Major WWE Backstage Shakeup - Veteran Returns In Key Role?
Controversial figure returns as WWE Head of Talent Relations for first time in 9 years.
John Laurinaitis has been restored to his old role as WWE's Head of Talent Relations.
While WWE is yet to make an official announcement on the matter, the Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer broke the news this morning.
Laurinaitis will be returned to a position he first took on in 2004, when he replaced Jim Ross following the legendary announcer's decision to step away from his executive positions in WWE. The former Johnny Ace was in the job until 2012, when he resigned from the role himself, returning to his original job as a road agent.
Meltzer notes that with WWE's talent relations department being split between talent management and talent branding, Laurinaitis' new job title will be General Manager, Talent. He will report to Executive Vice President of Operations Brad Blum and starts immediately.
The new talent branding side, which could be an extension of WWE's third-party platform ban, will act as a talent agency, handling WWE talent's bookings for outside appearances.
There is currently no word on how any of this will impact Mark Carrano, WWE's incumbent Senior Director of Talent Relations.
We'll bring you further updates on this situation as they emerge.