Triple H, not Vince McMahon, had to make some last-minute changes to WWE SmackDown.
According to a report from Mike Johnson of PWInsider, the July 21st episode of WWE SmackDown didn’t play out as had originally been planned. The report notes that the changes were made due to “medical reasons” causing multiple talents to be pulled from the show.
One story is that there were a series of positive COVID-19 tests among talent or at least among people who had been in contact with talent.
It’s been suggested that a planned in-ring segment featuring Adam Pearce and Charlotte Flair was scrapped, leading to the SummerSlam Triple Threat Match between Flair, Auska, and Bianca Belair being confirmed on social media.
Instead, Flair defeated Iyo Sky before being attacked by Asuka. Flair was reportedly originally scheduled to face Zelina Vega.
Is Triple H Still Running In WWE Creative?
Fans have begun accustomed to hearing about late changes to WWE programming, but in recent weeks these changes have more often than not come from Vince McMahon. Back in June, the Executive Chairman caused almost an entire episode of SmackDown to be rewritten, and a number of matches that had been advertised for more than a week were scrapped.
This led to even more speculation suggesting that Triple H’s influence over WWE creative is decreasing by the day. Despite this, it’s been reported that The Game remains largely in control, although McMahon retains the final say.