One year can change a lot.
In the recent Inside The Rumble 3 feature, we spoke heavily about how our contacts within and around WWE had stated that morale had never been lower in the company than it was around the time of the Royal Rumble in 2022. That's shifted significantly based on the follow ups from this year.
Vince McMahon was not seen at the Royal Rumble, and his creative influence was not felt on the show. Those that we've heard back from have stated that from a day to day and weekly basis, the atmosphere is much more laid back. One of the only reminders of Vince's influence remains the "Vince's office" directional sign that hasn't been changed since he left, but points to a section of the backstage area that is completely different. One source says it's not like anyone is fearful of bringing up his name, but generally most haven't really asked much since Triple H, Nick Khan and Kevin Dunn held meetings assuring the roster that McMahon wouldn't be involved in creative or talent relations.
One talent that had noted to us that the process of the Rumble itself was the easiest in a long time without Vince McMahon at the helm, and that there were way less last minute changes. That talent also said that you can't really count 2021 towards that because of COVID, but that this year's was a dream compared to last year's nightmare.
Even NXT talent that Fightful spoke to expressed optimism now that the one-year ban on NXT talent being in the Rumble was lifted.
Talent also spoke of the main event segment being a "new age curtain sellout" with many people quietly around monitors watching the Bloodline/Sami Zayn angle play out.
The only complaints that we heard of were about the Hardy performance cutting into the time of others, and some minor transitional things that they believe the current regime will get used to.
Since publishing this original article, we've had several talent reaching out to echo the sentiments and say that the 2023 Royal Rumble was a much more enjoyable experience.
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