UPDATE: Here is what led to Titus O’Neil’s suspension from WWE. Seriously.
We’ve said it time and time again – WWE’s backstage atmosphere has been compared to a high-school. Talents often receive backstage heat for the smallest of things. Just a few examples of that are former WWE Diva Kaitlyn interrupting Stephanie McMahon while she was in a conversation with someone else which resulted in her being “jobbed out” and embarrassed on TV and Pul London being fired for smiling during a TV segment where Vince McMahon walked backstage. There are MANY other examples over the years. Also keep in mind that Vince McMahon is a guy who despises sneezing and if you sneeze anywhere near him, you are “chewed out”.
Titus O’Neil is also well-liked backstage and does a TON of charity work for the company. He often takes part in “Be a STAR” rallies prior to WWE TV tapings as well.
As you’d likely guess, there are a number of people within WWE who are rolling their eyes over the suspension.
ORIGINAL: WWE has suspended Titus O’Neil after he had an incident with Vince McMahon on RAW. After RAW went off the air on the USA Network, the WWE Network streamed a live feed from the arena of Daniel Bryan celebrating with fans at ringside following his retirement speech. All of the main roster WWE stars were on stage as well as Vince McMahon. Bryan was hugged by Vince and walked to the back. Before the live feed ended, O’Neill grabbed McMahon in a “playful, physical way.” However, McMahon didn’t take it like that and shoved O’Neil. McMahon was angry at being grabbed and that led to the suspension.
WWE informed O’Neil that he was suspended when he arrived at Tuesday’s SmackDown TV tapings. WWE told him to go home. It’s being reported that he has been suspended for upwards of 90 days.
WWE has removed the WWE Network exclusive video of Bryan’s farewell from Youtube and WWE.com as well as the WWE Network.