WWE's Newest Additions Booed Mercilessly On SmackDown, Here's Why

TL;DR

Jacy Jayne and her faction Fatal Influence debuted on SmackDown but were met with boos from the crowd in Fort Worth, Texas. The reaction raises questions about their reception and future in WWE.

Key points

Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence debuted on SmackDown
The trio was booed by the crowd in Fort Worth, Texas
Their negative reception raises questions about their future
The debut took place on April 24, 2026

Fatal InfluenceJacy Jayne

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Lainey Reid, Jacy Jayne, and Fallon Henley look on during SmackDown at Dickies Arena on April 24, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Rich Wade/WWE via Getty Images)

WWE via Getty Images

Jacy Jayne and her faction Fatal Influence got the call-up from NXT to SmackDown on Friday, and the trio was met with an epic chorus of boos from the crowd at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. There's a lot to unpack as to why they were booed and I have a take on Jayne's handling of the heat too. Let's get into it.

What Happened During Their SmackDown Debut?

Jayne and Co. caused an end to Paige and Brie Bella's first tag team title defense against Flair and Bliss with their interference. FI took out all four women and they got mostly traditional heel heat for their actions.

However, when the three ladies came out and interrupted Mami's open-challenge promo after she defeated Jade Cargill to become the WWE Women's Champion at WrestleMania 42, the regular boos turned into a full-blown hijack. The fans had no mercy on the three women trying to make a first impression during their SmackDown debuts.

The interruption set up an impromptu Rhea Ripley vs. Jacy Jayne match made on the spot by SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. Ripley won by disqualification when Henley and Reid interfered, with Jayne hitting Ripley with the Rolling Encore on the way out. Both segments revolved around Fatal Influence taking down Paige in her main-roster return spotlight and then crashing the new champion’s open challenge.

Why Did Fatal Influence Get Booed So Hard?

It was a case of wrong place and wrong time. Also, Jayne didn't handle the boos very well. Wrestling fans are like sharks. When they're after a performer and that performer shows the hate is getting to them, it's the equivalent of blood in the water. The best performers understand how to flip it and take control of the situation. You don't ever regain control by saying things like, "I'll wait all night."

The fact is you don't.

Every segment has a time constraint and today's fans know this well. Their goal is to derail and to disrupt when they don't like something or someone. The wrestler's job is to say, "you know what? I don't care. I've got the microphone and you're beneath me and you're going to watch and listen." Jayne dropped the ball on that front on Friday and it made it tough on her and her faction.

Q&A

Why were Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence booed on SmackDown?

The crowd at Dickies Arena reacted negatively to Jacy Jayne and her faction during their debut, indicating they may not have connected well with the audience.

What was the crowd's reaction to WWE's newest additions?

The crowd responded with an epic chorus of boos when Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence made their debut on SmackDown.

What does the negative reception mean for Jacy Jayne's future in WWE?

The boos could impact Jacy Jayne's character development and storyline direction in WWE, as audience reactions often influence creative decisions.

When did Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence debut on SmackDown?

Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence debuted on SmackDown on April 24, 2026, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.