There Goes The Money- Shane McMahon GONE From WWE
By Mick Robson
In some quite shocking news, Shane McMahon- in case you weren't aware, the son of Vince McMahon- is gone from WWE. First reported by Ringside News, and later backed up by Fightful and Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, the word is that Shane was "quietly let go" from the company, with creative advised to not consider him in any future plans. Whether that means his contract was officially terminated, or he's taking an extended leave of absence until the heat dies down, is currently unclear.
The heat in question is in regards to Shane's involvement in the 2022 Men's Royal Rumble this past weekend. Entering the match as a surprise entrant, the 52 year old part-time wrestler made it to the final three, eliminating Kevin Owens and holding his own in a striking exchange with former UFC fighter Riddle, before being dumped out by Brock Lesnar, who went on to win the match. Shane apparently had a substantial role backstage in writing and producing the Rumble, and was said to be vocal and confrontational with his ideas.
According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, WWE are well aware that the Rumble match was poorly-received by the audience and perceived as "boring". It appears that Shane McMahon has bore the brunt of that blame. Initially set to participate in the upcoming Elimination Chamber and Wrestlemania PPVs, Shane's time in the company has abruptly come to an end.
Shane McMahon held multiple roles in WWE during his time with the company. Throughout the 1990s, he worked as both a referee and a colour commentator on Sunday Night Heat before becoming a part-time wrestler, winning the European Championship. He was known for wild stunts and crazy gimmick matches, including a Street Fight with his father at WrestleMania X-7 and a Street Fight at King Of The Ring. He would leave WWE in 2009 to pursue his own business ventures, returning in 2016 to feud with The Undertaker, which saw him dive off the top of the Cell in their match at WrestleMania 32.
Thoughts: Definitely a shocker. It doesn't outright mention a release, so perhaps Shane had not yet signed a new talent contract and was working per appearance, or else they plan to eventually bring him back. In any event, it's wild that the company that Vince McMahon owns has opted to stop working with Shane McMahon.
I don't think Shane adds anything to the current WWE product. I wasn't overly happy to see him at the Rumble- which was incredibly underwhelming before Shane made his presence felt. I'm curious to know what Shane's influence on the match was besides his own involvement. Since his 2016 return, I've only really enjoyed his Mania match with AJ Styles. Just about everything else he did left me feeling cold.
But if WWE can terminate a working relationship with Vince's son, no one in the company is safe.
