CM Punk Compares Triple H And Vince McMahon’s Leadership Styles

CM Punk appeared on Friday’s edition of The Pat McAfee Show, where he discussed a range of topics, including the differences between working under Triple H and Vince McMahon.

Punk highlighted Triple H’s openness to feedback and willingness to consider other people’s ideas—something he believes was less common under McMahon. However, he also acknowledged the importance of having a definitive leader in charge.

“I think he’s receptive to other people’s ideas, whereas maybe Vince wasn’t. He was like, ‘I’m the boss. We’re doing this, and this is how we’re doing it.’ And that’s great. If you run a company, you need somebody who is the yes and no man and [has] the final say.”

Punk continued, emphasizing Triple H’s collaborative approach:

“But I think Triple H thinks he’s surrounded, and oftentimes is, by a lot of really, really genius wrestling minds. If he has an idea or see something one way, he’ll look at Michael Hayes and be like, ‘What do you think?’ He’ll turn and look at Paul Heyman. These are people who have Bonafide resumes. They have literally done everything you possibly could do in the sport. I think their voices should be heard. Not all the time everybody’s going to have this dynamite idea. But I think the best idea always wins in today’s WWE.”

WWE legend's name added to Janel Grant's blockbuster lawsuit against Vince McMahon

The blockbuster lawsuit being brought against Vince McMahon and the WWE by former employee Janel Grant has been ammended to include the name of WWE and UFC legend.

In the 104-page lawsuit, Grant now alleges that she was offered to Brock Lesnar “for a sexual encounter” during his contract negotiations with the WWE. In addition, Grant allleges that she was told to sent sexual content to the former WWE champion. It was reported earlier this month that Grant was planning to alter the suit.

The new allegations involving Lesnar come alongside further accusations that McMahon was active in trafficking Grant during her time working at the WWE.

“Ms. Grant's amended complaint reveals new details. That further demonstrates the sexual abuse Janel Grant suffered at the hands of Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis and pulls back the curtain on the dangerous workplace culture McMahon created at WWE. Ms. Grant looks forward to holding her abusers accountable in a court of law,” Grant’s lawyer Ann Callis said in a statement.

The lawsuit was submitted to the U.S. District Court in Connecticut. Grant alleges that the WWE was negligent in allowing McMahon’s behavior to go on unchecked. One of the men previously name in the lawsuit, John Laurinaitis, claims that he too was a victim of McMahon.

Another WWE legend, Michael Hayes, is also named in the new filing with Grant alleging that McMahon told her to make pornographic content for him. At the time, Hayes worked as part of the wrestling company’s creative team.

Other names in the new complaint include Vince McMahon’s daughter and former co-CEO Stephanie McMahon, WWE President Nick Khan, former COO Brad Blum and former legal executive Brian Nurse.

In another section, Grant accuses McMahon of sending her nude photos to others without her consent. At one point, Grant also says that McMahon recorded her naked while he was on a video call with Laurinaitis.

Grant originally accused McMahon and Laurinaitis of sexually assaulting her inside of WWE’s office.

Text messages in the new filing detail McMahon discussing his authority in arranging her sexual encounters and discussing his fantasies involving her. In a voice message, McMahon allegedly pressed Grant to sign an NDA “really f*****g fast.”

In another message, he allegedly wrote: “I’m the only one who owns U and controls who I want to f*** you.”

Vince McMahon’s representatives have responded to the new allegations.

“As expected, the proposed amended complaint is nothing more than the latest publicity stunt in an ongoing smear campaign. It is filled with desperate falsehoods from a team that continues to disregard the law and the truth,” the statement, given to reporter BJ Bethel.

Bruce Prichard And Michael Hayes On Temporary Leave From WWE

Longtime WWE creative members Bruce Prichard and Michael Hayes are currently on leave, according to a new report.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reports that Bruce Prichard, 61, and Michael Hayes, 65, are currently on temporary leave, per multiple WWE sources, The report notes that both are expected back. However, the timeframe is said to be indefinite.

Meltzer writes that Bruce Prichard’s absence is officially said to be due to a family emergency. Meanwhile, personal issues are the reason for Hayes’ absence.

The report notes that there is no connection between the two being on leave. Sources in WWE emphasized that it was not a sign of the “old guard being moved out.” They reiterated that both would be back.

Bruce Prichard has been a key figure of the WWE creative team, even after Vince McMahon’s departure, and he works directly under Triple H. Hayes has been with WWE since 1995, and he has been a high-ranking member of the creative team for years.

