In the world of professional wrestling, few things ignite debates quite like catchphrases and signature moves. Recently, WWE superstar **Drew McIntyre** made headlines with a bold claim about the origins of the iconic “YEET” gesture—a move famously associated with The Usos. But what started as playful banter quickly escalated into a full-blown controversy when evidence surfaced suggesting that **Jimmy Uso** , not his twin brother **Jey Uso** , was actually the first to popularize the term back in 2021.
### The Spark: Drew McIntyre’s Bold Claim
It all began during a backstage interview where Drew McIntyre, known for his sharp wit and larger-than-life personality, jokingly referred to himself as the “King of YEET.” When pressed on why he felt entitled to such a title, McIntyre confidently stated, “Everyone knows I perfected the art of throwing people around like rag dolls—it’s basically a yeet. And let’s be honest, those Usos boys didn’t even invent it; they just rode the wave.”
While fans chuckled at McIntyre’s typical bravado, his comments caught the attention of The Usos, who have long claimed ownership of the “YEET” phenomenon. What followed was an unexpected twist that no one saw coming: proof emerged showing that **Jimmy Uso** , not Jey, was the original pioneer of the phrase within WWE.
### Rewriting History: Jimmy Uso’s 2021 Moment
For years, fans assumed that Jey Uso was the face behind the “YEET” movement due to his frequent use of the word during promos and matches. However, newly uncovered footage from a 2021 episode of _SmackDown_ tells a different story. In the clip, Jimmy Uso can clearly be seen shouting “YEET” after executing a picture-perfect superkick on an opponent. The moment, though subtle at the time, laid the groundwork for what would later become a cultural staple in WWE.
Social media erupted as wrestling historians and die-hard fans revisited old episodes, uncovering more instances where Jimmy casually dropped the term. One fan tweeted, “I can’t believe we’ve been giving Jey credit this whole time Jimmy was the OG YEET king”
Even Jey Uso himself weighed in on the revelation, humorously admitting, “Guess I gotta hand it to my bro—he beat me to the punch on this one. But hey, teamwork makes the dream work, right?”
### Drew McIntyre Responds: Respect for Jimmy
When presented with the newfound evidence, Drew McIntyre graciously acknowledged Jimmy Uso’s contribution to wrestling history. In a follow-up interview, McIntyre said, “Look, I’ll give credit where it’s due. Jimmy definitely had the ‘YEET’ game locked down before anyone else. That doesn’t mean I’m not still the King of YEET-ing opponents out of the ring, though,” he added with a smirk.
McIntyre’s ability to blend respect with his trademark humor has earned him praise from both fans and peers alike. His willingness to recognize Jimmy’s role in popularizing the phrase highlights the camaraderie that often exists beneath the surface of competitive rivalries.
### The Bigger Picture: Why ‘YEET’ Matters
Beyond the debate over its origins, the “YEET” phenomenon underscores how small moments can evolve into defining elements of a wrestler’s persona. For The Usos, the term became synonymous with their high-energy style and infectious charisma, helping them cement their status as one of WWE’s most beloved tag teams.
Similarly, McIntyre’s embrace of the concept reflects his knack for staying relevant in an ever-changing industry. By tying himself to a trend that resonates with younger audiences, he continues to position himself as a versatile entertainer capable of bridging generations.
### Fan Reactions: A Mix of Nostalgia and Debate
As expected, the revelation sparked lively discussions across social media platforms. Some fans expressed nostalgia for Jimmy Uso’s early days, while others debated whether the “YEET” truly belongs to any single individual.
“Jimmy deserves flowers for this,” one Reddit user commented. “He quietly set the stage for something huge without even realizing it.”
Others took a more lighthearted approach, joking about how every wrestler now wants to claim ownership of the term. “Next thing you know, Vince McMahon will say he invented ‘YEET’ in the ’80s,” quipped another fan.
Despite differing opinions, there’s no denying that the conversation has reignited interest in The Usos’ legacy—and reminded everyone of the power of a simple yet memorable catchphrase.
### Who Owns the ‘YEET’ Legacy?
While Drew McIntyre may have inadvertently sparked this debate, the spotlight ultimately shines brightest on Jimmy Uso, whose pioneering efforts in 2021 paved the way for the “YEET” to become a global sensation. Whether used as a rallying cry, a celebration, or simply a fun moment in the ring, the term has transcended wrestling to become part of pop culture.
As for McIntyre, his playful nod to Jimmy demonstrates the mutual respect shared among wrestlers—even amid friendly rivalries. And perhaps that’s the real takeaway here: in WWE, legends are made not just by creating trends but by honoring those who came before.