Backstage Update On Vince McMahon's "Laidback Approach" For WWE Raw Return
Another day, another update on Vince McMahon's return to WWE Raw.
In contrast to Dave Meltzer's reporting last week, Sports Illustrated's sources have stated that Vince McMahon "purposely stayed out of the way" upon returning to WWE Raw last week.
The 77-year-old was backstage at the show for the first time since returning to WWE as Executive Chairman in January. Reportedly, this was to visit John Cena, who was present to build his WrestleMania 39 match with Austin Theory. Meltzer reported later that the humble visit was only what WWE wanted people to believe, with sources informing him that there was more to the situation.
Now, Justin Barrasso writes that although McMahon's presence was notable, he went out of his way to ensure that people noticed he wasn't getting involved. Vince was "front and center" in Gorilla Position, though he wasn't wearing a headset, rarely raising his head when wrestlers approached Paul 'Triple H' Levesque for advice.
McMahon reportedly spent much of the evening on his phone. Barrasso notes that the "laidback approach could be read as part of McMahon's strategy", with the 77-year-old potentially laying the groundwork for future backstage appearances. Despite this, he wasn't at this week's Raw in Providence, Rhode Island.
Forced to resign amid sexual misconduct allegations in July 2022, McMahon strongarmed his way back onto WWE's Board of Directors in January, threatening non-cooperation in upcoming media rights deals and company sale negotiations.