On Monday morning, FOX Sports 1 launched the new era of Undisputed, ending widespread speculation about the next iteration of the show following the departure of Shannon Sharpe. The program opened with a new theme song by Lil’ Wayne titled “Good Morning,” which had been teased for several weeks leading up to its debut. Bayless then sat alone at a desk with four chairs and opened the show with unrestrained enthusiasm and alacrity to start the program.
“How ‘bout that Lil’ Wayne!?,” Bayless said, slamming the desk. “I love you, man. How ‘bout this Undisputed!? You are going to love it, man. How ‘bout them Cowboys? NFC Championship Game, here we come baby!”
Bayless was jubilant on this Monday morning, set to commence the next stage of his television career. After tensions reportedly grew between he and Sharpe, they parted ways and put the show on a two-month hiatus to determine its next steps.
In the weeks leading up to its relaunch, news broke that Richard Sherman, Keyshawn Johnson and Michael Irvin would be joining the show as new co-hosts for Bayless. Additionally, basketball reporter Rachel Nichols and the aforementioned Lil’ Wayne were named as contributors, while other members of FOX Sports 1’s on-air talent roster will appear on the show from time to time.
“This is the greatest morning of my career!,” Bayless articulated. “This is about to be the greatest show that I have ever been a part of! Welcome to the new Undisputed! I am about to introduce my new dream team of co-hosts.”
One by one, Bayless ran through the accolades of his new co-hosts, welcoming them on to the set similar to a public address announcer if they were suiting up for a football game. When Sherman emerged to take his seat with Bayless, he expressed how joining the show felt somewhat inevitable to him.
“I wanted you and I got you,” Bayless replied.
Next, Johnson was introduced, with Bayless remarking that he is another fan of LeBron James considering he cheers on the Los Angeles Lakers. The former USC Trojans star was part of ESPN’s layoffs and recently negotiated an exit from his talent contract that allowed him to join Bayless on FOX Sports 1.
“I’m going to have a little bit of fun on this show,” Johnson said. “A lot different from what they think it was, I’m sure.”
The introductions concluded with Bayless welcoming Irvin, who he affirms is the best receiver in the history of the National Football League. Since the Super Bowl, Irvin has been off of network television following allegations of sexual harassment from a hotel employee. ESPN First Take featured commentator and executive producer Stephen A. Smith expressed his own disappointment about losing Irvin after asserting that he should be back on the airwaves.
“I am here now,” Irvin said. “It’s good to be home, too. Good to be home. Skip, you know I ain’t got nothing but love for you when you say I’m the baddest man out there.”
As the panel was situated together for the first time, Irvin took the moment to remark the credibility of the program and how it would be different from anything on sports television. The program promptly started with a debate about the Dallas Cowboys and their recent acquisition of quarterback Trey Lance, specifically discussing how it affects the future of starter Dak Prescott.
“I love that we are standing here all champions,” Irvin said. “As players, all champions, so when we talk, we all know what we’re talking about and what we’re talking from. We’re talking from that stadium of a champion since we all are that.”