Hayes has consistently worked on the Bloodline storyline in recent years, as he has consistently been the agent for the matches and segments involved.

Bret Hart Apologizes to Michael Hayes for Comments He Made About The Fabulous Freebirds, Also Apologizes to Triple H and Seth Rollins

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart had some harsh words for The Fabulous Freebirds in a recent Forbes interview, and below is an excerpt of what Hart had to say:

“Why have they been overlooked when you can induct the Freebirds, who never did squat in WWE? Ever. Never drew any money, never did anything. When I remember the Freebirds, they were all drunk and passed out at the gate at one of the airports in my first day in WWF. None of them even made the show that day, they were too drunk to make their plane.”

Hart has since apologized to Michael “PS” Hayes, as he posted the following on Facebook:

I’d like to take this opportunity to formally apologize to Michael Hayes. A while back I made comments about the Freebirds not being as worthy of being in the WWE Hall of Fame as others. It was unfair for me to dismiss their contributions to the industry and they certainly did great things in Texas with the Von Erich Family. Michael Hayes always treated me with great respect, as did Terry Gordy, Ronnie Garvin and Buddy Roberts and I’m sorry if I disrespected any of them with my comments. Furthermore I apologize to both Triple H and Seth Rollins for any hurtful comments I made on my podcast. The reality of all this is the reason I quit doing podcasts in general, because they’re for the most part an outlet for negativity, and have left me with a reputation as being angry and bitter. I’m not, I’d spoke candidly and openly but it’s no excuse for minimizing other wrestlers or their contributions. In saying all that, I still believe Jim the Anvil Neidhart of the Hart Foundation, including Owen, Brian Pillman, Davey Boy Smith, The Dynamite Kid, Jimmy Hart, The Rougeau Brothers, The Killer Bees, The Demolition, Rick Rude, King Kong Bundy, and One Man Gang all deserve their place in the WWE Hall of Fame. My apologies to all. Bret Hart x

WWE Network Unveils WrestleMania Week Programming

The Fabulous Freebirds to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016

The Fabulous Freebirds, one of the most infamous and influential groups in sport-entertainment history, will finally be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on the eve of WrestleMania 32. As first reported by Rolling Stone, The Freebirds will be immortalized in Dallas, the city they famously antagonized in their heyday.

The group was founded in 1979, when Michael “P.S.” Hayes, Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy and Buddy “Jack” Roberts joined forces to wreak havoc on professional wrestling. Gordy provided raw power and fury, Roberts lent his technical prowess and Hayes was dripping with charisma that made sure the spotlight was always on them. The Fabulous Freebirds quickly found success in the Georgia territory, where they captured the NWA National Tag Team Titles and instituted the “Freebird Rule,” where any two members of the trio could defend the titles.

After running roughshod through Georgia, The Freebirds made their way to Texas and World Class Championship Wrestling, where their careers changed forever. On Christmas Night 1982, during Kerry Von Erich’s NWA World Title Steel Cage Match with Ric Flair, Gordy slammed the cage door shut on Von Erich’s head, costing him the title and setting off a rivalry that would captivate The Lone Star State during the ’80s. The ruthless Freebirds battled the clean-cut Von Erich family in some of the most heated wars in squared circle history.

It was during this time that the Freebirds revolutionized the industry in another way. After years of using Lynyrd Skynyrd’s southern rock anthem “Freebird” as their entrance music, Hayes recorded “Badstreet U.S.A.” in 1983, a hard-rocking tune that became synonymous with the group and opened the door for competitors to have individual, original entrance music...More?

Ric Flair Talks About the WWE RAW Ending with Paige and Charlotte

This week's Monday Night Raw made waves, but perhaps not in the manner in which WWE wanted. The show closed with a controversial angle that saw Paige bring up Charlotte's deceased brother Reid. Many fans, wrestlers, and even Reid's mother thought it was in bad taste.

Ric Flair, Reid's father spoke out on his CBS Radio and Play.it Wooo! Nation podcast, about the controversy and said that he was never approached about his feelings regarding the angle.

Flair also said that his daughter Ashley, better known as Charlotte, was probably too afraid to shoot down the angle because she's not been on the roster very long.

"Obviously I have an opinion, but I'm afraid to voice it because I don't want anything to affect Ashley's career," said Ric. "I know that Hunter and Stephanie and Michael Hayes have her back. I don't think she feels she's comfortable enough to say 'no' to anything yet, she's only been up there three-months"

Flair mentioned that just because Charlotte is the current Divas Title holder, it's still tough for anyone to say no to storyline ideas on the WWE main roster.

