Report: WWE Backstage Morale In Decline, Staff "Walking On Eggshells"
Why WWE's backstage mood is waning again, despite recent creative and business highs.
WWE might be riding its biggest hype wave in years at the moment, but backstage morale is in decline - at least amongst non-wrestlers.
Via the site's Elite service, PWInsider's Mike Johnson reports that a feeling of "walking on eggshells" has returned to WWE's internal environment. Staff morale is waning, with the mood now similar to when Vince McMahon was in full control of the promotion as Chairman and CEO.
The 77-year-old is now back in the boardroom as WWE's Executive Chairman. Per Johnson, Vince's comeback, as well as speculation on the ongoing sale process - and Stephanie McMahon's recent resignation as Chairwoman and co-CEO - have sparked the dip in morale.
It is stated that the bulk of this talk doesn't come from the wrestlers themselves. Backstage staff members and those based at WWE's Stamford, CT offices have suffered the dip, though morale is still believed to be better than when McMahon was in complete control.
Employees are fearful of losing their jobs once WWE is sold. Similarly, recent front office departures are believed to be tied to the general feeling of uncertainty, with some outgoing staff said to have had "a target on their backs" prior to being let go.
McMahon's stated goal upon returning to WWE in January was to facilitate a sale of the company and assist with its next round of television rights negotiations, due to commence later this year.