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Carson Wentz’s Role with the Vikings Is Becoming Clear

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Carson Wentz walking to the line of scrimmage during a Vikings game against the Bengals
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz approaches the line of scrimmage during first-half action against the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium, Sep 21, 2025, in Minneapolis. Wentz surveys the defense and prepares to adjust the play as Minnesota operates its offense early in the contest. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

When Carson Wentz re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings last week, some onlookers just couldn’t stomach that he may be on deck for a QB3 job. A few days later, it seems precisely that assignment awaits.

Minnesota appears to have a larger contingency plan in mind for Wentz this season.

A couple of different sources hinted this week that Wentz, indeed, will be the backup to the backup, and it’s not hard to comprehend.

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Wentz Will Factor into Minnesota’s QB3 Insurance Strategy

A tweaked role for Wentz is ahead.

Carson Wentz warms up before a Vikings game against the Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. Carson Wentz Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz goes through pregame drills with focused intensity as fans fill U.S. Bank Stadium ahead of a key NFC matchup, with added intrigue surrounding his former team, Oct 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Wentz’s preparation stood out during warmups before facing a strong Eagles defense. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Schefter: Wentz as a QB3 in Minnesota Isn’t Weird

Schefter stopped by The Pat McAfee Show on Monday and dropped the Wentz tidbit: “Maybe there’s something to the Wentz signing that would dictate or influence J.J. McCarthy’s future, but I don’t view it that way. You can never have enough quarterbacks, that’s how I view it.”

The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis added in a separate article, “Wentz, 33, had multiple opportunities with perhaps clearer paths to playing time. Why, then, would he choose Minnesota? It was not because he got any impression that the Vikings would be moving on from McCarthy, one league source said. Instead, Wentz came back because of his faith in O’Connell, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and the team’s core players.”

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Both men essentially stated that the Vikings did not re-sign Wentz as part of a McCarthy replacement plan, as many on social media suggested last week.

Burned by Meager QB Depth Last Year

At this time last year, the Vikings had two quarterbacks on their roster: McCarthy — and Brett Rypien, who is mostly showcased as a practice squader.

Then, the NFL draft arrived, and former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah swung a trade for Sam Howell, a young quarterback from the Seattle Seahawks, who had a year’s worth of starting experience with the Washington Commanders. Howell arrived at training camp and in the preseason, struggling mightily, and was later traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Minnesota then signed Wentz as a late-summer fix, and he started five games in 2025.

Because the plan to formulate depth behind McCarthy was so paltry last offseason, Minnesota has swung for the fences this go-round. It’s not weird to have Wentz as the QB3; the Vikings learned their lesson.

The Stats from Wentz in 2025

While Wentz’s stats — a 65.1% completion rate for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions — don’t scream dominance, he undeniably brought a cleaner and more consistent presence to the 2025 offense. He kept Minnesota on schedule more effectively than McCarthy, drive after drive, and that steadiness proved valuable.

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The team’s scoring output reflects this improvement. With Wentz at quarterback, the Vikings surpassed 20 points in four of his five starts, including a 38-point rout of the Bengals. McCarthy, in contrast, only reached that mark four times in ten starts, with far more erratic performances.

Advanced metrics further support this assessment. Among 40 quarterbacks with at least 200 dropbacks, Wentz ranked 25th in EPA per play, while McCarthy lagged behind at 37th. This difference often manifests on extended drives, where patience, timing, and Wentz’s consistent completions are crucial for maintaining momentum.

Carson Wentz looks to pass during a Vikings game against the Browns in London. Carson Wentz Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) scans the field and prepares to throw during second-quarter action in an international matchup, showcasing poise under pressure as the offense searched for rhythm, Oct 5, 2025, in Tottenham, United Kingdom. The Vikings battled the Browns in front of a global audience at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Wentz prioritized quicker decisions and shorter throws, enabling the offense to function even when the offensive line struggled. McCarthy, with his greater potential for big plays and penchant for downfield throws, offered flashier highlights. However, his ball placement and consistency weren’t on par with Wentz, who provided the Vikings with a more dependable presence under center.

