Throughout both nights of WWE WrestleMania 40, it was emphasized that WWE had entered a new era, and this was reportedly intentional for multiple reasons.
Fightful Select reports that, per sources, the emphasis on the new era was a direct reference to Vince McMahon being gone from the company. Fightful cites another report from WrestleMania week that highlighted the optimism around WWE heading into the first WrestleMania without Vince McMahon’s influence.
The report references Ibou of WrestlePurists saying that someone in WWE noted that they were moving away from the term “sports entertainment.” Fightful echoes this claim and cites a source who notes that pro wrestling is no longer a “dirty word” in the new WWE. In fact, sources noted that there are few dirty words anymore.
Update On Stephanie McMahon’s Appearance At WWE WrestleMania 40
Fightful then writes that one of the few dirty words is Vince McMahon’s name, as he is not to be referenced on WWE programming. The report notes that there is a concentrated effort within WWE to disassociate with Vince McMahon as much as possible.
However, this is not true of Stephanie McMahon, who resigned in January 2023 but made an appearance at WrestleMania 40. The report states that she was welcomed backstage with open arms, and she is well-liked by many.
Fightful cites TKO sources who said that they were supporting Stephanie McMahon on the complicated situation involving Vince McMahon and the lawsuit against him. The report states that there is no word on whether Stephanie McMahon is back in the company in a full-time role, but multiple sources said they would welcome her return.
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