In an update on backstage WWE politics, it should come as no surprise that Triple H and Shawn Michaels are more influential than any other wrestlers. Triple H is seen as being rather protective of his position but does try to keep Vince McMahon away from toilet humour. Some hold him in higher regard than others and believe there would not be so much criticism of him if he was not married to Stephanie. Others point to things like him openly mocking Chris Jericho’s returning gimmick as a negative example. Michaels is said to be more neutral and relaxed about his creative involvement these days than in the ’90s. Both of them are the only wrestlers willing and able to voice concerns about the product, yet still face an uphill battle when it comes to trying to change Vince’s mind on something. The Undertaker also has a lot of influence but is nowhere near as involved in the creative process. Other would-be influential upper mid-card wrestlers are simply biding their time for now rather than pushing to replace these three.
Also, according to Jason Powell, WWE considered approaching Steve Austin about refereeing the Big Show vs Floyd Mayweather match at WrestleMania. For whatever reason, it never happened.
After taking a stiff shot from Jeff Hardy last week, Chris Jericho again took a legitimate punch on Raw. The Big Show was the guilty culprit this time around, duh. WWE has been telling people to keep their punches tight since the move to HD broadcasting.
***ECW SPOILER***
The next WWE Hall of Fame inductee, to be revealed on ECW tonight, will be the late Florida Championship Wrestling promoter Eddie Graham. Dusty Rhodes will do the induction speech and Eddie’s son Mike will accept it on his father’s behalf.
Credit: Prowrestling.net
