Earlier this week, TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro stated during a speech to a University of Alabama class that TKO has full control over WWE's creative direction.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, TKO executives do hold the final say over WWE's creative decisions. However, they "almost never use it." There have been complaints backstage that when they do exert their influence, it often happens at the “most inopportune times.”
Meltzer also mentioned that a source familiar with the situation had anticipated potential conflict between TKO and WWE a year in advance, citing "a lot of internal jockeying" encouraged by Ari Emanuel and Shapiro.
After Pat McAfee was revealed as Randy Orton’s mystery caller, reports indicated that TKO's higher-ups, particularly Emanuel, decided to insert the ESPN host into the WrestleMania 42 Night One main event. Following the event, it was reported that McAfee chose to exit the storyline due to significant backlash from fans, WWE talents, and industry veterans.
Last year, TKO enlisted WWE legend Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to help boost ticket sales for the Elimination Chamber. The Rock made an appearance alongside Travis Scott at the PLE, where 17-time World Champion John Cena turned heel and allied with his former rival. However, only Scott showed up during the WrestleMania 41 Night Two main event between Cena and Cody Rhodes, which resulted in considerable backlash from fans.
