'Internal Dismay' Within WWE Over Hiring Of An 'Outsider' As Kevin Dunn's Replacement

Kevin Dunn's replacement has already caused quite a stir within WWE.

WWE announced the appointment of Lee Fitting as Head of Media & Production this week, effectively taking over from former Chief of Global Television Distribution Kevin Dunn who departed the company at the end of 2023 after almost 40 years with the organisation. Fitting joins WWE after spending over 25 years at ESPN, working as Senior Vice President of Production. He oversaw production on several properties, including Monday Night Football and College GameDay.

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, some in WWE's production and TV departments were less than thrilled about an "outsider" coming in and being above them in the pecking order, while others were worried that Fitting might want to bring in his own people. 

There was reportedly internal dismay that WWE opted not to promote from within as the feeling was Executive Vice President of Television Chris Kaiser "deserved" to be considered for Dunn's role. Another longtime staff member mentioned as being a "valuable resource" was lighting and set director Jason Robinson. 

Another WWE source of PWInsider, however, stated Fitting's hiring shouldn't have been a shock as TKO President Mark Shapiro previously oversaw ESPN and the hiring was considered to be in line with Shapiro and WWE President Nick Khan's sensibilities from their past stints in the sports world.