WWE: Andrade’s Release Request Update, John Laurinaitis Update, Steve Austin Week Programming

More on Andrade’s Requesting Release from WWE

As noted before, Andrade asked and was denied his release from WWE this past Monday. Despite his denied request, Andrade recently removed all mentions of WWE from his social media accounts.

Fightful Select reported that Andrade’s release request was something that several of their sources stated that they had expected to happen for some time. It was also reported that Andrade’s talk with WWE officials did not involve an “outburst” or a confrontation scene backstage.

Those same sources stated that Andrade’s frustrations and lack of direction in the company was pretty much inevitable following Paul Heyman’s removal as the Executive Director of RAW.

Another source stated that WWE officials did not include Andrade “whatsoever” for their WWE Draft plans this past October and him never appearing on WWE television since then was seen as a “major turning point” for his status in the company.

It was also reported that Vince McMahon had “fallen in and out of love” at times with Andrade and his potential value as a star for the company.

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More on John Laurinaitis Hiring as WWE’s Newest Head of Talent Relations

As noted before, WWE recently hired John Laurinaitis as their new Head of Talent relations. The backstage reaction to Laurinaitis hiring was one of concern due to issues with Laurinaitis’ performance as the head of the company’s talent relations in the past.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE’s former Head of Talent Relations Mark Carrano will maintain some role with talent and now directly report to Laurinaitis. Meltzer reported that Carrano will primarily become the person who delivers all the bad news to talent in order to take heat away from other high ranking WWE officials.

Meltzer also reported that one of his sources stated that the reason for Laurinaitis’ hiring is due to him “always has a smile for Vince and won’t challenge him.” The same source also stated that Vince McMahon’s current mood is of him only wanting to be told that everything is great, which was the key reason behind Bruce Prichard’s hiring and his eventual promotion as the head of the company’s creative team.

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WWE Announces Steve Austin Themed Week for WWE Network

WWE announced that they will be holding a special Steve Austin themed week of programming on the WWE Network starting on March 16th. This themed week was announced to be held in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Austin’s debut in the company.

It was also announced that this special themed week will also be airing on NBC’s Peacock streaming service.

Official press release and full schedule for Steve Austin Week programming:

Get ready to salute WWE’s favorite hell-raiser.

Starting this Monday, WWE kicks off “Stone Cold” Steve Austin Week, commemorating the 25-year anniversary of Austin’s debut in WWE.

The week-long celebration — which coincides with March 16, aka Austin 3:16 Day — will feature “Stone Cold”-themed programming on Peacock and WWE Network, including new documentaries, The Texas Rattlesnake’s interview with Randy Orton on The Broken Skull Sessions and more.

There will be no shortage of classic “Stone Cold” moments to enjoy on WWE’s social channels, from daily full-length matches and Austin 3:16 Day exclusives, to special editions of WWE Top 10 and WWE Playlist, and who knows how many stomped mudholes being walked dry.

Check out the “Stone Cold” Steve Austin Week streaming schedule below, and keep an eye on your favorite social media feeds beginning Monday.

Oh, hell yeah!

Meeting Stone Cold
Tuesday, March 16 on WWE Network
WWE Superstars and Legends recall their first impressions of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. The Undertaker, Ric Flair, Booker T and others recount a slew of unforgettable moments and memories they shared with Austin throughout the last 30 years.

Birth of the Stunner
Friday, March 19 on Peacock and WWE Network
Learn about the origin of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s famous finisher, its history with Austin and how the legacy of the Stunner lives on today through WWE Superstar Kevin Owens.

The Best of WWE: Best of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
Saturday, March 20 on Peacock and the Free Version of WWE Network
The Texas Rattlesnake battles iconic opponents like The Rock, Bret “Hit Man” Hart and The Undertaker in this collection of his greatest matches.

Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Sessions: Randy Orton
Sunday, March 21 on Peacock and WWE Network
“Stone Cold” welcomes first-time guest Randy Orton to his acclaimed interview show. Nothing will be off-limits when The Viper and The Texas Rattlesnake sit down to talk about Orton’s legendary career.