Following the shock news of Vince McMahon’s retirement it has been reported that Brock Lesnar has left SmackDown.
As the wrestling world reels from the news that Vince McMahon has retired from his duties as WWE’s CEO and Chairman of the Board, it appears that backstage things are descending into a chaos.
Following reports that there is a meeting due to take place backstage at SmackDown regarding the news, it has been reported that Brock Lesnar left the taping.
It is unclear as to exactly why The Beast has left, any links to McMahon’s announcement remain unsubstantiated at this point. You can see the comments from Bryan Alvarez below.
From several sources, Brock Lesnar has left Smackdown.
— Bryan Alvarez (@bryanalvarez) July 22, 2022
In addition, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp has noted that Brock was “pissed off.”
Also just heard this. Was told Brock was "pissed off" https://t.co/C5IoLk3gIC
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) July 22, 2022
A further report from Alvarez added that “Brock’s line was some derivative of, “If he’s gone, I’m gone.”
Brock's line was some derivative of, "If he's gone, I'm gone."
— Bryan Alvarez (@bryanalvarez) July 22, 2022
Brock Lesnar had been due to appear on SmackDown to build towards his huge SummerSlam clash with Roman Reigns. The pair are currently scheduled to meet in a Last Man Standing Match with the Undisputed WWE Universal WWE Championship on the line.
The news of McMahon’s departure comes just hours after it was announced that Triple H has once again been made Head of Talent relations.
John Laurinaitis who had been serving as Head of Talent Relations was placed on “administrative leave” in June following allegations of serious misconduct. Laurinaitis was replaced on an interim basis by Bruce Prichard.
Inside The Ropes will continue to update this story as it develops.