There have been a few changes in titles on the creative team. Stephanie McMahon-Levesque is now the Executive Vice President of Creative, which means a big pay raise plus more power on the Board of Directors. Brian Gerwtiz and Michael Seitz (Hayes), head writers of Raw and Smackdown respectively, are now both Vice Presidents of Creative. Seitz is also now the unofficial Senior Agent, a role previously held by Pierre Clermont (Pat Patterson). Marty Lunde (Arn Anderson) was considered favourite for that spot. There is some heat on Seitz for getting it as he doesn’t go to the house shows and so, even though he is paid for two jobs, he is really only an agent at TV shows. He is said to be closer to the inner circle than even Gerwitz nowadays.
Jim Ross’ contract expires in the fall and, despite the huge crowd reactions to him relating to the Hall of Fame, there is no guarantee that he will be kept on. Some are still favouring Michael Cole to become the Raw announcer, possibly with Todd Grisham taking over on Smackdown.
WrestleMania 24 might mark the debut of HD broadcasting for WWE. UFC has already made the switch and CW is ready, willing and able to show Smackdown in HD (USA Network should be ready within the year). WWE has various concerns, including missed spots being more noticeable, calling spots being more audible, the Divas perhaps not appearing so ‘perfect’, and older stars like Shawn Michaels perhaps showing their age more clearly. Vince McMahon has ordered another round of tests.
Credit: Wrestling Observer newsletter (click here for subscription information)