Perhaps a Summer Competition with McCarthy for QB2

Some even speculated that Wentz could be back in Minnesota to compete with Murray, as former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber led that charge on social media last week. While that take is rather outlandish, Wentz may do battle with McCarthy for the QB2 job. McCarthy faced virtually no training camp competition last year, and usually in sports, that’s a healthy practice.

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The aforementioned Lewis also noted, “This spring, the Vikings were determined to prevent a repeat — at all costs. This is why they were linked to as many quarterbacks as they were before free agency, and why they brought in Wentz after already signing Murray.”

“Wentz’s addition is not a referendum on 23-year-old J.J. McCarthy’s future, according to team sources, but it is an exclamation point on the team’s plan.”

Carson Wentz warms up with the Commanders before a game against the Eagles in Philadelphia. Carson Wentz Vikings.
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) participates in pregame warmups while preparing for a divisional contest, moving through drills with measured focus ahead of kickoff, Nov 14, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Wentz returned to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Eagles, drawing attention before the NFC East showdown. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.

Minnesota may rectify its ways in the summer of 2026, forcing McCarthy to earn the QB2 job if he can’t oust Murray from the QB1 hold.

But remember: Wentz as the QB3, on a $3 million deal, isn’t some big conspiracy or coup against McCarthy. It’s just how the Vikings have responded this offseason to the scarce QB depth chart last year, which ruined their season when the dust settled.


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Accidental Bid set for 2026 Rough Habit Plate in Queensland Derby path

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Jockey in blue-and-white silks on a galloping brown horse with a checkered helmet on a racetrack; green infield in background

Accidental Bid is bound for Queensland seeking a berth in the Queensland Derby.

Ciaron Maher’s charge is programmed to tackle the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) this Saturday at Doomben, building towards the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) on May 30 at Eagle Farm.

The three-year-old was all the rage for the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville on May 2 but drew no start as the top emergency.

There’s a nagging doubt in the Maher camp that Accidental Bid could be balloted out of the Rough Habit Plate again, putting his Queensland Derby hopes at risk.

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A product of UK breeding, this unbeaten-in-Australia three-year-old captured a 1600m maiden at Pakenham and then went on to win over 2000m at Pakenham last month.

National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull of Ciaron Maher Racing revealed Accidental Bid had a gallop at Ballarat last week, proceeded to Sydney, and is due in Brisbane this week.

Turnbull commented that Accidental Bid will be fully tuned up for Saturday despite no start in a month, having journeyed to Adelaide and back to Ballarat.

“We’ve been able to get work into him, factoring in the travel,” Turnbull said.

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“He did well, condition wise, without running in the South Australian Derby, so we were happy to gallop Wednesday, knowing that he was going to travel twice in a six-to-eight-day period.

“I don’t think we will be using fitness as a problem, but he will need the run to be fully prepared for the Derby.

“We galloped him the reverse way, and he was very natural, which was helpful and I think he will be spot on for his next race and then he will improve again for the Derby trip.”

The Maher team rolled the dice by transporting Accidental Bid to Adelaide despite low odds of contesting the South Australian Derby.

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“He was ready to be led across the road,” Turnbull said.

“We were waiting right until the death with him.

“Ciaron was happy to have the travel as it does bring them on and he’s a placid colt.”

Check racing betting markets for the latest on the Queensland Derby.

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Tottenham 1-1 Leeds United: Roberto De Zerbi post-match interview

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Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi says his players are good enough to stay up after their draw with Leeds United leaves them two points clear above the relegation zone with two games to play.

MATCH REPORT: Tottenham 1-1 Leeds United

Available to UK users only.

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Edgewood boys basketball coach Matt Wadsworth moving on to Hauser

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Matt Wadsworth is taking flight from Edgewood.

The Hauser Jets, a Class 1A program coming off their best two-year run since winning the state championship in 2006, is hiring Wadsworth away from the Mustangs, confirmed Hauser athletic director Kyle Shipp on Monday.

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Wadsworth spent the last seven seasons at Edgewood, going 88-87 with four winning seasons and always winning at least 10 games.

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He is 229-215 overall with stops at Riverton Parke (one year), North Posey (four) and Whiteland (seven).

