Backstage Reaction to Vince McMahon Temporary Stepping Down as WWE CEO & Chairman

WWE announced earlier today that Vince McMahon would be temporarily stepping down as CEO and Chairman of the company until the conclusion of their investigation into McMahon’s and WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ alleged misconduct towards several former female employees. It was also announced that Stephanie McMahon would be taking over as the interim CEO and Chairwoman of the company.

Fightful Select reported that the general reaction towards McMahon stepping down as CEO but retaining his creative duties was one of frustration. Several WWE employees and talent spoken to stated that they felt that the move was largely a superficial one due to McMahon’s personal responsibilities running the company had dwindled in recent years.

One talent spoken to stated that they viewed the announcement of McMahon appearing in-character for tonight’s SmackDown show as just a “cheap ratings ploy in the middle of something serious” and do not expect much of WWE’s culture or presentation to change with McMahon still around. This source stated “As long as Vince McMahon still has his creative duties, nothing can change. What could possibly be different? If he asks something of Stephanie as interim CEO, is she going to say no.”

Several people spoken to across multiple departments within WWE reportedly stated that they will communicate to higher level officials and possibly McMahon himself that McMahon appearing on screen in-character is not a good idea considering the circumstances. One talent spoken to stated that they feared McMahon would try to spin this into a “Vince McMahon vs. the world” type narrative that existed in the company after McMahon’s steroid trial.

In regards to the announcement of Stephanie McMahon returning to the company, it was reported that there was a lot of optimism from talent spoken to since she is well liked within WWE’s locker room. One former WWE employee who had worked directly with McMahon spoken to stated that “the tone was always that she would be in that role eventually. She knows and breathes the business and she’s seamless” and the rumors of friction between her and WWE President Nick Khan was something they had not experience personally during their time in the company.

One female talent spoken to stated that they believe things can only get better from this point. This same person stated that she was hopeful that both the investigation into Vince’s misconduct and Stephanie being appointed as interim CEO would lead to better treatment for women in the company across the board, including the hope of it resulting in women getting treated and paid equally to men there.

Another talent spoken to stated “I imagine it won’t change much. But I love Steph. So that’s good. I imagine Vince keeps his position in creative and once the investigation is over he’ll take back over if he can.”

In regards to Laurinaitis’ status, it was reported that the general backstage reaction from those spoken to was one of expecting him to be gone soon from the company. One talent spoken to stated “as long as Vince McMahon is around, he’ll probably just come back unless he’s Vince’s latest scapegoat.”

Another talent spoken to stated that they were doubtful that any real meaningful longterm changes will actually take place. This talent stated “From a creative aspect I’m hoping that things change but I doubt they will. From a business aspect I’m also hoping that things change, but also still doubt they will. Really the only thing that I think will actually change is Johnny will be fired which will be nice. Stephanie is great but I doubt she’s gonna suddenly be on board with healthcare and guaranteed contracts.”