As noted before, this past Monday’s RAW After WrestleMania show in Los Angeles, California was notable for WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon having a heavy hand over the production and creative direction for the show.
Fightful Select reported that the general reaction within WWE’s locker room over this past Monday’s RAW show was one of morale taking a huge negative blow.
It was reported that one reason was due to WWE CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque and WWE CEO Nick Khan had promised to talent in a meeting earlier that day that nothing would change under WWE’s new ownership.
Several talents reportedly were frustrated backstage after they learned of the Vince McMahon-esque changes that were being made to the show after being promised for months that McMahon would no longer have any hands-on involvement with WWE creative. Many were also frustrated that McMahon had lied about not being “in the weeds” with creative earlier that day and instead was making sweeping changes to the show.
Several female talents reportedly became frustrated over the changes made to the show due to the Women’s division being negatively affected the most.
In regards to backstage morale, it was reported to have been the biggest hit to the locker room’s morale since McMahon left his spot this past Summer and the lowest since pre-WrestleMania 38 last year.
Many talent spoken to reportedly stated that they felt very disappointed that McMahon had used WrestleMania 39 weekend as a way to “wedge himself back into the fold” in regards to creative. While those within WWE reportedly had stated that Levesque would be the one running the show, McMahon became that person instead in the Gorilla position throughout the night.
Those spoken to reportedly stated that the big test will be if McMahon will also be in attendance at this upcoming Friday’s SmackDown show in Portland, Oregon. Those spoken to reportedly stated that it would not matter if McMahon ends up running the show or not since his presence alone would be another big blow to talents’ morale.
It was reported that at least two talents spoken to stated that they are currently considering asking for their release from the company with one being a high level star. Another talent spoken to reportedly stated that they will be riding out their contract with the company. Several other talents reportedly are currently considering their options in the event should McMahon become steadily involved in shows.