Titus O’Neil’s Thanksgiving segment on the November 29, 2013, episode of SmackDown remains one of the most unique moments in WWE history
From the misunderstanding that led to the vomit fiasco to the reactions of those involved, the incident exemplifies the unpredictable and often hilarious nature of professional wrestling.
The Titus O’Neil misunderstanding and Vince McMahon’s reaction provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of WWE.
Through JBL’s stories, fans gain a better appreciation for McMahon’s leadership and the complexities of running a live entertainment juggernaut.
From managing unexpected incidents to directing commentary, Vince McMahon’s influence is evident in every aspect of WWE’s success.
His dedication to perfection and his ability to navigate the challenges of live television ensure that WWE remains a leader in the world of professional wrestling.
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Table of Contents
Titus O’Neil’s Memorable SmackDown Moment
A Thanksgiving to Remember
The Thanksgiving-themed episode of WWE SmackDown on November 29, 2013, featured a bizarre yet unforgettable moment involving Titus O’Neil.1
What began as a tag team match escalated into a spectacle of misunderstanding and unintended hilarity.
The match between Cesaro and Titus O’Neil was part of the Thanksgiving festivities WWE often incorporates into its programming. Cesaro, known for his incredible strength and technical prowess, faced off against the charismatic Titus O’Neil.
The bout took an unexpected turn when O’Neil’s tag team partner, Darren Young, intervened during Cesaro’s signature Cesaro Swing. Young’s interference resulted in a disqualification victory for Cesaro. However, the match was only a prelude to the chaos that followed.
Thank you @OfficialCrowder @Realrclark25 and @FredTaylorMade for the opportunity to share my story on @thepivot with you guys. Much love to all of you and Keep using your talents to make this world a better place ❤️#thepivotpodcast https://t.co/OSBU3JozzG
— Titus O’Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) December 26, 2024
The Infamous Vomit Segment
Post-match antics are not uncommon in WWE, but few could have predicted what unfolded next. At ringside, Titus O’Neil’s comedic timing and a significant misunderstanding of instructions turned a simple segment into an unforgettable moment.
O’Neil vomited into JBL’s cowboy hat, much to the shock and amusement of fans and commentators alike. The situation escalated when he placed the hat—with its unpleasant contents—on Michael Cole’s head.
Years later, former WWE commentator John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) provided insight into the infamous segment on the Something to Wrestle podcast.
JBL revealed that O’Neil was initially instructed to spit out the food and drink he consumed. Instead, O’Neil misunderstood the directions and opted for a more literal interpretation: he forced himself to throw up.
Titus O’Neil: What Went Wrong To Him?
Behind the Scenes
According to JBL, the instructions were straightforward: O’Neil was supposed to drink a concoction of peas and brown liquid and spew it out for comedic effect.2
However, the wrestler believed he was expected to drink it and induce vomiting.
JBL elaborated, saying, “Titus drinks it and makes himself throw up, and he throws up on Michael Cole! He threw up on Michael! Threw up in the hat and put it on Michael!”
The chaos didn’t end with Michael Cole. As O’Neil walked away from the announce table, he continued his streak of unintentional havoc by vomiting on Cesaro’s manager, Zeb Colter (Dutch Mantell). The incident left the audience in stitches and the commentators scrambling to keep their composure.
Michael Cole, a seasoned WWE announcer, handled the situation like a true professional. Despite having to endure the unexpected and unpleasant moment, he maintained his composure on live television. Cole’s ability to stay in character and carry on with the segment is a testament to his experience and dedication.
Comparing WWE Humor Across Eras
Humorous segments like O’Neil’s Thanksgiving moment are not new to WWE. From DX’s antics in the Attitude Era to Santino Marella’s comedic skits, WWE has always balanced intense storylines with lighthearted humor.
While Cesaro was technically the victor of the match, the spotlight was firmly on O’Neil. Cesaro’s professionalism in handling the situation further cemented his reputation as a reliable and adaptable performer.
Titus O’Neil has since evolved as a performer and a person. From his in-ring career to his philanthropic work outside WWE, O’Neil continues to make an impact. The Thanksgiving segment is a reminder of his willingness to step outside his comfort zone for the sake of entertainment.
Michael Cole’s role in the segment cannot be understated. His ability to react naturally while maintaining his composure helped salvage the segment. Cole’s professionalism has been a cornerstone of WWE broadcasts for decades.
Titus O’Neil’s Perspective
While O’Neil has not publicly commented in detail about the segment, his willingness to embrace unconventional storylines demonstrates his commitment to entertaining the WWE Universe.3
The segment may not have gone as planned, but it added a layer of unpredictability to his persona.
WWE has a long history of incorporating humor into its programming. From food fights to costume contests, the company often uses comedy to lighten the tone of its shows.
O’Neil’s Thanksgiving antics are a prime example of how humor can create memorable moments, even if they don’t go according to script.
