WWE Rumors on Triple H Backstage; Pat McAfee Update; Rey Mysterio Talks Retirement

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

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Triple H Reportedly Monitors Social Media Reaction During Shows Backstage

Since taking over as WWE's head of creative in 2022, Paul "Triple H" Levesque has helped usher in a new golden era in the company, and it sounds like part of his success is due to his commitment to listening to fans.

In a recent Q&A, PWInsider's Mike Johnson revealed that Triple H frequently pays attention to fan feedback, both from live audiences and social media. He even reportedly monitors social media reactions during live shows.

"I've been told there are many times where he is scrolling through Twitter from the Gorilla Position at the broadcasts and paying very close attention to what the audience is doing and reacting to as the shows are going on the air," Johnson wrote (h/t Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News).

Triple H, who holds the title of WWE chief content officer, was a part of some of the most memorable storylines during his in-ring career, so he knows what it takes to captivate an audience. Fans have praised the current product for its story-driven shows and the growth of young Superstars.

However, Triple H has not been free from criticism. A recent example is the new iteration of The Judgment Day reportedly was set to get a name change to "Street Trash." but negative fan reactions on social media influenced WWE to keep the original name.

While Triple H continues running things, fans will continue to let their voices be heard, as they have the power to make a difference in WWE's creative plans.

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Pat McAfee Revealed Return Timeline in Untelevised Moment

During the Aug. 19 episode of Monday Night Raw, it was announced that WWE color commentator Pat McAfee will be taking a hiatus for a while.

McAfee, who works as a college football analyst on ESPN, will now turn his attention toward the start of the 2024 season. He will be hosting the first episode of College GameDay live from Dublin, Ireland.

During an untelevised moment on his last episode of Raw, McAfee addressed the WWE Universe and revealed how long he expects to be away from the company.

"Tonight will actually be my last Raw for about four months or so," McAfee said (h/t Nikunj Walia of Ringside News).

McAfee also took the time to thank the WWE ring crew, camera workers and backstage personnel. He also praised his broadcast partner Michael Cole, calling it a dream come true to work alongside the legendary lead commentator.

McAfee brought a refreshing energy to the broadcast table. He and Cole had a lot of chemistry with one another and produced multiple fun moments together.

It has not yet been announced who will replace McAfee alongside Cole on Monday Night Raw going forward.

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Rey Mysterio Discusses Potential Retirement Plan

WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio knows that the end of his legendary career is drawing nearer, and he already has an idea as to how he'd like things to play out.

While speaking to Busted Open Radio during Fanatics Fest in New York City, Mysterio didn't reveal a timeline as to when his retirement will happen, but he discussed his ideal scenario for how he wants to hang up his wrestling boots.

"I think what's left is to be able to plan a nice sunset and be able to thank everyone that has followed and supported me throughout the years, and give them, when the time is right, a good farewell," Mysterio said (h/t H. Jenkins of Ringside News). "Not something that'll happen one time and then I come back and do it again. Maybe a farewell tour. Something that can mean something to me and everyone that will be there. Whether it's every city, a country, 'this is the last time we'll be together.'"

Mysterio, who turns 50 years old in December, is the leader of the LWO faction and competes for WWE's Raw brand. His last televised match was a tag-team bout on the July 8 edition of Monday Night Raw.

A revolutionary wrestler and a pioneer of the high-flying style of lucha libre, Mysterio has accomplished all there is in the wrestling business. He even helped establish his son, Dominik Mysterio, as one of the top heels in WWE today.

With the end of Mysterio's career on the horizon, fans will be sure to enjoy his presence in WWE for as long as they still can.

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