Another longtime WWE executive departed the company today according to a new report.
According to Fightful Select, Adam Hopkins, who had been serving as WWE Vice President of Communications, is gone after more than 25 years with the sports entertainment giant. The report notes that he held multiple communications-related roles during his decades-long tenure with the company before moving into his Vice President spot.
A follow-up report from WrestlingNews.co explains that Hopkins was the main point of contact for media inquiries when the company needed to issue a statement, and he also helped set up talent interviews. The report states that he was seen as incredibly valuable in his position, which makes his departure even more of a surprise.
In a reply to Sean Ross Sapp’s tweet about Hopkins’ departure, former WWE Champion Big E had this to say, praising the executive for his professionalism:
“A true professional and a great human. Really going to miss A Hop.”
A true professional and a great human. Really going to miss A Hop.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) January 17, 2023
Adam Hopkins’ Departure Comes Amidst Major Changes To The WWE Landscape
Hopkins’ departure is the latest in a long line of changes to the landscape of the sports entertainment giant in recent months. After retiring in July amidst an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct and hush money payments, Vince McMahon announced on January 5th that as majority shareholder in the company, he was electing himself back to the Board of Directors along with former co-presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios, who had been fired during his previous regime.
McMahon’s return is said to be in order to help facilitate a sale of WWE.
Days later, Stephanie McMahon announced her resignation from the company, and a recent report indicates that Vince McMahon himself removed Stephanie from power. In the wake of her father’s retirement, Stephanie was named co-CEO of the company alongside Nick Khan, and Khan now serves as sole CEO.
Moments after Stephanie McMahon’s resignation became public knowledge, it was revealed in a public press release that Vince McMahon had been unanimously elected Executive Chairman of the Board.
According to reports from recent talent meetings within the company, Triple H is still serving as Chief Content Officer and is said to be firmly in control of creative decisions and talent. Many backstage have expressed serious concern about Vince McMahon regaining creative control after returning to the company.