The summer of 2022 was a turbulent one for WWE. A June Wall Street Journal revealed allegations of sexual misconduct and hush money payments that included both Vince McMahon and then-Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis, leading to a massive shift in the corporate structure of the company.
Laurinaitis was placed on administrative leave and later quietly released from WWE amidst reports that he was being investigated by WWE’s Board of Directors in regard to a “$1.5 million nondisclosure agreement reached in 2012 with an employee.” Laurinaitis stepped down from his role as Head of Talent Relations at around the same time that the deal with the employee was reached. It is alleged that Laurinaitis demoted the woman after she ended their affair.
In addition to Johnny Ace being released from WWE, Vince McMahon announced his retirement from the company in July, though news broke today that he is making a return despite an overwhelming consensus that his presence isn’t welcome.
John Laurinaitis Will No Longer Appear At WrestleCon Due To Negative Reaction From Fans
While he kept a low profile after being let go from WWE, it was announced on January 4th that Bobby Fulton’s Big Time Collectibles would be bringing John Laurinaitis to WrestleCon in Los Angeles over the 2023 WrestleMania weekend. However, according to a now-deleted message on Bobby Fulton‘s Twitter account, the appearance is no longer happening due to backlash from fans about bringing in the disgraced former WWE executive. The tweet read as follows:
“Yesterday we announced John Laurinaitis would be doing an appearance with Big Time Collectibles. Upon announcement we received only negative feedback. After much consideration we have decided to not work with him. We apologize to those that were offended by us working with him.”
After news of allegations against John Laurinaitis surfaced, former WWE Tag Team Champion Rene Dupree said that the claims were only the “tip of the iceberg.” AEW commentator and fellow former Executive Vice President of Talent Relations Jim Ross didn’t mince words when commenting about Laurinaitis, saying he deserves the misery he’s living.