Ryan Blaney found himself the subject of widespread attention after his appearance at last week’s WWE Raw, where a moment involving a beer drew sharp comments from NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. During the live event, Blaney, who currently drives the #12 Ford Mustang for Team Penske, was shown on the big screen and, wearing a Stone Cold Steve Austin shirt, took only a sip of his beer instead of chugging it. This small hesitation prompted Earnhardt Jr. to voice his disappointment on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, suggesting that Blaney should have finished his beer to honor the WWE tradition, especially given Stone Cold’s iconic reputation for beer-chugging in the ring.
Blaney’s WWE Raw beer incident reaction quickly became a topic of debate, resonating not only with Earnhardt Jr., but also with fans and commentators alike. The moment seemed significant because Blaney was at WWE Raw to promote the upcoming second season of “NASCAR: Full Speed” on Netflix, which is set to premiere on May 7 and focuses on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. The event highlighted the crossover appeal between NASCAR and the WWE, though the minor misstep with the beer left a notable impression.
In context, Blaney’s attire was a clear tribute to Stone Cold Steve Austin, a retired professional wrestler and famous WWE ambassador known for his beer antics in the ring. The expectation to emulate Austin’s signature move appeared high, and Blaney’s decision to just sip the beer caused disappointment for those who hoped to see an enthusiastic replication of the wrestler’s style. On his podcast, Earnhardt Jr. reflected the sentiment of many fans, openly stating his wish that Blaney had fully embraced the moment.
Providing background to Blaney’s WWE Raw beer incident reaction, it is worth noting that Blaney is no stranger to the world of wrestling entertainment. Earlier this year, he visited Mexico City and participated in a Lucha libre show alongside other NASCAR drivers such as Chase Elliott. Blaney admitted in a YouTube interview that he felt he might not have looked entirely natural attempting some wrestling moves, but he enjoyed stepping out of his comfort zone and reconnecting with his childhood love for WWE.
The aftermath of this viral moment could shape future collaborations between NASCAR personalities and mainstream entertainment platforms like WWE and Netflix. As fan discussions continue online, the incident highlights the high expectations placed on high-profile athletes during crossover events. Moving forward, Ryan Blaney’s response and his enthusiasm for fan engagement may influence both his reputation and future appearances beyond the racetrack.