"It's a pressure cooker, and a tough spot to be in," Flair explained. "If you're asked to do something, that's pretty much the way things operate up there. Everybody walks on pins and needles. Just because you're the champ, doesn't mean you say no. It's a very sensitive issue, it's very new. I know her mom is on fire. I'm not going out on a limb to say what I think."

Flair very clearly wasn't happy with the angle, and wasn't approached prior or after it happened on television, saying "I never heard a word about it. I started crying when I was watching." He reiterated that Triple H, Stephanie and Michael Hayes wouldn't do anything to intentionally hurt Charlotte.

Flair said that even though he wasn't approached, he doesn't think it would have mattered.

"I don't think that it would have made any difference. If they ask you to do something, what is she going to say? 'No, I quit?," Flair said, before asking his co-host what the fans on the internet thought

Flair also mentioned that he'd be in Atlanta for Survivor Series, and that he thinks this situation will be old news be then. You can hear the full, emotional podcast over at the Play.it podcast network this link.

Triple H, Chyna And Others Attend Private Funeral For Roddy Piper Earlier This Week

A private funeral for WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper was held in Portland on August 11th, attended by family and friends. Ric Flair was among those that spoke.

Notable names who attended were Triple H, Chyna, Chael Sonnen, Michael Hayes, Brian Knobbs and Bret Hart. Triple H and Chyna were reportedly in the same room for about an hour but never spoke. Vince McMahon was not there.

Terry Taylor & Michael "PS" Hayes Receive Awards

The 2014 Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion took place this weekend at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas with many wrestling legends in attendance. Gerald Brisco presented Michael "PS" Hayes with the Lou Thesz Award, which is a lifetime achievement award and Jim Ross presented Terry Taylor with the Iron Mike Award, the CAC's top honor.

Ross noted in a blog last week that WWE had 4 tables reserved for the reunion. We've heard in the past that WWE had reserved 1 or 2 tables but never 4. No word yet on who attended on their behalf.

Michael Hayes Update

According to prowrestling.net, Michael Hayes returned to work at the WWE Raw show today. Back on October 10th, Hayes took "a leave of absence for personal reasons." Rumor has it that Hayes was in rehab at the insistance of WWE.

Update On The Status Of Michael Hayes

WWE has requested that Hayes enter rehab and that so far, he has “seemed agreeable.” There is no timetable yet for his return to WWE. Hayes was suspended in October after reports surfaced that he was seen having a drink at a bar with Rosa Mendes (who has a history of substance abuse and recently completed WWE-funded rehab).

Rumor Mill - Major WWE Shakeup Happens Behind The Scenes

In a story that WWE is trying to keep as quiet as possible, Vince McMahon has taken back over as head of creative, replacing Stephanie McMahon. While Stephanie is still listed publicly as the Executive of Vice President of Creative, Vince has taken back a lot of the power that was given to Stephanie years ago. This was done in part because of Stephanie being busy raising her children and now being back on television as a regular performer. She was believed to be fine with her father assisting more to help relieve all the pressure.

However, the rest of the creative team isn’t as happy. The feeling from a source close to the writers is that Vince is rearranging the shows more than ever before and no longer has to show deference to his daughter. The reason WWE is trying to keep the story quiet is they don’t want the change to paint Stephanie in a negative light. It’s quite possible that WWE never mentions it to the public. Stephanie could very well maintain her title as EVP of Creative but make no mistake about it, Vince is once again the head.

The suspension of Michael Hayes has played a part in Vince feeling he needed to take a larger role. We do not have further clarification on Hayes’ status at this time. Hayes was suspended indefinitely by WWE for drinking with Rosa Mendes just days after she returned to the work after a stint in rehab for substance abuse. WWE officials were shocked at his actions and decided they were insensitive enough to suspend him.

WWE Issues Statement Regarding Michael Hayes

Somebody from WWE reportedly issued the following statement to PWInsider.com regarding Michael Hayes being sent home:

"Michael is taking a leave of absence for personal reasons."

As previously reported, the rumor going around is that Hayes was suspended indefinitely for allegedly offering alcohol to WWE Diva Rosa Mendes who is known to have an alcohol problem that she just got out of rehab for.

Rumor Mill - Michael Hayes Suspended for Incident with Rosa Mendes?

