Backstage Reaction To John Laurinaitis Being Replaced

Last week it was announced that Vince McMahon had stepped down as Chairman and CEO of WWE, and it was also recently reported that John Laurinaitis had been placed on administrative leave

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE sent a memo to talents informing them that John Laurinaitis was being placed on administrative leave after he wasn’t at the Raw on 6/20. They were also informed that Bruce Prichard would be taking over as Head of Talent Relations in addition to being number two behind Vince McMahon in creative.

It’s being reported that the reaction to Bruce Prichard taking over was generally negative as Laurinaitis reportedly had a better relationship with most talent than Prichard. A couple of talents noted that Bruce Prichard is generally quiet and not approachable while Laurinaitis is said to be very approachable and open to talking. One talent even called the move “scary.”

Laurinaitis is out pending the completion of the investigation, but Prichard being put in his position is an indication that Vince McMahon is still calling the shots.