The Wall Street Journal broke a news story this week that should have all wrestling fans on edge. No, it is not the new allegations against Vince McMahon – at this point nothing should shock anyone when it came to the culture of the company at the end of the territory days and what those in power thought they could get away with – instead, it is a seemingly throwaway line further on in the article that WWE fans should fear.
This line:
“The 77-year-old Mr. McMahon also has told people that he intends to make a comeback at WWE, according to the people familiar with his comments. He has said that he received bad advice from people close to him to step down and that he now believes the allegations and investigations would have blown over had he stayed, these people said.”
Seriously Vince, stay away from the product and let us enjoy our wrestling.
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Vince McMahon Needs To Stay Away
The good news is that this flirtation with Vince wanting back into the company appears far from mutual. A PWInsider report that cited a dozen current WWE employees has said that no one wants him back. Reasons for this – outside of the $20 million in hush money payments that Vince used company funds for – include the fact that for the first time in decades, the locker room is happy.
The creative team and the head brass created an upbeat and positive vibe around the product more quickly than anyone could reasonably have expected. The wrestling feel fresh and there is a sense of unpredictability in ways that Vince had simply lost touch with. Nothing about bringing Vince back in – even if he is still the major share holder – would make WWE better. Not for the employees, and not for the fans.
That this line was thrown in alongside new allegations against Vince makes it all the more jarring. Nothing speaks more to the carny roots of the man – and his company – than seeing himself as untouchable. That he through everything would just blow over had he stayed in his role is so shocking it is almost laughable. Vince built his empire, but letting him back through the gate would be a sure way to ruin it.
Always remember folks. Pro Wrestling is Real.
