Despite his supposed departure from WWE in 2022, Vince McMahon’s influence lingered throughout the company in 2023, leaving an indelible mark on WrestleMania 39. Reports reveal that his creative input extended beyond his official tenure, impacting match outcomes and even the RAW after WrestleMania script.
Edge vs. Balor: A Last-Minute Victory Switch
One of the most significant changes attributed to McMahon involved the Edge vs. “The Demon” Finn Balor match. Fightful Select reported that the original plan had Balor defeating Edge, culminating their feud with a victory for the “Demon” persona.
“Originally, Finn Balor was scheduled to defeat Edge at WrestleMania. However, Vince McMahon wanted (Edge) to pick up the victory, despite Adam Copeland pushing to put over Finn Balor,” Fightful revealed. This decision contradicted the established creative direction, leading to a controversial outcome.
“Creative and industry sources have claimed that Balor was originally scheduled to win, but McMahon pushed for the change,” they further stated. The change was reportedly a surprise to many, and it’s unclear whether the wrestlers themselves were informed of the initial plan or the alteration.
Reigns vs. Rhodes: A Pre-Determined Outcome, Not Vince McMahon’s Whim
The controversial outcome of the Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes match at WrestleMania 39 also sparked speculation about McMahon’s influence. However, reports indicate that this decision was not a last-minute change.
“While Vince McMahon was in favor of the decision, we’re told that had been the plan pretty well all the way through,” Fightful reported. This suggests that the decision to have Reigns defeat Rhodes was a long-term creative direction, not a sudden whim by McMahon.
RAW After WrestleMania 39: Script Chaos and Last-Minute Revisions By Vince McMahon
Vince McMahon’s influence was more evidently felt the following night on the RAW after WrestleMania 39. Reports indicate that he made extensive last-minute revisions to the script, causing significant disruption.
“One source at the time compared McMahon to the Tazmanian Devil, running in, eating up the script, ruining the show and leaving,” Fightful reported. This vivid description paints a picture of chaos and last-minute changes, highlighting McMahon’s continued control over WWE programming.
Lesnar vs. Omos: A Change of Plans
Multiple sources have reported in the past that the originally planned match of Brock Lesnar vs. Gunther was changed, by Vince, to Brock Lesnar vs. Omos. This change was another example of Vince altering creative, and having his own ideas put in place.
WrestleMania 40: A Vince-Free Era
Vince McMahon completely left WWE in January 2024, marking the end of an era. WrestleMania 40 became the first WrestleMania in history without any creative input from him. This event symbolized a new chapter for WWE, free from McMahon’s last-minute changes and creative control, and the beginning of ‘The Triple H Era.’
The revelations surrounding WrestleMania 39 highlight the enduring impact of Vince McMahon on WWE, even after his initial departure. His influence on match outcomes and script revisions underscores his continued control over the company’s creative direction. The effects of his influence were felt deeply by the talent, and the creative team.
Also Read: Vince McMahon Wanted To Give Brock Lesnar An Embarrassing Gimmick
