Huge Backstage Update On WWE Morale After Royal Rumble 2023
In 2022, WWE morale was the lowest of the low after the Royal Rumble. In 2023...
On camera and off, WWE is in a good place at the moment.
Fightful Select cites nothing but positive things in a report on backstage morale in the promotion after Royal Rumble 2023 (28 January). This is in stark contrast to the 2022 event, after which behind-the-scene vibes were said to be "very down."
But a lot has changed in WWE since then. Most notably, Vince McMahon is no longer at the creative helm - and Fightful reports that the Executive Chairman's influence wasn't felt creatively. Additionally, the 77-year-old wasn't seen at the event.
Day-to-day and week-to-week, WWE's backstage atmosphere is reportedly "much more laid back" at the moment. McMahon's legacy remains in the form of the "Vince's office" sign that is still hung backstage, and has been since he resigned in July, though that points to a completely different backstage area now.
WWE personnel aren't fearful of bringing the 77-year-old's name up. Most people haven't asked about him, however, since Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, Nick Khan, and Kevin Dunn's meetings stressing that McMahon wouldn't become involved in the creative process and talent relations.
Regarding the Rumble event, Fightful notes that there were fewer last-minute changes than under Vince, with the show described as "the easiest in a long time." "This year's was a dream compared to last year's nightmare," was the exact quote.
Generally, the only complaints related to Hardy's late-show performance, which ate into other peoples' time. Some minor transitional issues also came up, though the belief is that WWE's current regime will eventually get used to these things.