got 5 kids. He's not even 25. He's the most dangerous Samoan in the entire Bloodline. This is Zilla Fatu.' ENZO WITH A GREAT INTRO FOR ZILLA FATU 🔥#TNASlammiversary — EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) July 20, 2025 At the July 20th event, Zilla Fatu teamed with former WWE star Enzo Amore and Josh Bishop. Before their match, Amore delivered a passionate introduction for the second-generation star. "This is the son of the late, great Umaga," Amore said. "He didn't grow up with his dad around. He's got 5 kids. He's not even 25. He's the most dangerous Samoan in the entire Bloodline. This is Zilla Fatu." Fatu, who is the reigning world champion for Booker T's Reality of Wrestling promotion, made a strong impression during the bout against Team TNA, which consisted of Steve Maclin, Jake Something, and Mance Warner. WWE wrestler "Umaga" and Vince McMahon in the ring before the start of the main event of the night, "Hair vs. Hair", between Vince McMahon and Donald Trump. WrestleMania 23 at Detroit's Ford Field in... WWE wrestler "Umaga" and Vince McMahon in the ring before the start of the main event of the night, "Hair vs. Hair", between Vince McMahon and Donald Trump. WrestleMania 23 at Detroit's Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on April 1, 2007 More More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Zilla Fatu is carrying the legacy of his father, Edward "Umaga" Fatu, who was one of the most feared and respected superstars of the Ruthless Aggression era. As the "Samoan Bulldozer," Umaga was a dominant force in WWE, known for his terrifying intensity, hard-hitting offense, and the devastating "Samoan Spike" finisher. A two-time Intercontinental Champion, Umaga's most iconic moment came at WrestleMania 23, where he represented Vince McMahon against Bobby Lashley in the famous "Battle of the Billionaires." His tragic and untimely passing in 2009 left a void in the wrestling world and the Anoa'i family. Zilla Fatu's journey to the wrestling ring is an inspirational one. He has been open about his difficult past, which included a six-year prison sentence. Upon his release, he made the decision to turn his life around and honor his father's legacy by pursuing a career in professional wrestling. Fatu began training at Booker T's wrestling school and quickly became the promotion's top champion. His debut on a major stage like Slammiversary is a huge step in his young career. With his incredible pedigree and a powerful redemption story, the entire wrestling world will be watching to see if "the most dangerous Samoan" can live up to his father's powerful legacy. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Newsweek
13 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Released WWE Star Taking Break From Wrestling
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Elayna Black, known to WWE fans as Cora Jade, has announced that she is taking an indefinite break from professional wrestling. The 24-year-old star, who was released from her WWE contract in May, is stepping away from the business to focus on her mental health. In a candid statement posted to her social media accounts on Monday, Black explained her decision to her followers. She stated that her passion for the industry has waned and she needs time away. In her announcement, Black was direct about the reasons for her hiatus. She said she needs to find out if the love she once had for wrestling can return. "I am going to be taking a break from wrestling for the foreseeable future," Black wrote. "It's no longer good for my mental health and I'll never know if that love for it I once had will return if I don't step away. I'm gonna take the rest of the year to take care of me and go from there." She also apologized to the fans and independent promoters who had booked her for upcoming appearances. Her announcement was met with an outpouring of support from the wrestling community. The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as... The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as executive chairman and its board of directors following allegations of sexual assault made public in a lawsuit in Connecticut. A former employee Janel Grant accused McMahon, 78, of sexual assault and sexually trafficking her. MoreBlack's decision to speak openly about her mental health is part of a growing, positive trend in the demanding world of professional wrestling. The industry's relentless travel, physical toll, and public scrutiny can be immense, especially for young performers. In recent years, other top stars have also taken necessary breaks to prioritize their well-being, helping to destigmatize the issue. Her decision to step away to "take care of me" is a powerful and courageous statement. It highlights the importance of mental wellness in a high-pressure profession. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation During her time in WWE as Cora Jade, Black was one of the breakout stars of the NXT 2.0 era. With her "skateboarding rebel" persona, she quickly became a fan favorite. She had memorable moments in high-profile matches, including a daring dive from the top of the cage at a WarGames event. Black's biggest success came when she teamed with Roxanne Perez to win the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship. This led to her most memorable storyline, where she shockingly turned heel on Perez, throwing her half of the championship belt in a trash can. This established her as the leader of the "Generation of Jade" and one of the top villains in the NXT women's division for a significant period before her eventual release. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