Michael Hayes was reportedly seen drinking at a bar with Rosa Mendes following a WWE event a few weeks ago and subsequently suspended as a result. The story was broke by former WWE creative writer Court Bauer on his “Bauer + Pollock #20” podcast. According to Bauer, the suspension is for a “few weeks” and Hayes isn’t going anywhere. Bauer feels had it been anyone else, he would have been fired.

Mendes has a history of alcohol problems and was sent to rehab shortly following problematic behavior on WWE’s post-Wrestlemania European tour in April. Mendes has been back on the road for the last few weeks after a prolonged absence and worked in the 6-Divas tag team match on this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw. Earlier on Wednesday, I was told that Hayes was noticeably absent from TVs but wasn’t given a reason as to why.

Hayes currently works as WWE’s head of road agents/producers.

You can listen to Court Bauer’s latest podcast with John Pollock here.

Rumor Mill - Details on Recent WWE Creative Changes, Why WWE Asked David Kreizman to Stay, More

WWE head writer David Kreizman was talked into staying until mid-August because his original direction of things were building to SummerSlam and they wanted him to stay until the completion of his direction. Plus, WWE wants him to help train whoever they hire as his replacement. There was a feeling that the new writer would have problems with the pressure building to SummerSlam, whereas now he can ease into the role, get comfortable from September through December before the WrestleMania season pressure starts.

Regarding the creative situation, Stephanie McMahon's role has been minimized as she's only involved when needed. Brian James has been put into creative because they want someone who has a pro wrestling perspective to be in with the soap opera and TV writers because Michael Hayes isn't in the office regularly anymore. Hayes is on conference via phone at major meetings but they want a wrestling person at the meetings as well.

When it comes to the re-writes on Mondays and Tuesdays, David Kapoor (Ranjin Singh) has been in charge of those but his position has changed. Kapoor delegates the workload to the writers after Vince McMahon makes all the changes. He also interacts with TV people, the App people and the WWE.com people to make sure they all know of the changes.

Ed Koskey is now the lead writer for RAW while Ryan Ward, who got rave reviews for his work as NXT's writer, has been promoted to the lead writer of SmackDown.

source: wrestling observer

This Day In Wrestling History - The Birth of Austin 3:16

It's somewhat odd to think of but in a roundabout way, The Kliq -- and Triple H, specifically -- are indirectly responsible (at least partially) for the booming success of Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Back in early 1996, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, two of The Kliq's members, were leaving the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) for the larger contracts and guaranteed main event slots being offered by World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Shawn Michaels and Triple H, however, were staying behind. During a house show at Madison Square Garden in May, the four orchestrated a small ceremony to say goodbye, in which each member got into the ring at the end of the night and hugged each other before giving a curtain call.

This was a major breach of kayfabe, as the group consisted of both heels and babyfaces, and showed enough lack of professionalism that someone had to be punished. With Hall and Nash leaving the company and Michaels the WWF champion at the time, that left Triple H to take the fall. This was unfortunate timing, too, for him, at least. That's because he was penciled in to win the King of the Ring tournament the very next month to begin a big push.

Instead, that push went to a rising star in the company, Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Last we left "The Rattlesnake," he was losing a Caribbean Strap match to Savio Vega at In Your House: Beware of Dog 2, which served to rid Austin of his manager at the time, Ted DiBiase. He entered the King of the Ring tournament immediately after and advanced by defeating Bob Holly in the first round and getting his win back on Vega in the second.

That led him to the pay-per-view (PPV) and a match-up against Marc Mero in the semifinals, which he won after a damn fine 17-minute match that saw him get his lip busted open. Because of this, he had to go straight to the hospital while the event continued on before returning later to meet Jake "The Snake" Roberts in the final.

Stone Cold made it back in time and the two had a mostly underwhelming match. Roberts had his ribs busted up earlier in the night by Vader after their match ended and he was selling that injury all throughout the match. Austin, of course, used it as his focal point before ending it just under five minutes in with the Stone Cold Stunner, a finisher he had just started using at that time.

The match itself was quickly forgotten but the promo Austin cut during his coronation will live on forever in the annals of pro wrestling lore.

