Leonardi’s Return to WWE (2016) & Getting Fired
– Leonardi returned in 2016 as a writer. During a RAW taping on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a script required Neville (a white wrestler) to deliver a line referencing Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Neville and other wrestlers, including R-Truth and Mark Henry, were uncomfortable with the script.
– Leonardi changed the script so that R-Truth would deliver the line instead. After bringing the change to McMahon’s attention, McMahon became furious, leading to Leonardi’s eventual firing.
– McMahon’s spokesperson denied the incident, calling the idea of McMahon approving the use of MLK’s speech for a punchline “ridiculous.”
Other Allegations of Racial Insensitivity
In 2023, former WWE writer Britney Abrahams filed a lawsuit accusing WWE of racism, including claims that she was fired for taking a commemorative WrestleMania chair—an act white employees allegedly were not punished for. Her lawsuit was later settled.
Writers Room Culture
– The WWE writers room had unorthodox rules, such as a strict dress code and unusual behaviors, including not sneezing in front of McMahon and always pushing in chairs. Writers were also expected to stand when McMahon entered a room.
– Former writers said McMahon’s involvement was direct, with him controlling scripts up to the last minute. He regularly changed scripts just before the show aired. One writer said, “He destroyed everything by the time we got to air.”
– Another writer said McMahon “enjoyed the manipulation,” changing things for the sake of making people squirm.
Late-Night Meetings
– Writers frequently waited for hours, sometimes until midnight or later, for McMahon to show up for meetings.
– McMahon’s spokesperson acknowledged that late-night meetings occurred due to McMahon’s busy schedule.
Bullying and Jockeying for Favor
– Even without direct negative experiences with McMahon, some writers reported being bullied by other writers seeking to please him.
– One writer compared the environment to a “Mafia style” where displeasing one person could anger others in power.
Sexism and Discrimination
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