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Stephen A. Smith buries ghost of Skip Bayless: 'He's gone. It's my reign now'

I'm not sure if Stephen A. Smith gets his performing inspiration from pro wrestling — or Imperial Rome.

Because with Skip Bayless now a memory on ESPN2's "First Take," the controversial Smith has declared: "It's my my reign now."

Smith took to Facebook Live Sunday to tout the return of "First Take" with new sparring partner Max Kellerman and co-host Molly Qerim (Monday, 10 a.m. ET).

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He graciously praised Bayless as a friend and colleague. But Smith noted that in his mind, it was always Bayless' show — even as the duo turned "First Take" into the biggest hit on ESPN2.