Lacey Evans, the WWE SmackDown Superstar, has recently sparked controversy with her use of the Cobra Clutch maneuver. Esteemed pro wrestling journalist Bill Apter has joined the chorus of critics questioning why Evans would employ a move deemed a “rip-off” from the renowned Sgt. Slaughter. This debate has captivated fans and industry experts, adding an intriguing dimension to the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling.
Wrestling sensation January Evans made a notable addition to her moveset in January, featuring it in an attention-grabbing “Operation Cobra Clutch” vignette. Following a brief absence from television, Evans made a striking return on the June 2 episode of SmackDown, sporting a fresh military-inspired look. However, her transformation sparked online controversy when Sgt. Slaughter’s daughter accused her of emulating her father’s iconic persona, adding an intriguing layer to Evans’ ongoing storyline.
The Wrestling Time Machine, where he shared his honest thoughts on WWE star Evans using a move popularized by Slaughter, sparking widespread intrigue.
“I was sort of chuckling a little bit, but at the end part when she did the Cobra Clutch, I was offended because that told everyone that this was sort of a rip-off of what Sgt. Slaughter did,” Apter said. “It offended me with the Cobra Clutch. The rest of it didn’t bother me at all, but the Cobra Clutch [did].” (an article from sportskeeda.com reported)
In 2022, WWE embarked on a bold endeavor to reinvent Lacey Evans, a long-time villain, as a heroic figure through a series of compelling interviews. These interviews shed light on her remarkable military background and resilient upbringing. However, despite the initial efforts to win over the fans, their reactions swiftly reverted to booing, indicating a challenging journey in transforming Evans into a beloved babyface character.
Bill Apter noted that Lacey Evans’ most recent makeover “died” as a result of the videos’ unfavorable fan feedback.
“They did [reference Evans’ military background]. It died, it died, Mac. It didn’t work. They had all those vignettes for weeks about her, talking about how much she loved America and all this stuff. It just fell flat on its face.” (an article from sportskeeda.com reported)
On June 2, an intense Money in the Bank qualifier on SmackDown saw Evans facing off against Vega, resulting in Evans’ defeat. Wrestle Votes later reported that WWE’s higher-ups had planned to feature Sgt. Slaughter in promotional segments with Evans. However, it was surprising to learn that Sgt. Slaughter declined the opportunity. The decision left fans curious about the reasons behind his refusal and the potential impact on Evans’ future in WWE.