More: VOTE Herald-Times Athlete of the Week for May 4-9 poll presented by IU Health

Edgewood Head Coach Matt Wadsworth instructs his team during the Edgewood versus Sullivan boys basketball game at Edgewood High School on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025.

Edgewood Head Coach Matt Wadsworth instructs his team during the Edgewood versus Sullivan boys basketball game at Edgewood High School on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025.

Wadsworth poured a lot of time and energy into Edgewood’s youth programs, but won’t be around as those players begin circulating into the high school. He also saw the opening of the new fieldhouse this winter.

“The first thing I’ll say is, we owe Matt a lot in regards to, he came in during COVID and our youth program was struggling,” Edgewood athletic director Jerry Bland said. “Matt got involved and help stabilize our youth program, knowing they would become our athletes.

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“He stayed active and helped build the junior high program and provided some travel opportunities our kids may not have gotten. Matt made sure those opportunities were out there and available. A lot of that group is just now reaching the high school, so someone else will see the results. He put a lot of work and time in.”

Interestingly, Whiteland’s current head coach, Nate Cangany, was hired out of Hauser to replace Wadsworth in 2019.

Wadsworth takes over for Trent Moorhead (79-27), who left Hauser after four years to take over at Center Grove. Moorhead lead the Jets to semi-state the past two years, only to lose to the eventual state champs by narrow margins. Moorhead’s brother Brad, now head coach at South Ripley, was an assistant under Wadsworth at Edgewood.

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Hauser will play South Ripley on Dec. 11.

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Edgewood will get to work quickly on finding a successor, with summer activities right around the corner. The Mustangs are not rushing the process at the expense of making the right hire. As of Monday afternoon, the administration had not received an official letter of resignation from Wadsworth.

“Once the position is open, and I hope that happens soon, we’ll take applications for the next couple of weeks,” Bland said. “And if we get what we need, or a good assortment of candidates, we’ll move to set up interviews.

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“In a perfect, ideal world, we’ll have someone in place by the start of June, which is a pretty significant month for basketball.”

A lot of team activities take place in June before players turn to more travel team action in July.

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Eastern Greene hires two

Eastern Greene has named a pair of former T-Birds as its new volleyball and girls basketball coaches.

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Nathan Martindale, who coached the middle school girls basketball team and is the middle school athletic director, has stepped up to the varsity position. He has also previously coached the EG girls golf team.

The staff includes Josh Cunningham (JV coach), Jarrod Bahr (varsity assistant) and Lexi Brough (volunteer assistant).

Dara James is the new volleyball coach. She has previously coached for Eastern Greene at the middle school level.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Edgewood boys basketball coach Matt Wadsworth leaving for Hauser

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Former NBA Star Desmond Mason Arrested On Felony Warrant As Oklahoma Custody Details Emerge | NBA

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Desmond Mason is back in the news, but this time for legal trouble instead of basketball. The former NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner was arrested in Oklahoma last week on a felony warrant linked to a Texas case, according to News 9 and local police reports. Police said Mason was taken into custody in Bricktown on Thursday before being transported to a local hospital because of a medical issue. 

After treatment, he was booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center, where he remained in custody as of Monday morning. Reports from News 9 stated Mason is currently being held on a “flight to avoid” charge, which is often used when someone crosses state lines to avoid prosecution. The case has quickly gained attention because of Mason’s history as a former NBA player and public figure.

According to News 9, the felony warrant connected to Mason comes from Collin County, Texas, and involves an alleged theft of sports memorabilia. Officials said a couple claimed they paid Mason more than $9,000 in March 2025 for custom framing work involving several sports collectibles.

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The couple reportedly told investigators they never received the framed memorabilia back after handing the items over to Mason. They also claimed Mason became difficult to contact afterwards and often gave reasons for delays instead of delivering the finished products to them.

Officials later confirmed the missing memorabilia involved in the case is valued at nearly $40,000. Mason was eventually arrested in Oklahoma following the investigation. The former NBA player also faced legal trouble in 2024 after being jailed in Oklahoma City on a contempt of court charge linked to his divorce case.

Desmond Mason Built A Second Career In Oklahoma After His NBA Retirement

Before this latest incident, Desmond Mason was widely known for his athletic NBA career and deep connection to Oklahoma basketball. The former Oklahoma State player entered the NBA as the 17th overall pick in the 2000 draft and later won the 2001 Slam Dunk Contest.

