There have been rumors surrounding the backstage reaction to WWE regarding the RETRIBUTION angle, which was met with heavy backlash and criticism online. Fightful Select has provided more details surrounding the overall reaction to the group’s identity reveal on RAW.
One WWE Superstar commented that they felt sorry for Mia Yim and Mercedes Martinez because they are given the inevitable task of attempting to make this angle not look dumb or stupid, which was seen as unfair given the talent those ladies have under their belt.
A SmackDown talent mentioned that the brand was never told why RETRIBUTION became a RAW-only storyline, with the talent speculating that it had to do with RAW being a longer show. Other Superstars within the company admit that the whole storyline felt thrown together quickly without anyone being informed of the long-term plans for the group.
Just about every WWE Superstar they have spoken with has brought up the ridiculousness of the names given to the RETRIBUTION members, with a top wrestler within the company saying that “it sounds like something out of a bad movie or game, but I’m not sure Vince plays games or watches movies anymore.”
With names like “Slapjack”, “Mace” and “T-Bar”, this has bad written all over it right out of the gate.
