Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faced a mixed reception from wrestling fans when he made a surprise appearance at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. The incident offers a rare glimpse into how a politician’s popularity translates outside traditional political settings. Does the crowd’s reaction put DeSantis political future in question?
Mixed Reception at Tampa Wrestling Event
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made an unexpected appearance at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event in Tampa, drawing immediate reactions from the wrestling crowd. Video footage from the event shows some attendees booing and chanting “You suck” as DeSantis was spotted in the audience at the Yuengling Center on the University of South Florida campus.
The governor did not visibly react to the crowd’s response, briefly interacting with spectators before departing the venue. Wrestling fans on social media described the negative reaction as “heel heat,” wrestling terminology for when audiences express disapproval toward villainous characters.
Crowd chants “YOU SUCK” as Governor DeSantis is seen at Tampa WWE event.
— The Dank Informer (@TheDankInformer) May 26, 2025
Political Context Behind the Reaction
This public response comes at a significant moment in DeSantis’s political career as he nears the end of his second term as Florida’s governor. Once considered a frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2023, DeSantis suspended his campaign before the New Hampshire primary and endorsed Donald Trump.
Political analysts have noted DeSantis’s declining influence since his failed presidential bid. Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor, commented that DeSantis’s star power has “completely crashed to the ground at this point,” transforming him from a national figure back to a more average governor.
Ron DeSantis was booed at a WWE event in Tampa, including a chant of "YOU SUCK." It's believed the chant was started by everyone on earth pic.twitter.com/D6Pra133h9
— Paul Rudnick (@PaulRudnickNY) May 26, 2025
Recent Controversies Affecting Public Perception
The WWE incident follows recent criticism DeSantis faced over a leaked proposal to develop protected lands in Florida. After significant public outcry, the governor ordered the protection of Florida state parks from development, though critics argue this action came only after intense public pressure.
DeSantis has attempted to distance himself from the controversial development proposal, claiming he never approved it. His first secretary of the environment resigned over the initiative, which environmental advocates criticized for potentially endangering protected areas including the Everglades.
The governor’s political future remains uncertain as President Trump has already endorsed Florida Representative Byron Donalds as his preferred candidate for the next gubernatorial race. Rick Wilson of the Lincoln Project described DeSantis as “the opposite of political charisma,” suggesting the wrestling event reaction further demonstrates his challenges connecting with voters.