Mason spent nearly a decade in the NBA playing for teams including the Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Sacramento Kings. After retiring in 2009, he stayed in Oklahoma City and slowly built another public career outside basketball through artwork and business projects.

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According to News 9 and Oklahoma City civic records, Mason operated an art studio in Midtown and participated in several community and downtown projects over the years. Authorities have not yet confirmed when Mason could potentially be transferred to Texas as the legal process continues moving forward.

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There’s a New Thing Called ‘Vilbert the Viking’

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The Minnesota Vikings kicked off rookie minicamp last week, and along the way, the franchise signed a hybrid OLB-DT named Smith Vilbert. Yes, it’s the Vilbert the Viking this summer.

Minnesota’s latest roster flyer brings size, length, and a wonderfully obvious nickname.

Vilbert played with Bill Belichick at North Carolina, so the Belichick-to-Brian-Flores communication pipeline is evidently wide open.

Vilbert Adds Another Oversized Body to Flores’ Front

We have details on Vilbert.

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Smith Vilbert defends Richmond running back Andrew King during a game at Kenan Stadium.
North Carolina defensive lineman Smith Vilbert closes in on Richmond running back Andrew King during second-quarter action on Sep. 13, 2025, at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill. Vilbert later emerged as an intriguing NFL prospect because of his unusual size profile, offering teams the ability to deploy him as a heavy edge defender with occasional interior pass-rushing flexibility. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.

Vilbert to MIN

Minnesota hosted dozens of rookies (and some veterans like quarterback Cooper Rush) last week, and Vilbert actually snagged a contract.

SI.com‘s Will Ragatz wrote, “After the conclusion of their rookie minicamp on Friday, the Vikings signed former Penn State and North Carolina defensive lineman Smith Vilbert to an undrafted free agent contract, according to his agent Brett Tessler. Vilbert was one of 21 rookie tryout players at Friday’s camp and must have impressed the coaching staff in a short time period.”

“Standing nearly 6’6″ and 290 pounds, Vilbert has 34-inch arms and brings some versatility. He lined up mostly as an edge defender in college but can also play on the interior of the D-line. A New Jersey native, Vilbert was a three-star recruit coming out of high school in 2019 and chose Penn State over several other big-time offers.”

Ever since Minnesota discovered defensive tackle Jalen Redmond two years ago, under-the-radar DL additions turn heads for Vikings fans.

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The Background

Vilbert embodies a classic “lottery-ticket” addition for the Vikings: a big, long, and experienced prospect who faces a steep climb to the 53-man roster.

Physically, he checks all the boxes, standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and 282 pounds. His imposing frame gives Minnesota a rookie defensive lineman capable of fitting into various roles, from traditional defensive tackle to five-technique or a larger edge presence. Such versatility is crucial in Flores’ defense, which frequently demands front-seven players to move around, disguise formations, and take on multiple assignments.

However, his college production doesn’t exactly scream “instant-impact rookie.” Though older than the average first-year player, his collegiate resume is more intriguing than dominant. While he showed flashes at both Penn State and North Carolina, Vilbert enters the NFL more as a developmental project than a polished defender ready for immediate contributions. Hence the undrafted free-agent status.

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The Vikings have already invested significantly in the defensive line with Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange, so Vilbert’s most realistic path involves showcasing flashes in training camp, earning preseason reps, proving himself on special teams, and potentially securing a practice squad spot.

Nevertheless, his combination of size, length, and positional versatility makes him precisely the type of undrafted or minicamp prospect Flores is keen to develop. Especially if Belichick brokered the deal.

Smith Vilbert stands on the field before a Penn State game against Illinois at Beaver Stadium.
Penn State defensive end Smith Vilbert waits before kickoff on Oct. 23, 2021, at Beaver Stadium in University Park ahead of a matchup against Illinois. Vilbert spent several seasons developing in the Big Ten before later transferring to North Carolina, where his size and athletic profile helped draw additional NFL interest as a versatile defensive lineman. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports.

