Vince McMahon’s upcoming appearance on WWE SmackDown is being considered a “cheap ratings ploy” by those within the company.
Earlier today, McMahon stepped down as WWE CEO following the investigation into an alleged extra-marital affair with a paralegal who left the company this year.
Fightful Select reports that many in WWE are unhappy with McMahon’s decision to appear, which is seen as a largely superficial move.
One talent referred to McMahon’s on-camera appearance tonight as a “cheap ratings ploy” while others plan to speak to Vince to express their displeasure at his appearance.
McMahon is said to be appearing in character on tonight’s show.
Some have said that McMahon plans to frame this investigation as a ‘McMahon vs. The World’ narrative as he did during the steroid trials of the early 1990s.
In McMahon’s absence, Stephanie McMahon has been announced as interim CEO and Chairwoman of WWE.
One female talent told Fightful that she is hopeful that Stephanie’s return will lead to an improvement for female talent who have suffered under the John Laurinaitis era.
Laurinaitis returned as Head of Talent Relations last year and many expect him to be released due to the investigation.
Talent are said to be aware that Vince McMahon will still have a presence at shows as part of the creative team.
