In what could be the biggest behind-the-scenes plot twist in recent WWE history, Brad Blum, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, has decided to drop the corporate championship belt and walk out of the ring… metaphorically speaking. First reported by the wrestling oracle Dave Meltzer, Blum has officially tendered his resignation.
Blum, a key player in WWE’s corporate arena since 2006, worked his way up from Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff right under Vince McMahon’s nose, to an EVP of Operations, and finally to COO just last year after the seismic UFC merger. However, his tenure recently took a hit harder than a chair to the back, as he was named “Corporate Officer No. 2” in the high-profile civil lawsuit against McMahon and John Laurinaitis.
The suit claims Blum played the unsavory role of corporate fixer, setting up former employee Janel Grant in various positions within the company at McMahon’s bidding and without much scrutiny. Even more damning, he reportedly warned McMahon about brewing rumors of an inappropriate relationship.
With McMahon and Laurinaitis now wrestling to keep their legal battle out of the public courts and in private arbitration, the timing of Blum’s exit is as eyebrow-raising as The Rock’s famous arch. While officially it’s all his own decision, the court of public opinion is left wondering if there’s more to this corporate saga.
No clues yet on what’s next for Blum or who might be stepping into his executive wrestling boots. One thing’s for sure: in the WWE, the drama isn’t confined to the ring. Stay tuned as we dig deeper into this corporate royal rumble!