Backstages Notes Regarding TKO’s Creative Control Over WWE & Triple H

As previously reported, TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro drew some attention with his comments during his address to a University of Alabama class that TKO has full control over WWE’s creative product. During today’s Fightful Select Answers Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp answered a fan question regarding TKO’s level of creative control over WWE and Paul “Triple H” Levesque, who is WWE’s Chief Creative Officer.

According to Sapp, TKO does have full creative control over WWE “if they want to,” while Triple H oversees the day-to-day and week-to-week creative scene. However, if there’s something TKO wants done creatively, they will make it happen, noting that it usually happens around WrestleMania.

Sapp adds that many things that have come “out of left field” for WWE creatively were the result of TKO’s directives, but it’s still Triple H running the creative side. That said, Sapp notes that Triple H does want to be viewed as indispensable, explaining his heavy presence on WWE programming.

How Much Creative Influence Does TKO Have Over Triple H & WWE

As previously reported, it’s said that the reveal of Pat McAfee as Randy Orton’s mystery caller ahead of WrestleMania 42 was a call that came from TKO CEO Ari Emanuel. However, McAfee reportedly “opted out” of continuing the storyline due to the heavy backlash and criticism. It was also rumored that Cody Rhodes was going to team with music star Jelly Roll against Randy Orton and McAfee at WrestleMania.

Cody Rhodes’ recent promos have even referenced “outside forces” influencing the WWE product. Additionally, after McAfee was revealed as the mystery caller, Cody Rhodes claimed that Pat and everyone who “represents” him can kiss his rear, adding, “Oh no, is that too far? What are you going to do, fire me? It sure worked out for you last time.”

Rhodes’ lines appear to be referencing Emanuel representing McAfee as his agent.