Shane McMahon announced on Tuesday night that he would be stepping down as the SmackDown Live Commissioner. It was not a shocking revelation considering over the past few weeks he'd been unable to control himself and his actions when it came to staying impartial as the leader of his brand and trying to exact revenge on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn — two competitors he'd developed a true rivalry with. Still, it was an announcement that would set forth a domino of repercussions heading toward the biggest show of the year.
As recently as this past Sunday night, McMahon didn't believe he was at fault when it came to how he'd been dealing with Owens and Zayn. Defending his actions by saying he was consistently provoked, even Renee Young commented on Talking Smack that Shane might have been out of line since his job was to run the show. If Shane-O-Mac didn't think so, why the sudden change?
There are a few reasons Shane—or WWE— decided the son of Vince McMahon was no longer fit to be the SmackDown Live commissioner.
When McMahon was first announced as commissioner, not long after returning to WWE, fans were truly excited. It was amazing to see him return to the WWE after an extended absence, immediately ruffling the feathers of the status quo. Over the past few months, however, that excitement has turned into confusion and boredom for many fans who have critically asked how he can be so involved in the action, so one-sided and act as the commissioner.
He's taken to not getting along with his general manager — the much-loved Daniel Bryan — and his schtick was growing tiresome. Often one to say SmackDown Live was the "land of opportunity," he was proving to be anything but a leader who offered chances to those who deserved them. The show revolved around his drama and took a ton of valued TV time from the up-and-coming talent who deserved a spotlight.
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His issues with certain superstars took a toll on his standing with the fans, as his role became more confusing. As recently as this past Monday, Shane McMahon was proving not to be the leader he necessarily claimed to be. Labeling himself as someone who didn't even watch his competition's show (Raw), Shane was seen at the gorilla position working alongside Vince during a Roman Reigns' segment that appeared on the competitors brand. How could someone who didn't even watch the show be at Raw working?
This was just one example of how McMahon's role was supposed to be clearly defined but isn't. How does he truly represent the show he's supposed to be in charge of if he's moonlighting on the other brand? One has to assume that in showing Shane on television on Monday, WWE knew what they were doing but the mixed signals sent by him being on screen at that exact moment.
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Perhaps, WWE realized Shane McMahon is a better in-ring attraction than an authority figure. While Shane-O-Mac has his supportive fanbase, he's the beloved risk-taker who has no qualms about putting his body on the line. As the commissioner, fans weren't enjoying the Shane McMahon they'd come to love, know and miss during his absence.
Removing him from the spotlight of running the blue brand means he can focus on the one thing fans want to see him do and that is, try and take out Owens and Zayn. There was an element of having to hold back as the commissioner which doesn't exist if he's free to come after his rivals as a competitor.
The other reality here that doesn't often get discussed is the fact that Shane took a long time away from WWE to start his own projects, his own family and not be in the middle of a chaotic behind-the-scenes culture that became simply too much for him.
McMahon's return to WWE was not meant to be permanent. Is it possible he's feeling like he worn out his welcome? Could he be looking for some time away or isn't enjoying himself as much as he did when he first returned?
Whatever the reason for Shane's change in position on WWE television, expect this newfound opportunity to mean some sort of involvement at WrestleMania 34.