Backstage Reaction To Vince McMahon Being Backstage At WWE Raw

WWE

Wrestling fans were in a frenzy ahead of last night’s WWE Raw show, when it was revealed that Vince McMahon was present backstage at the show for the first time since his retirement last July.

Those within WWE believe that Vince was simply present to visit John Cena, who was making his return on the show.

It was then reported that McMahon was present in the Gorilla Position all night, but that he was not taking over the show or even giving any instructions to the talent.

In an update from Fightful Select (subscription required), Vince’s return caused more of a stir online than in person, as most of the talent were of the belief that it was only a matter of time before McMahon appeared backstage in general.

It was Vince’s physical appearance that turned the most heads, as he arrived at the show with dyed hair and a small mustache which numerous talent described as resembling Gomez Addams of the Addams Family. His appearance was discussed even more than what he was doing at the show or what it meant for the future.

One person within the company who has known Vince for 20 years said that it was ‘more drastic and a shock than him getting his head shaved’. Sadly, no real photos of McMahon’s new look have emerged online.

Vince was present in the Gorilla Position all night, and he was not shy about saying hello and greeting the talent. However, no talent or staff that spoke to Fightful said that he was providing instructions, feedback or orders to anyone that they saw.

The wide discussion and belief in the locker room among talent was that Vince was at Raw to visit John Cena and enjoy the show, with them believing he specifically came to the show due to Cena being booked.

This is a contrast to when McMahon forced himself back into power back in December, which caused a lot of panic, or when he appeared on television following the Wall Street Journal stories emerging, which was met with disgust.

There did not seem to be a lot of panic backstage based on those that spoke to Fightful, with one talent saying that ‘the big tell will be if he’s at SmackDown’.

Talent and staff were not prepared for McMahon’s presence, and were not briefed about the situation before and after. Several WWE higher ups were also not made aware that he would be coming, with one noting that they wished they were clued in considering the nature of the last nine months in the company.

A few talent said that they intentionally avoided associating with Vince, despite them believing they’ll likely have to deal with him in the future.

One WWE higher up noted that they believe this was a case of Vince testing the waters of showing his face at WWE events, and how talent and staff would react, and that now he has been back, many expect him to be seen at other upcoming events.

WWE has not responded to Fightful reaching out for an official statement on Vince’s presence at the show.

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• RAW
• Backstage
• Vince McMahon
• wwe

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