As with many unconventional WWE moments, fan reactions were mixed. Some viewers found the segment hilarious and praised O’Neil for his dedication to the bit.
Others criticized the segment as being overly gross and unnecessary. Regardless of opinions, the moment has become a part of WWE lore.
The Legacy of the Segment
Nearly a decade later, the Thanksgiving SmackDown segment remains a topic of discussion among fans and wrestling personalities.
It exemplifies the unpredictable nature of live television and the challenges wrestlers face in executing creative but risky ideas.
The incident underscores the importance of clear communication in wrestling. A simple misunderstanding turned a comedic segment into a spectacle of unintended consequences. Ensuring all parties fully understand their roles can help avoid similar mishaps in the future.
The segment also highlights WWE’s penchant for holiday-themed episodes. Thanksgiving episodes, in particular, often feature turkey-themed matches, food fights, and segments designed to entertain families watching together.
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Vince McMahon Reacted to Titus O’Neil’s Misunderstanding
The wrestling world is full of larger-than-life characters and unforgettable backstage stories, especially when it comes to Vince McMahon.
One such incident involves Titus O’Neil, whose misunderstanding became a memorable anecdote discussed in the latest Something to Wrestle podcast.
During the show, JBL shared intriguing behind-the-scenes stories of McMahon’s reactions, particularly how he communicates with commentators during live broadcasts.
Lessons From the Titus O’Neil Incident
The Titus O’Neil misunderstanding serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of live television. For WWE, such moments highlight the importance of quick thinking and effective communication in maintaining the integrity of the product.
Vince McMahon’s response to the incident demonstrates his ability to adapt and ensure that the show goes on without major disruptions.
Podcasts like Something to Wrestle play a crucial role in preserving the history of professional wrestling. By sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights, they provide fans with a deeper understanding of the industry.
JBL’s anecdotes about Vince McMahon offer valuable context for understanding the dynamics of WWE commentary and the challenges of live broadcasts.
Titus O’Neil’s Infamous Incident
- The incident in question involved Titus O’Neil during a live WWE broadcast, where he unintentionally caused a stir.
- Though the exact misunderstanding isn’t detailed, it was significant enough to draw Vince McMahon’s attention.
- McMahon, known for his meticulous control over every aspect of WWE programming, was quick to address it.
- As JBL recounted on the podcast, Vince McMahon directly communicated with commentators through their headsets during shows.
- This practice is well-known within the wrestling industry, with many commentators, including Michael Cole, often receiving instructions or reprimands in real time.
- In the case of Titus O’Neil, JBL recalled how McMahon immediately directed Michael Cole not to make any further references to the incident.
- Cole, however, humorously pointed out the inconsistency in McMahon’s directive, reminding him of past situations where much more outrageous content was allowed.
The Frat Party Comment That Sparked McMahon’s Reaction
Michael Cole’s commentary following the Titus O’Neil incident seemed harmless at first. He compared the situation to being at a college frat party, a lighthearted remark meant to entertain viewers.
However, McMahon reportedly responded sharply through the headset, commanding Cole to stop mentioning it.
JBL recalled McMahon’s exact words:
“Goddam, don’t bring it up.”
Cole, taken aback by the sudden reprimand, defended his comment by reminding Vince of previous instances, including one where a wrestler had vomited on him.
The humor in Cole’s retort reflects the dynamic between McMahon and his commentary team—a mixture of strict professionalism and occasional hilarity.
Titus O’Neil: Podcast
Titus O’Neil attended The Fred Taylor’s podcast, where they had deep conversation about football, WWE and family.
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Vince McMahon’s Approach to Controversy
Vince McMahon’s reaction to the Titus O’Neil misunderstanding showcases his keen awareness of how every word spoken on WWE broadcasts can impact the brand.
Despite WWE’s reputation for pushing boundaries, McMahon has always been careful about controlling the narrative, especially when it comes to unexpected incidents.
By instructing Michael Cole to avoid further mentions, McMahon aimed to minimize potential fallout from the incident.
His quick thinking highlights his experience in managing live television, ensuring that focus remains on the planned content rather than unintentional distractions.
JBL’s Account of Another Memorable Vince McMahon Directive
In addition to the Titus O’Neil story, JBL shared another amusing anecdote involving Vince McMahon’s instructions during a Chris Jericho segment.
According to JBL, McMahon told him to describe a particular Jericho segment as “the worst thing in television history.”
The hyperbolic directive reveals McMahon’s penchant for exaggeration when emphasizing his point. It also underscores his desire to elicit strong reactions from viewers, even if it means being overly critical of his own product.
WWE commentators play a crucial role in shaping the audience’s perception of matches and storylines. They serve as the voice of the brand, guiding viewers through the action while adding context and emotional depth.
For Vince McMahon, commentary is an integral part of storytelling. His involvement in directing commentators, as illustrated by JBL’s stories, demonstrates his hands-on approach to ensuring that every broadcast aligns with his vision.
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