Update on Backstage Reaction in WWE to John Laurinaitis Being Put on Administrative Leave

– As previously reported, WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis was placed on administrative leave yesterday, with Bruce Prichard serving as his interim replacement as announced in an internal company memo. The memo stated that Prichard is serving as the interim Head of Talent relations “pending the conclusion of our Board of Directors’ internal investigation.” Fightful Select has some more backstage notes on the backstage reaction to the news regarding Laurinaitis.

According to the report, the overall belief among Fightful’s WWE sources is that John Laurinaitis is “as good as gone.” Several people reportedly even celebrated his impending departure.

Past and present WWE talents also spoke to Fightful on the news that WWE creative team member Bruce Prichard is serving as Laurinaitis’ replacement. One source is said to have joked, “Vince only knows three people,” with regards to the roles of Laurinaitis and Prichard. Another person said they had multiple texts from WWE talent over concern of Prichard handling both creative and talent relations. The concern being that if they want time off, they now have to ask the person who acts as the filter between the creative team and Vince McMahon.

Also, several WWE talents believe they will never have to work or do business with Laurinaitis again after this recent move.

Vince McMahon was in attendance at last night’s Raw, and he once again appeared on TV for last night’s show. Fightful reports that McMahon was in a good mood again last night, similar to how he was behaving at SmackDown.

Both Laurinaitis and McMahon are subjects of an internal investigation by WWE’s Board of Directors regarding allegations of misconduct with a WWE employee. It’s alleged that Vince McMahon paid a former employee $3 million after having a sexual relationship with her. It’s also alleged that Laurinaitis had an affair with the same employee. Additionally, older NDAs are reportedly detailing more allegations of misconduct by McMahon and Laurinaitis against former WWE employees.