Roberts was using a born again Christian gimmick at that time, as he had recently converted to as much in his real life. So Austin used it for inspiration in his promo and created one of the most famous catchphrases in pro wrestling history

source: cagesideseats.com

This Day in Wrestling History - The Birth of Austin 3:16

It's somewhat odd to think of but in a roundabout way, The Kliq -- and Triple H, specifically -- are indirectly responsible (at least partially) for the booming success of Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Back in early 1996, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, two of The Kliq's members, were leaving the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) for the larger contracts and guaranteed main event slots being offered by World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Shawn Michaels and Triple H, however, were staying behind. During a house show at Madison Square Garden in May, the four orchestrated a small ceremony to say goodbye, in which each member got into the ring at the end of the night and hugged each other before giving a curtain call.

This was a major breach of kayfabe, as the group consisted of both heels and babyfaces, and showed enough lack of professionalism that someone had to be punished. With Hall and Nash leaving the company and Michaels the WWF champion at the time, that left Triple H to take the fall. This was unfortunate timing, too, for him, at least. That's because he was penciled in to win the King of the Ring tournament the very next month to begin a big push.

Instead, that push went to a rising star in the company, Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Last we left "The Rattlesnake," he was losing a Caribbean Strap match to Savio Vega at In Your House: Beware of Dog 2, which served to rid Austin of his manager at the time, Ted DiBiase. He entered the King of the Ring tournament immediately after and advanced by defeating Bob Holly in the first round and getting his win back on Vega in the second.

That led him to the pay-per-view (PPV) and a match-up against Marc Mero in the semifinals, which he won after a damn fine 17-minute match that saw him get his lip busted open. Because of this, he had to go straight to the hospital while the event continued on before returning later to meet Jake "The Snake" Roberts in the final.

Stone Cold made it back in time and the two had a mostly underwhelming match. Roberts had his ribs busted up earlier in the night by Vader after their match ended and he was selling that injury all throughout the match. Austin, of course, used it as his focal point before ending it just under five minutes in with the Stone Cold Stunner, a finisher he had just started using at that time.

The match itself was quickly forgotten but the promo Austin cut during his coronation will live on forever in the annals of pro wrestling lore.

Roberts was using a born again Christian gimmick at that time, as he had recently converted to as much in his real life. So Austin used it for inspiration in his promo and created one of the most famous catchphrases in pro wrestling history

source: cagesideseats.com

More on Michael Hayes' New Role in WWE

Michael Hayes, who has been moved from a position as the head writer of SmackDown to the old position John Laurinaitis had as the head of the agents/producers, will be working closely with producers to set out a basic framework of "where to go with the matches." He will continue to work with Vince McMahon and Triple H (who is taking on a stronger role working with developmental) on big show major finishes as well. The level of heirarchy in terms of creative will now be Vince as the final say, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H below him, Hayes and Brian Gewirtz on a level below that and Ed Koskey and David Kapoor below that. The advantage of moving Hayes to this new role is that he can pitch ideas for both Raw and SmackDown now.

source: the wrestling observer newsletter

Details on Recent Changes to the WWE Creative Team

There have been some significant changes to the WWE creative team lately as Brian Gewirtz is no longer the RAW head writer and Michael Hayes is no longer the SmackDown head writer as both have been moved a step above the head writer position.

Gewirtz’s role now is to give ideas and set up the main direction for both shows, and transmit the ideas Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon have for what they want on the show. Hayes’ new role is to be the guy who also gives ideas for both RAW and SmackDown, but he’s also the guy who oversees the agents and tells them what key things have to be included in TV matches.

David Kapoor (Ranjin Singh) is now the head of RAW as he and his staff put together the scripts, but he is the actual writer. Ed Koskey is now doing the same thing on the SmackDown side. Both Koskey and Kapoor report to Brian Gewirtz, who reports to Stephanie McMahon, who then reports back to Vince McMahon. Hayes will also be working with Vince and Triple H on major show finishes.

Stephanie McMahon recently hired a man named Ian Jones for the new position of show runner. The buzz coming out of the company is that Jones has limited or no pro wrestling background. His role is described as essentially managing the television product.

sources: wrestling observer newsletter and prowrestling.net

Rumor Mill - More WWE Writing Team Shakeups Expected

WrestleZone.com is reporting that there are more shakeups on the WWE writing team expected after Ed Koskey's promotion to the lead writer of SmackDown.

Stephanie McMahon is said to be revamping the manner in which the TV shows will be pitched to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, and Koskey's promotion was only the first in several steps.

In a related note, WrestleZone confirmed earlier this evening that although there are widespread reports that Michael Hayes has been moved into a management position, he is still very much a part of the writing team and has even been promoted a little bit to work alongside Brian Gewirtz on the "wrestling" end of the writing team hierarchy. Hayes will still report to Stephanie McMahon.