Sources indicate that Vince McMahon played a decisive role in the cancellation of a scheduled Seth Rollins match, despite Triple H holding the creative reins in WWE during 2023. The Seth Rollins match canceled saga highlights lingering power shifts behind WWE’s booking, particularly as McMahon’s influence clashed with official titles.
Vince McMahon’s Continued Control Over WWE Creative Decisions
In the year 2023, Vince McMahon’s grip on WWE creative was still strong, even after his initial retirement in mid-2022 and subsequent return in January 2023. Although Triple H was promoted to chief content officer, his role required him to get creative decisions vetted by McMahon, who ultimately had the last word on major matters. This dynamic meant that, despite new titles and promotions, final approval for significant changes remained with McMahon until his resignation from TKO in early 2024.
Seth Rollins vs. Johnny Gargano in Cleveland: The Canceled Match
According to Ibou of Self Made Pro Wrestling, one prominent example of this lingering influence was the abrupt cancellation of a World Heavyweight Championship match between Seth Rollins and Johnny Gargano, which was set to take place at a Monday Night Raw in Cleveland. Instead of this highly anticipated bout, the show was restructured so that Ciampa returned to face The Miz. The intended storyline, which also would have included Ciampa’s return and possible new directions for several wrestlers, was upended at the last minute.
“The most heavy handed Vince interference was a Cleveland RAW where Gargano was going to wrestle Seth Rollins and Ciampa was going to return. It was turned into Ciampa returning to face Miz. Vince’s presence is what delayed Bronson Reed’s push, JD McDonagh joining judgment Day and DIYs reunion,”
Ibou tweeted. – Ibou of Self Made Pro Wrestling
McMahon’s impact extended beyond this match, reportedly delaying the elevation of Bronson Reed, JD McDonagh’s association with Judgment Day, and the reunion of the DIY tag team. These abrupt changes reflected ongoing tensions and uncertainty among WWE talent regarding the continuity of their storylines and pushes.
Triple H and Nick Khan’s Leadership After McMahon’s Departure
Following McMahon’s exit from TKO in January 2024, the balance of power within WWE booking shifted again. Triple H, together with Nick Khan, assumed greater autonomy over storytelling and match decisions. Industry observers widely believe that the removal of McMahon’s veto power has paved the way for different creative directions, with Triple H and Khan regarded as the current final decision-makers for the organization’s future narratives.
Triple H’s Position in WWE: Insights from Bruce Prichard
Over the years, some wrestling insiders have speculated that Triple H’s backstage influence was due to his marriage to Stephanie McMahon, Vince’s daughter. However, Bruce Prichard addressed these claims in a recent edition of his podcast, offering a pointed defense of Triple H’s merit in the company.
“If he had married Betty down the street, he’d still be in the same position he is in today. Because he still has those qualifications. He still has that love and that desire for the business, and that’s what I appreciate as well is we do share the same love and appreciation for the business,”
Prichard said. [H/T Fightful] – Bruce Prichard, WWE Executive
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon began their relationship in 2000 after being paired together in a storyline and married in 2003. Together, they have three daughters and have remained visible as a power couple in wrestling, but Prichard’s comments reinforce the belief that Triple H’s current leadership role is a result of his long-standing commitment and capabilities within the industry.
What the Future Holds for WWE Creative
The forced cancellation of the Seth Rollins match against Johnny Gargano in Cleveland serves as a prominent example of the complex backstage dynamics that WWE talent faces. With McMahon now departed from the company, Triple H and Nick Khan’s stewardship may allow for more stable and consistent creative planning. As the WWE moves forward in 2024, fans and insiders alike are closely watching how this renewed leadership dynamic shapes future storylines and opportunities for wrestlers across the roster.
On major decisions. The way it worked in practice on a week to week basis is he would edit the TV rundowns that Hunter and co put together and it would typically be things like shortening a Bronson Reed vs Shinsuke Nakamura tv match, or taking Tegan Nox and Johnny Gargano off the… https://t.co/Jj1AL2sgDH
— Ibou, of Self Made (@BackupHangman) December 30, 2025
