Add as a preferred source on Google WWE is back under fire on social media after the latest episode of NXT on April 28, over a promotional video featuring Zaria and Sol Ruca.
The segment, aired to push Zaria’s new chapter following her win over Ruca, was accused by fans of being produced with artificial intelligence. The main complaints involve distorted faces, strange textures, and unnatural transitions, especially in shots of the two wrestlers.
The controversy comes just days after Mark Shapiro, president of TKO, said in an internal meeting that Nick Khan and Triple H are already using AI in WWE storylines. According to him, the technology helps measure which stories and wrestlers are performing best in different regions.
Despite that, Andrew Schleimer, TKO’s CFO, described the effort as still in its early stages, citing tests, fan data analysis, and small-scale uses to improve broadcasts. In other words, the company is officially trying to sell the idea as strategic support, not as a direct replacement for creative work.
It’s worth noting that Zaria defeated Sol Ruca last week in a Last Woman Standing Match, ending Ruca’s run in NXT ahead of her move to the main roster. During the match, Ruca suffered a cut to the back of her head but signaled she was okay after being checked by the medical team.
So far, WWE has not confirmed whether the video was actually made with AI. Even so, the negative backlash shows that a large part of the audience isn’t willing to accept this type of production without pushback.