Report: Backstage Reaction To Vince McMahon's WWE Retirement Revealed

When Vince McMahon announced his retirement on Friday evening it rocked the wrestling world.

Whilst Vince’s exit was seemingly on the cards since the Wall Street Journal investigations into alleged hush money cover-ups, many never truly thought we’d see the day when McMahon was no longer involved with professional wrestling.

Since McMahon’s bombshell, a report from Fightful Select has uncovered some of the reactions to McMahon’s announcement from backstage, with speculation about leadership changes seemingly as rife within WWE as it is amongst wrestling fans.

It is reported that much of the talent were ‘shocked’ by McMahon’s decision, and it is said there was no unanimous celebration, with a lot of long-term talent ‘off put’ after a talent meeting ahead of the recent Money in the Bank show repeatedly stated that McMahon wasn’t going anywhere.

Whilst fans were quick to suggest that WWE would change overnight, talent that spoke with Fightful said it depends on who takes charge; if Bruce Prichard takes over then it’s ‘unlikely’ that much will change, seeing as Prichard was one of Vince’s right-hand men, but if someone else takes over then there is a greater chance of change and perceived progression.

A source said it “shouldn't have taken a scandal for a shakeup, and it made a lot of people wonder who is next to go, especially in Vince's inner circle,” with many members of talent believing that Kevin Dunn will likely leave or WWE or even be forced out.

Some don’t believe Vince is 100% done with WWE though, with another source stating, “I'm not banking on anything being permanent. Triple H was phased out, Stephanie was phased out, Bruce left the company for a decade, Johnny has been in and out, and none of them has the power Vince does. I'm not convinced that he can actually stay away, especially if he feels the heat has died down.”