Vince McMahon’s decision to resign last year and instate Triple H in his former role was a celebrated move that heralded a new age for the WWE. Then, as this year went by, it became more and more apparent, as per the reports, that McMahon’s influence within the WWE is as strong as ever.
The most recent set of reports claims that McMahon is responsible for several last-minute changes to both Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown, all from a remote location.
While McMahon never formally announced his billionaire walk back to the top of the WWE totem pole (and he likely never will do so), the backstage dynamics of the company have been in constant flux since he became the executive chairman of TKO.
Now, McMahon’s last-minute changes to episodes of Raw and SmackDown are causing ripples, stirring up frustration and dissent among talent and creative teams. As noted in the recent episode of The Ringer Wrestling Show, the WWE is now attempting to “Vince-proof” storylines and matches to minimize McMahon’s chaotic machinations.
McMahon’s approach to creative decision-making is well-established. His reign atop the WWE has included altering match orders, timing, and even adding quick, additional segments to the mix. A notable example was the transformation of Seth Rollins’ World Heavyweight Championship open challenge on June 19th Raw, where the initially planned challenger, Finn Balor, attacked the Visionary instead of facing him in the ring.
The issue extends beyond the simple frustration of last-minute changes, highlighting the delicate balance between preserving the spirit of unpredictability inherent in wrestling and maintaining a level of stability that respects both talent and audience expectations.
In the face of this uncertainty, WWE talent continues to grapple with the unpredictable ebb and flow of McMahon’s changes. They are forced to adapt, innovate, and maintain composure, knowing well that the game can change right up until the final bell.
Interestingly, while McMahon’s influence has sparked frustration, some appreciate his commitment to “making good” on advertised matches. Even though some see this as a disruptive influence, others view it as McMahon’s unique method of preserving the integrity of the programming.
This tumultuous period in WWE history is reminiscent of the wrestling world’s unpredictable nature itself, a pendulum constantly swinging between chaos and order. As Money in the Bank in London and SummerSlam in Detroit approaches, the WWE universe will be watching closely, and regardless of the outcome, one can’t deny the intrigue McMahon brings to the table.
Despite the challenges, the WWE remains a captivating spectacle, wrestling with its own unpredictability as much as the performers do within the ring.
As we anticipate the unfolding drama, we are reminded of the truth in the age-old adage – “the show must go on.”
