During the recent episode of WWE RAW in Birmingham, Becky Lynch, the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, triggered significant backstage unrest with a remark about the late Ozzy Osbourne. Lynch commented that Osbourne’s move to Los Angeles was necessary, implying that without it, she might have died similarly. This statement drew sharp disapproval from Ozzy Osbourne’s daughter, Kelly Osbourne, creating discomfort within WWE.
According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, the situation caused notable embarrassment behind the scenes, with WWE considering whether to issue a public apology to address the backlash.
“I can tell you this was not like, you know, they called her and are doing something together. Kelly Osbourne is not happy. I was told WWE is embarrassed and they are probably going to do an apology. There’s discussion about doing a public apology, I know they talked about doing a private apology,” said Alvarez.
This incident highlights the sensitivity of referencing recent losses, especially in the public eye, and raises questions about how WWE will navigate the fallout in the coming days.
Quiet Staff Layoffs Shake WWE’s Operations
While public attention often focuses on wrestler releases, recent reports suggest WWE quietly let go several behind-the-scenes staff members due to company restructuring. This move occurred without any reported talent cuts, signaling organizational adjustments rather than creative shakeups.
Sean Ross Sapp from Fightful shared on Twitter that these layoffs involved non-wrestling personnel, emphasizing no ringside performers were affected.
“I’m told that there were a few staff layoffs in WWE today, as a result of restructuring. I’ve heard of no talent releases,” Sapp reported.
The announcement of staff layoffs adds to an already tense atmosphere, underscoring the challenges WWE faces off-screen amid broader changes.
European Tour Decisions Affect Superstar Television Appearances
In an unusual move, WWE has reportedly decided not to bring certain superstars to their ongoing Europe tour, resulting in some key talents being absent from RAW and SmackDown broadcasts through next week. This decision means several wrestlers are remaining stateside, though WWE has not clarified what impact this will have on their future storylines or screen time.
Fans noticing absences among their favorite competitors are likely seeing the consequences of this strategic choice during WWE’s European run, adding another layer of uncertainty for those performers.
Potential Match Addition to Clash in Paris 2025 Card
The Clash in Paris 2025 currently features five confirmed matches, with speculation intensifying over the event’s main event. Possible headline bouts include John Cena against Logan Paul or a Fatal-4-Way contest for the World Heavyweight Championship featuring Seth Rollins, CM Punk, Jey Uso, and LA Knight.
Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer revealed discussions about including a Randy Orton versus Drew McIntyre match a day before the event, though this plan remains unconfirmed.
Adding Orton against McIntyre would provide a strong narrative build toward WrestlePalooza next month, where McIntyre is expected to challenge Cody Rhodes. However, the uncertain status of this bout keeps fans guessing as the event approaches.
Implications and Outlook for WWE’s Current Challenges
The recent backstage embarrassment involving Becky Lynch, coupled with silent staff layoffs and complex scheduling decisions, paints a picture of a company navigating multiple pressures simultaneously. The need to address sensitive remarks publicly, manage internal personnel changes, and coordinate talent availability during international tours suggests WWE is confronting an intense period of adjustment.
These developments may influence WWE’s creative direction and operational priorities in the near term, while heightened scrutiny from fans and media could impact the company’s public relations strategies moving forward.