The Viking Age‘s Adam Carlson on Vilbert: “Vilbert played 47 games in college, spending all but 12 of those with Penn State before transferring to North Carolina. His statistics at Penn State were not very impressive, but he got significantly more productive once arriving with ill Belichick at UNC.”

“In those 12 games at North Carolina, Smith Vilbert had 22 combined tackles, including six tackles for a loss and one sack. In addition, he accumulated two pass defenses and recovered two fumbles while forcing one fumble. A six-foot-six, 256-pound defender, Vilbert was projected to be a Day 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with a comparison to Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jack Crawford by Brian Dohn at 247 Sports.”

Updated OLB Room

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The Vikings’ interior defensive line room has changed substantially since the club released Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. It also traded Jonathan Greenard during the draft.

If Minnesota uses Vilbert as an EDGE rusher, here’s the OLB group at the moment:

OLB1: Andrew Van Ginkel
OLB2: Dallas Turner
OLB3: Bo Richter
OLB4: Tyler Batty
OLB5: Chaz Chambliss
OLB6: Cam’Ron Stewart
OLB7: Jordan Botelho
OLB8: Arden Walker
OLB9: Smith Vilbert

For good measure, though Vilbert has an outside linebacker’s frame, here’s the DT unit:

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DE1: Jalen Redmond
DE2: Caleb Banks
DE3: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
DE4: Elijah Williams
DE5: Monkell Goodwine
NT1: Domonique Orange
NT2: Levi Drake Rodriguez
NT3: Taki Taimani

Summer Trajectory

Vilbert, of course, is at the very bottom of the Vikings’ 90-man roster. It would actually be strange for Minnesota to strike oil twice in two years on stud defensive linemen out of nowhere: Redmond and Vilbert.

Smith Vilbert tackles Stanford running back Micah Ford during a game in Chapel Hill.
North Carolina defensive end Smith Vilbert wraps up Stanford running back Micah Ford during first-quarter action on Nov. 8, 2025, at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill. Vilbert earned attention from NFL evaluators because of his combination of length, size, and positional versatility, traits that allowed him to contribute both on the edge and near the interior defensive front. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.

Therefore, Vilbert will likely vie for a practice squad spot at training camp and in the preseason. There, he could bide his time and possibly claw his way up the depth chart.

Remember, though, Belichick helped refine his skill set at North Carolina. There’s a small chance that he could be a diamond in the rough.

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Danhausen calls WWE RAW Superstar legend

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Danhausen referred to a popular WWE Superstar as a legend in a recent social media update. He met the star backstage at the Backlash Premium Live Event.

The name in question is former WWE Women’s Champion Asuka. The Japanese star competed against IYO SKY at the PLE. Unfortunately, she lost the bout, and the two stars embraced after the match. The Empress of Tomorrow waved at the crowd at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, before walking to the back.

Earlier today, Danhausen took to Instagram to post a picture of himself standing alongside Asuka, with both of the two stars doing his signature “curse” pose, pointing toward the camera. He called Asuka a legend in the caption.

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“The Legend @wwe_asuka 🤡👹,” he wrote.

Real Reason why Jacob Fatu lost at Backlash – Check Here!

You can check out the Instagram post below:

The 35-year-old wrestled his first premium live event match at WWE Backlash. He teamed up with Minihausen to take on The Miz and Kit Wilson in a tag team match. The chaotic contest ended with the former AEW star pinning The A-lister to secure a massive win and extend his undefeated run.

A WWE Hall of Famer defended Danhausen following WWE Backlash

Minihausen showing up as Danhausen’s tag team partner for the traditional tag team match at WWE Backlash garnered mixed reactions from the wrestling fans online.

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Speaking on the most recent edition of his The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles opined that the SmackDown star was doing a great job. The veteran noted that WWE needed a bit of everything on the show, and the 35-year-old was filling the need.

“He’s doing a great job, and this is what we need. A lot of people don’t understand it. We need a little bit of everything. We want to make sure you get the entertainment from wrestling, but also we want to make you laugh, too, and we got the storylines. We want to give you a little bit of everything. Danhausen is definitely filling the need,” he said. [H/T: WrestlePurists on X]

Very Nice, Very Evil had been trying to get The Miz to mentor him. It will be interesting to see what’s next for him after the win at the Backlash Premium Live Event.