The convergence of the sneaker and professional wrestling worlds is well-established. As previously discussed on Under the Laces, professional wrestlers enjoy the creative freedom to incorporate their personal sneaker preferences into their on-screen personas, whether during segments or in actual matches. As the leading promotion in professional wrestling, WWE naturally features many of its Superstars donning some of the sneaker industry’s most iconic brands—notably, Nike. In fact, during the latest episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, three distinct Superstars—Austin Theory, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns—showcased Nike silhouettes in their respective segments.
WWE programming is quickly becoming a sneakerhead showcase.
Kicking things off, Austin Theory, hailing from A-Town, found himself without any commitments in the ring. Nevertheless, he played a significant role in his tag team partner Grayson Waller’s singles match against Kevin Owens. For this episode of WWE SmackDown, Theory sported the distinctive Jordan 1 High Golf “Camo” sneakers. Initially released in June 2024 with a starting retail price of $180, the Jordan 1 High Golf “Camo” features a golf-oriented silhouette inspired by one of the sneaker world’s most iconic designs.
This model showcases a predominantly white leather upper adorned with a complementary camouflage print overlay and white laces. A striking forest green outsole completes the look. What sets this particular design apart is its groundbreaking spikeless sole, a first for Nike Golf silhouettes. Instead of traditional spikes, it employs an integrated traction pattern, making the shoe suitable for both the putting green and city streets. For Theory, these sneakers proved to be the perfect choice for his ringside antics.
Also featured in this particular segment was the WWE Undisputed Champion, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. Similar to Austin Theory, Rhodes made his entrance to level the playing field, as his tag team partner, Kevin Owens, was preoccupied with both Theory and Waller. With a steel chair in hand, Rhodes stormed to the ring, donning a striking pair of Nike Kobe 4 Protros in the “Gold Medal” colorway. This choice of footwear was ideal for Rhodes, as the gold, blue, and red hues perfectly encapsulate his “American Nightmare” motif.
Released in August 2024, the Kobe 4 “Gold Medal” colorway marks the reintroduction of an iconic design that the late Kobe Bryant wore during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where he played a pivotal role in leading Team USA to a gold medal victory. The sneakers launched in conjunction with this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, retailing at an initial price of $190. Rhodes selected a sneaker aesthetic worthy of a champion, paying homage to the legendary Kobe Bryant himself.
Lastly, we turn our attention to a familiar face on Under the Laces: “Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns. In a power struggle with his former Bloodline faction, Reigns made a statement on Friday Night SmackDown, ready to take care of business once more. This time, he sported a striking pair of Air Jordan 1 Mid SE sneakers in the “Craft Dark Smoke Red” colorway. Released in December 2023, these shoes debuted with a retail price of $135.
The Air Jordan 1 Mid SE “Craft Dark Smoke Red” is a special edition model, showcasing an upper crafted from luxurious, velvety suede and leather and textile in a “Dark Smoke Grey” hue. While red is included in the official colorway name, its presence is subtle; the only hints of red appear in the stitched lining on the heel tab, front toe, and the iconic Air Jordan “Wings” logo. Air Jordan has increasingly become a staple in Roman Reigns’ fashion repertoire, with rumors suggesting the imminent release of a Jordan-endorsed collection titled "Air Reigns".