Cam Skatebo is definitely not one to shy away from a confrontation, whether he’s healthy or not.
The rookie running back for the Giants faced criticism after being involved in a ringside incident during a WWE event at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. This was particularly noteworthy since he’s still recuperating from a severe ankle injury that cut his season short.
Skatebo, who was sitting ringside to see John Cena’s last Monday Night Raw appearance, sparked a shoving match alongside comedian Andrew Schultz and some of his Giants teammates against the Judgment Day group, which got quite the reaction from the audience.
This moment was met with loud applause, but it also worried some Giants fans who couldn’t help but recall Skatebo’s recent struggles while recovering from a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula he endured in Week 8.
In response to the backlash, Skatebo’s mom mentioned she wasn’t too bothered by the outrage. She was simply focused on navigating the tough recovery journey.
“Honestly, if you don’t like how I’m trying to enjoy myself during tough times, feel free to unfollow,” Skatebo posted on X on Tuesday. “Since I can’t play football, I’m doing things outside my usual routine to find some joy. Hope your week’s good. And if you don’t have anything nice to say, just don’t talk about me.”
After the match, Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio, J.D. McDonough, and Finn Balor interrupted Schultz’s ringside interview to promote their Netflix special, which led to some verbal jabs at those sitting near them.
Mysterio mockingly addressed Schultz, implying that he was the only worthwhile thing to come out of New York City, taunting Skatebo about his knowledge of championships. When the scene escalated and Mysterio shoved Schultz, Skatebo, who had left his scooter behind, stood up to push McDonough down.
What followed was a brief pandemonium as Skatebo’s teammates, including rookie Abdul Carter, jumped in to defend him, creating a chaotic scuffle until it calmed down. Throughout it all, Skatebo maintained his cool stance, playfully sticking his tongue out as Judgment Day retreated.
Interestingly, not only Giants players were present; some Eagles members—where Skatebo’s injury occurred—were in attendance to witness Cena’s last show, which didn’t exactly endear them to the crowd, as they received a barrage of boos.
It’s possible that if Skatebo had been associated differently, perhaps linked to “Big Dom” of the Eagles instead of “Dirty Dom,” he might have elicited a warmer reception.
Many fans, like Tyrone Tracy Jr., expressed excitement witnessing Skatebo in such a dramatic moment. “I wasn’t there, but I would’ve been all in,” he commented on Skatebo’s presence in the chaotic skirmish, adding, “Just typical Cam. He’ll do what he does.”
Skatebo showed up at the Giants’ training facility for routine rehab on Tuesday, and despite any concern from the outside—like that from Giants legend Michael Strahan—he was in the same condition as the day before.
“I was supposed to go, but if I’d had to fight with a broken ankle, it would have been with Skatebo,” Strahan said during an appearance on “Good Morning America.” He emphasized that Skatebo should focus on his recovery and not risk further injury.
Though sidelined following a season-ending surgery after his October injury, Skatebo had the support of teammates during his recovery efforts.
“It’s all just part of the chaos,” said left tackle Andrew Thomas, who is no stranger to foot and ankle injuries. “I’m confident he’ll do whatever he can to bounce back.” Skatebo and the WWE have a marketing partnership that adds a unique layer to his involvement.
