The expression “YEET” traces its origins back to the realm of Gen-Z slang, gaining traction mainly during the Vine era from 2015 to 2016. Notable Vines like “This B**** Empty”and “Transgender Street Legend Vol. 1″encapsulate the essence of YEET, which broadly signifies throwing something with exuberance or enthusiasm. Additionally, it serves as an exclamation of excitement.
In the modern context of WWE, the term has become synonymous with “Main Event”Jey Uso. He has adeptly transformed YEET into a defining catchphrase, greatly contributing to his merchandise sales. This growing association came into the spotlight during an electrifying promo showdown against World Heavyweight Champion Gunther on the January 13 episode of Monday Night Raw.
New WWE viewers, especially those who tuned in following its Netflix debut, might be curious how this decade-old slang term became a staple during weekly events. The evolution of the YEET chants reflects not solely a broader cultural trend but also Jey Uso’s impressive transition from tag team excellence to a solo star in WWE.
The Beginning of Jey Uso’s Singles Push in WWE
Breaking Away from the Bloodline
To comprehend how YEET became ingrained in WWE culture, one must look at Jey Uso’s ascent as a solo competitor. Initially debuting alongside his brother Jimmy as part of one of WWE’s most lauded tag teams, The Usos, Jey’s path shifted dramatically when Jimmy faced a knee injury at WrestleMania 36 in 2020. This incident urged Jey to step into singles competition, where he seized the opportunity, most notably against Roman Reigns in the main event for the Universal Championship.
Jey’s first major singles accomplishment came with a win in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Upon Jimmy’s return, they briefly reformed as a tag team, but the wrestling world was eager to see what Jey could achieve on his own. This anticipation culminated at Money in the Bank 2023, where Jey Uso became the first wrestler to pin Reigns since 2019.
This groundbreaking moment led to him headlining SummerSlam against Reigns, an encounter that was tainted when Jimmy turned on his brother. Consequently, Jey made the transition to Raw, embarking on a dedicated singles journey, during which the YEET chants flourished.
Where Did YEET Come From?
A Drunken Press Conference Gone Right?
Jey Uso’s burgeoning fame resonated well with WWE fans, fostering a relationship where supporters were eager to cheer for him. However, it seemed he lacked a defining component that could elevate his popularity further. This key element emerged at Fastlane 2023, when Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes clinched the WWE Undisputed Tag Championship from Finn Balor and Damian Priest—setting the stage for the YEET phenomenon.
Following their victory, celebrations on their tour bus led to an unexpected yet entertaining press conference. Both Jey and Cody appeared slightly inebriated, which resulted in an amusing display as Jey repeatedly exclaimed “YEET,”captivating the audience and driving viral engagement.
The memorable interview detailing this event is available on Andrew Schulz’s Flagrant podcast, particularly noted at the 2:25:09 mark.
Why WWE Briefly Banned YEET
Legal Battle, Explained
Seeing how quickly YEET resonated with fans, Jey Uso began regularly incorporating the term into his promos. The excitement around YEET merchandise quickly followed, but this initiative encountered a pause as WWE faced unexpected challenges. The term was removed from his promos, and related merchandise was withdrawn from WWE Shop.
Reports from WrestleVotes highlighted that WWE grappled with “trademark issues”in December 2023. In an unusual twist, any older clips showcasing Jey’s YEET merchandise were blurred out, spurring WWE to launch Blurred YEET shirts as a tongue-in-cheek remedy to their copyright dilemma.
Independent wrestler Kasey Huffman has held the rights to the use of “YEET”in wrestling since 2021, which limited WWE’s ability to utilize it for Jey. Fortunately, as Haus of Wrestling announced, Huffman and WWE subsequently reached an agreement allowing the production of YEET merchandise again, enabling Jey to reintegrate the term into his promotional efforts. When asked about the exclusivity of this deal, Huffman’s attorney, Stephen P. New, simply remarked that “no one else can use that term now.”
Why Did YEET Get So Over?
The Missing Piece to Jey’s Puzzle
YEET, initially perceived as a simple catchphrase, ultimately provided the spark needed to catapult Jey Uso to unprecedented acclaim among audiences. His popularity was already on the rise following his separation from the Bloodline, but YEET offered fans a memorable anchor to rally around, enhancing his visibility. WWE, while undoubtedly a form of athletic competition, is also crafted as a television spectacle. Consequently, the most beloved characters often possess charismatic catchphrases.
Much like iconic lines from timeless shows, such as Steve Urkel’s “Did I do that?”from Family Matters, Jey’s YEET resonated with audiences, giving them something to discuss and enjoy every week. Similarly, even a pre-established sensation like Stone Cold Steve Austin saw his fame soar once he adopted the catchphrase “What?”
Catchphrases create a connection with fans, enabling them to replicate phrases and solidifying their impressions. This dynamic has played out for Jey since embracing “YEET,”firmly establishing him as a Superstar in the WWE landscape.
Sources: WrestleVotes, Haus of Wrestling
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