Long-term WWE creative plans impacted by COVID-19 and XFL bankruptcy
STAMFORD, Conn. (Heartland Newsfeed) — New reports reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic and the bankruptcy of the XFL are resulting in significant shifts in the WWE. This would include chairman Vince McMahon’s central focus for the company.
Fightful reporter Robert DeFelice reveals in his report Friday that Paul Heyman is no longer serving his duties as executive director for the Raw brand. Bruce Prichard is reported to be taking over creative decisions of both flagship brands Raw and Smackdown. Prichard was already serving as the executive director for the Smackdown brand.
Meltzer: XFL bankruptcy impacts creative plans in WWE
Dave Meltzer reveals in his most recent Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the sudden shift in direction by McMahon isn’t only suffering from the global pandemic. The bankruptcy of the XFL revival is also resulting in McMahon making a return to handling the business affairs of the wrestling company.
Meltzer reports that Heyman handling the creative affairs of Raw was a long-term move. However, with the internal mentality shift from the long-term future to short-term realities, McMahon is expressing discontent and frustration. This discontent and frustration is stemming from Heyman promoting new talent to Raw and then not “getting over.” Additionally, there has been considerable concern expressed by the young talent on the brand, as Heyman was giving a higher priority and emphasis on the future of the WWE.
McMahon and Heyman are not strangers to butting heads when it comes to creative matters. Moreover, it is quite prevalent that prior history is continuing with this current run of Heyman running creative.
Meltzer reports a source quote stating, “I am shocked it took this long. Everyone knew it was coming. Vince did not like Paul.”
This is a developing story and will report on further developments.
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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.
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