Jerry Lawler Hosting Post-Battleground Talking Smack

As reported just days ago, WWE announced that it is canceling Talking Smack *as a weekly program* [...]

By Peter Lyrene

As reported just days ago, WWE announced that it is canceling Talking Smack *as a weekly program* on the WWE Network. This unfortunate news came as a huge shock to fans and WWE talent alike. But according to the company's statement, Talking Smack will continue to air on a semi-regular basis following pay-per-view events, like the less-popular spin-off program Raw Talk.

According to WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler, it seems the long-time Raw color commentator himself will be taking over hosting duties when Talking Smack returns, following the Battleground PPV on Sunday, July 23.


The WWE has since confirmed that Unfiltered With Renee Young has also been cancelled from the streaming network service, leaving many to speculate about the host's future with the company.

However, Renee Young appeared last night as the host of a WWE Network exclusive special post-show interview last night with Kurt Angle and Jason Jordan, following their huge announcement earlier on Monday Night RAW. So it seems like she may be sticking with her role in the WWE, at least for the time being.

Up Next: Kevin Owens is Thrilled Talking Smack is Dead

Considering all these changes, it still seems highly likely Young will also remain as co-host for the upcoming Battleground post-show edition of Talking Smack. She's currently listed in the Network schedule as the host of the Kickoff show, alongside Lawler and other guests.

But with Lawler joining her for the post-show, will either of her regular Talking Smack co-hosts, SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon or GM Daniel Bryan, be available for comment on the show's uncertain future?

WWE offered the following statement last friday Friday:

"We continuously review WWE Network's programming line-up based on a variety of factors, including viewership and subscriber research. Talking Smack and Raw Talk will air following pay-per-view events, and Tuesday will continue to feature 205 Live."

Despite the current stated plans to continue airing Talking Smack as PPV post-show on a semi-regular basis, many believe Vince McMahon and the WWE's true intent is still to cancel the program altogether.

More: WWE Superstars Upset With the Canceling of Talking Smack

Could Sunday be the last time we see the beloved interview talk-show program as we know it, in all it's unscripted hilarity? Or are we doomed to a tightly scripted, Vince controlled substitute hosted by the old-guard commentators like Lawler and JBL? Time will tell, as the WWE goes through this transitional period of fat-trimming budget cuts and programming changes.

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