Backstage WWE Reaction To Vince McMahon's Comeback Revealed
What do WWE personnel think of Vince McMahon's plan to return as Executive Chairman?
Vince McMahon is seemingly on his way back to WWE - and company personnel aren't happy about it.
On Thursday, the 77-year-old outlined plans to install himself as WWE's Executive Chairman ahead of this year's media rights renegotiations, deeming himself essential to the process. The WSJ reported soon after that McMahon plans on selling the promotion after returning, indicating that he will not agree to potential new rights deals or a sale without being reappointed to the board of directors.
July 2022 saw Vince resign in disgrace amid reports he had paid tens of millions of dollars to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct.
Fightful Select has now published a comprehensive report on WWE's internal reaction to Vince's return. Unsurprisingly, it is universally negative.
The outlet spoke with dozens of people within WWE, including talent, production staff, creative team members, and general staff, none of whom were tipped off on the situation. Generally, people were "floored" by the news.
Anonymous sources had previously indicated that McMahon wasn't wanted back in WWE following December reports that he was planning a comeback.
Talent are now concerned about McMahon potentially returning to his old creative role, which was assumed by Paul 'Triple H' Levesque in July. People within that department had not heard of any upcoming changes to their roles at the time of reporting, adding that they had already been sent notes for tonight's SmackDown show ahead of the WSJ article's publication.
Production staff unanimously regard the story as negative or "news above their pay grade." They were choosing not to worry about it until they had to.
One WWE talent said that finding out about the story online was "scary", adding that they respect Triple H and Stephanie and don't believe a word Vince says. Another predicted roster-wide "uproar" should Vince come back as creative lead.
Said one company higher-up:-
"I can't count how many interviews I've read or people I talked to outside the company that said 'Vince liked me, but I got fired.' He didn't like you, he didn't like any of them. He fired or they wouldn't have been fired during a pandemic."
Filings relating to changes in WWE's bylaws are expected within the next few days, which should bring an indication of the immediacy of Vince McMahon's proposed changes.