Report: Frustration Over Titus O'Neil's 'Safe Haven' Promo Due To Past 'Trump 2020' Flag In WWE Backstage Area

The final Monday Night Raw of Vince McMahon's tenure as WWE CEO and Chairman on July 18 began in a somewhat odd fashion as Titus O'Neil opened the show by claiming the company spreads goodness and goodwill, which is why they don't "talk about politics or religion or any other subject matter that's divisive." O'Neil then touted WWE as a safe haven and a place that just tries to ensure everyone has a good time. 

The promo was largely ridiculed by fans and it wasn't well-received by all within the industry, with Fightful Select reporting that a source was frustrated by O'Neil's comments as they had previously seen a 'Trump 2020' flag displayed on a Kevin Dunn-led production truck during the ThunderDome era. 

The WWE ThunderDome was at Tropicana Field in Tampa, Florida when the production truck featured a duct-taped 'Trump 2020' flag on the side. It would have been visible while President Trump was denying the results of the 2020 presidential election, having been put up in December 2020. 

It is unclear who exactly posted the flag, only that it was displayed on a truck that was run by Kevin Dunn. The Executive Producer and Chief of Global Television Distribution had previously expressed his political beliefs to other people in WWE, which is reportedly something Vince McMahon would have discouraged. 

A talent Fightful spoke to was willing to bet Vince McMahon didn't know about the flag and most talent don't think McMahon would have wanted it to be a part of the backstage atmosphere despite his friendship with Donald Trump. It was noted that McMahon spent more time in his office during the pandemic era of WWE.

Upon seeing the flag, one wrestler noted it reminded them that "talent didn't matter to the higher-ups" especially as it was on display at a time of deep roster cuts.