WWE issued the following press release today:
Who Blew Up WWE(R) Chairman Mr. McMahon?
Tuesday June 12, 11:23 am ETSTAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–While some might say “The Sopranos” went out with a whimper, last night on USA Network, WWE’s “Monday Night RAW®” went out with a bang. At the end of his self-anointed “Mr. McMahon Appreciation Night,” WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon entered his limousine when it suddenly exploded. The shocking ending raised a myriad of questions: How could Mr. McMahon have survived the fiery explosion? And who could’ve committed such a heinous act?
Although full details have not been disclosed, initial reports indicate that Mr. McMahon is presumed dead. An official investigation into Monday night’s events is currently underway with no one being ruled out as a suspect. Throughout the night, people from Mr. McMahon’s past – from Donald Trump to Snoop Dogg to Bob Costas to Stone Cold Steve Austin(TM) – had less than flattering things to say about the WWE Chairman, but would any go so far as to actually blow him up? The question of “whodunit,” as well as the fate of Mr. McMahon, will be on everyone’s minds as the WWE saga continues on “Monday Night RAW” on USA (9 p.m. ET/8C).
Log on to wwe.com for the latest news on Mr. McMahon. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE – News) can be found at corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
Photos and clips from the event are available upon request.
Trademarks: All World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
So… it looks like they ARE doing the “whodunnit?” angle after all.
In other news, WWE issued a press release announcing the hire of a new head of digital media, Brian Kalinowski, who will report to WWE COO Michael Sileck.
Also, according to a live report from Dave Morgan, posted over at PWInsider.com, Cade and Murdoch defeated Cryme Time in a pre-RAW match and Vince McMahon was seen leaving the arena in his real limo. There are conflicting reports on whether the limo explosion angle was pre-taped or done live, but a live report posted on PWTorch.com explained that WWE staged it afterwards as if it was done live, with a firetruck and ambulance, etc., there, and the firey limo being towed away. The building was legitimately sold out, with no areas tarped off.
PWInsider.com is also reporting that a lot of the workers were surprised with the ending. Tazz even called into Opie & Anthony this morning and admitted he had no clue the explosion would take place. He also said that he feared his car – parked close to McMahon’s – would “be next.” WrestlingObserver.com added that John Cena was on a local Boston radio show this morning also saying that no one knew it would happen.
UPDATE: FYI, the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader has posted something on this here and here, the latter story including quotes from local officials about the permits WWE had to get, who did the pyrotechnics, when it was taped, etc. Meanwhile, WWE.com has posted several follow-up articles, in kayfabe, about the incident.
