Triple H has given an update on just how involved Vince McMahon is with WWE’s creative direction.
Since McMahon came out of his short retirement in January 2023, there has been a question mark over how much say he has in the onscreen product, something Triple H had taken over as Chief Content Officer in his absence.
When the sale of the company to Endeavour was announced in April, the Executive Chairman said that while he takes an interest in the bigger picture, he was no longer able to be “in the weeds” like he used to be. Despite this, there have been reports of McMahon regularly making changes to plans remotely before shows go to air as well as occasionally attending events.
During a press conference after SummerSlam, Triple H provided some clarity on McMahon’s involvement. He explained that McMahon was the reason the company still existed in the first place.
“The reason WWE is what it is, the reason this business, not just WWE, you could make an argument, a very valid one, that without Vince and his vision for this business, maybe it wouldn’t be here anymore.
“There were things at that time, back in the day, that were very popular, roller derby, things like that, that just disappeared off the face of the planet. The vision of what he did changed the business, changed all of it, for 50 years. An incredible run of success. No greater mind in the business.
With that being said, The Game said it would be “silly” not to pick McMahon’s brains from time to time. He then confirmed that McMahon isn’t involved “day-to-day.”
“At this point in time, if all of us didn’t look in moments of time for counsel from him on thoughts or ideas or if we have a question, to go to him and ask, we’d be silly not to. It’s sitting next to someone that has forgotten more about this than you’ll ever know.
“To not utilize that in some aspect…is he day-to-day? No. Is he in it all the time? No. If anybody has, he’s earned that right to be able to do that.”
Vince McMahon is currently on medical leave following “major spinal surgery.”
Triple H Clarifies Roles As Sale Nears Completion
In April, it was announced that WWE had been sold and would merge with UFC in a $21 billion venture under the Endeavour umbrella.
In a press release on the company’s Second Quarter 2023 Results, an update was privduied on the status of the mergers, noting that it was expected to close in the second half of the year.
“As previously disclosed, on April 3, 2023, WWE and Endeavor announced an agreement to combine WWE and UFC to form a new, publicly listed company. The new company will be named “TKO Group Holdings, Inc.”
“As previously disclosed, in June 2023, the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, expired. In addition, all required foreign regulatory approvals were obtained during the second quarter.
“The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2023. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions”
Following multiple re-hires by Triple H, one ex-WWE star has revealed that they are still in frequent contact with the head of creative.
H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.