WWE’s Shocking Choice: Jelly Roll Picked Over Travis Scott for SummerSlam Performance – Jaw-Dropping Reason Revealed!

As SummerSlam 2025 draws near, excitement is reaching a fever pitch. The annual spectacle—often referred to as the “Biggest Party of the Summer”—is one of WWE’s flagship events, rivaling WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. This year, SummerSlam is scheduled for August 3rd at the Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, and WWE is pulling out all the stops.

But what fans didn’t expect was the surprising twist in WWE’s musical plans.

When whispers began to circulate that WWE was seeking a headlining performer for this year’s SummerSlam, names like Travis Scott, Post Malone, and even Drake were tossed around. Yet in a move that has left fans and insiders stunned, WWE has chosen country-rap crossover star Jelly Roll to headline the musical portion of the event—snubbing Travis Scott in the process.

And the reason behind this choice? It’s not what anyone expected.

SummerSlam’s Musical Legacy

Music and WWE have always had a close relationship. From Limp Bizkit performing at WrestleMania to Bad Bunny stepping into the ring himself, WWE knows the power of combining music and wrestling to create unforgettable moments.

SummerSlam, in particular, has been a stage for high-octane performances, with past events featuring artists like Kid Rock, Pitbull, and Flo Rida. The tradition of a high-profile music act performing either live or in pre-taped segments is as much a part of the event as championship bouts and surprise returns.

So when WWE officials confirmed that Jelly Roll would be performing at SummerSlam 2025, it wasn’t the inclusion of music that shocked people—it was the decision to choose Jelly Roll over global superstar Travis Scott.

Travis Scott Was WWE’s First Pick – Until Things Changed

According to sources close to the matter, Travis Scott was in active talks with WWE for a headline performance. His tour schedule aligned perfectly, his stage production was scalable for a stadium show, and WWE reportedly loved the idea of blending his electric presence with their already bombastic presentation.

Negotiations went on for several weeks. WWE even had preliminary creative concepts that would intertwine Scott’s set with the storyline of the main event, potentially featuring live walkout music for a marquee superstar.

But then—everything changed.

Enter: Jelly Roll – The Underdog With the WWE Spirit

Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, has had a meteoric rise in the music industry. Known for his deeply personal lyrics and genre-defying style, Jelly Roll has earned a loyal following by blending country, rock, and hip-hop into a sound uniquely his own. His recent crossover success—winning CMT Music Awards and topping Billboard charts—has made him one of the most talked-about artists in recent years.

Still, in comparison to Travis Scott’s global brand, Jelly Roll seemed an unlikely pick for a WWE stadium show. Until you hear the reason why WWE made the switch.

The Shocking Reason WWE Chose Jelly Roll

It wasn’t about budget. It wasn’t about schedule conflicts. It wasn’t even about fan demographics.

It was about authenticity.

According to WWE insiders, Jelly Roll personally reached out to WWE expressing not just interest—but a deep love for wrestling. In a meeting with WWE creative executives, he reportedly brought up obscure matches from the Attitude Era, shared stories of attending WWE live events as a child, and even pitched ideas for how his music could sync with specific storylines.

One WWE executive stated, “It’s rare to find an artist of this caliber who isn’t just performing for a check. Jelly Roll gets what we’re about. He’s lived it. He bleeds it. That’s the energy we want at SummerSlam.”

In contrast, Travis Scott’s team reportedly viewed the event as a standard corporate gig—an opportunity to promote his brand, not connect with fans or elevate the show. While there was nothing “wrong” with that approach, WWE wanted something more.

And they found it in Jelly Roll.

Jelly Roll’s Role at SummerSlam – More Than Just a Performance

This isn’t just a concert. Jelly Roll is set to be woven into the show in multiple ways.

Sources say that Jelly Roll may perform a new entrance theme for a returning superstar, possibly LA Knight or even Bray Wyatt (if rumors of his storyline resurrection prove true). There’s also speculation that he could appear in a backstage segment, and some even believe he might step into the ring—not to wrestle, but to be part of an angle.

“He’s not just showing up, performing, and leaving,” said one WWE staffer. “He’s a fan. He’s part of the family now.”

What Fans Are Saying

Reactions to the news have been mixed—but passionate.

“I was expecting Travis Scott, but honestly, Jelly Roll fits the vibe better,” one fan tweeted. “He feels more real. More WWE.”

Others were more skeptical: “WWE passed on one of the biggest rappers in the world for a guy most people outside the US haven’t heard of?”

But as the dust settles and more details emerge, even doubters are starting to warm up to the idea. Jelly Roll has already teased his appearance with cryptic posts on Instagram, hinting that his performance may feature never-before-heard music created just for SummerSlam.

The Bigger Picture: WWE’s New Era of Storytelling

This move fits into a larger shift in WWE’s presentation. Under Triple H’s creative leadership, the company has been prioritizing long-form storytelling, authenticity, and emotional investment.

Gone are the days when celebrities showed up for a paycheck and left the audience scratching their heads. WWE wants people who care about the product—and that includes their musical acts.

Choosing Jelly Roll over Travis Scott might not make sense on paper. But in terms of connection, emotion, and storytelling? It’s a slam dunk.

Final Thoughts

SummerSlam 2025 already had the makings of a legendary night: title matches, surprise returns, and the full might of WWE’s production machine. Now, with Jelly Roll set to bring his raw, heartfelt energy to Cleveland, it’s looking like a night fans will never forget.

As for Travis Scott? He may have missed out on SummerSlam, but WWE has made it clear: authenticity beats fame, every time.