WWE executive reveals Stephanie McMahon faced locker room heat after controversial decision

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Oct 11, 2024, 10:26 IST

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Stephanie McMahon's first WWE Women's Championship victory faced backlash from both fans and the locker room, with Bruce Prichard revealing that the reaction was rooted in jealousy and perceived undeserved status. Despite controversy, it proved financially beneficial.

WWE executive reveals Stephanie McMahon faced locker room heat after controversial decision

Image via: WWE

Stephanie McMahon, daughter of former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, captured her first championship title on the go-home episode of SmackDown ahead of WrestleMania 16 defeating Jacqueline. Her title reign lasted about 143 days, from March 30, 2000, to August 21, 2000, when she finally lost the title to Lita in the main event of Raw. But considering her debut in 1999, her quest for the title was first-paced, and recently a former WWE executive, Bruce Prichard revealed the locker room reaction after Stephanie secured the title.
Also Read: WWE NXT Hotel Ejects Fan Twice for Alleged Attempt to Take Photos of Female Wrestlers' Feet

Stephanie McMahon faced locker room heat after her first title win

In his WWE career, Vince McMahon has made several creative decisions that opened doors to controversies and sometimes locker-room disappointment. In a recent episode of Something to Wrestle podcast, Bruce Prichard shared the after-reaction of McMahon’s decision to crown his daughter with the championship title.

"She was getting heat from the audience. So, heat from the audience. Heat in the locker room. I don't give a sh*t where the heat is coming from,” Prichard shared adding that the decision was a financial hit. “She's getting heat and it was money-drawing heat. So, I thought it was absolutely the right move because of that, the jealousy, the fact that the audience is saying, 'She doesn't deserve that,'" he added.
Still, the backstage heat was immense and the Billion Dollar Princes faced severe hatred from several superstars at the time.

"And then that goes on into 'whatever real life' if you wanna call it of talent [saying], 'She doesn't deserve that. Who deserves it? Who did you beat? Who did you beat to become the champion?' Now, of course, when you won the title it was real. When you lost the title it was a work. No, man, come on. What's best for business? That was best for business. That was good stuff and it was the right thing to do," Prichard added.
Although Stephanie holds no position in WWE right now, she had a wonderful career in the company from being a pro wrestler to executive positions in the company over the years.
Also Read: Janel Grant’s spokesperson explains her attorney’s recent letter to WWE seeking waived NDAs

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