Kemo
06-28-2023, 07:01 PM
WWE's recent efforts to 'Vince-proof' recent shows proved to be in vain after the consistent meddling of the Executive Chairman.
After returning to WWE in January, McMahon insisted that he would have little (if any) role with WWE's on-screen product, instead stating that he was back to find a buyer and negotiate new broadcasting rights. McMahon reiterated his claims after the Endeavor deal was announced, stating that he would not be "in the weeds" with WWE Creative, but would give his input on overarching storylines.
Despite McMahon's claims earlier this year, he has interfered and changed plans for several episodes of WWE programming. Last week's SmackDown saw significant changes, with three matches being nixed from the show, despite being announced. This includes a match that would have seen Bayley put her spot in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match on the line against Shotzi.
Sources who spoke to Fightful Select said that McMahon generally likes to make good on the advertised matches if possible, even if they weren't his idea. WWE's belief is if a match is advertised, they try to see things through.
One source told Fightful that advertising matches on Smackdown one, two, and three weeks ahead on the same show could have been an effort to “Vince proof” some plans on Smackdown. The report added that the changes to SmackDown were made at McMahon's request.
While last week's SmackDown was changed thanks to McMahon, it has been Raw that has faced the brunt of his changes. Fightful's report said that the June 5, Raw saw changes to the match order, match times, and the addition of some additional segments. It was also noted that, on June 19, “a world title match, a ‘pivotal storyline moment’ and more were changed for the first 30 minutes of the show, with another match added.
After returning to WWE in January, McMahon insisted that he would have little (if any) role with WWE's on-screen product, instead stating that he was back to find a buyer and negotiate new broadcasting rights. McMahon reiterated his claims after the Endeavor deal was announced, stating that he would not be "in the weeds" with WWE Creative, but would give his input on overarching storylines.
Despite McMahon's claims earlier this year, he has interfered and changed plans for several episodes of WWE programming. Last week's SmackDown saw significant changes, with three matches being nixed from the show, despite being announced. This includes a match that would have seen Bayley put her spot in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match on the line against Shotzi.
Sources who spoke to Fightful Select said that McMahon generally likes to make good on the advertised matches if possible, even if they weren't his idea. WWE's belief is if a match is advertised, they try to see things through.
One source told Fightful that advertising matches on Smackdown one, two, and three weeks ahead on the same show could have been an effort to “Vince proof” some plans on Smackdown. The report added that the changes to SmackDown were made at McMahon's request.
While last week's SmackDown was changed thanks to McMahon, it has been Raw that has faced the brunt of his changes. Fightful's report said that the June 5, Raw saw changes to the match order, match times, and the addition of some additional segments. It was also noted that, on June 19, “a world title match, a ‘pivotal storyline moment’ and more were changed for the first 30 minutes of the show, with another match added.