WWE's Executive Producer and Chief of Global Television Production Kevin Dunn is someone wrestling fans haven't seen much, but have heard about at one point in their lives.
He's also known for being Vince McMahon's right-hand man who just can't find himself disagreeing over anything his boss says. Some really talented guys have lost their position in WWE after conflicts with McMahon at one point in their careers, but Kevin has only gotten promoted to bigger and bigger roles over the years.
Updated on December 6th, 2021 by Patrick Mocella: With the drastic rebranding of WWE NXT into "NXT 2.0" it's clear that Kevin Dunn's stranglehold on WWE's presentation is not going anywhere any time soon. This drastic change to NXT programming is much more in line with Vince McMahon's and Dunn's sensibilities as compared to the Triple H helmed NXT of years prior. On the whole, fans have not reacted well to these changes which has no doubt fueled further anger towards the right-hand of WWE's CEO. Combine this with a recent story from Jon Moxley's book about how Dunn screwed him over and it's easy to see why Dunn is not loved by many in and out of WWE.
So, Who Is Kevin Dunn?
In simple words, he's the guy who handles the television department in WWE. He's responsible for producing the television shows for WWE every single week, including the pay-per-views.
Kevin joined WWE back in the '80s as an associate producer and has since only risen through ranks in the company. He's also one of the longest-tenured employees in WWE and this longevity has gained him the complete trust of Vince McMahon.
How Kevin Got A Job In WWE
His father, Dennis Dunn, was close to Vince's father. Dennis was also the Executive Producer of Intermedia Productions and used to produce and manage WWE programming from 1972-83. One night his car caught fire, with tapings of WWE shows inside it, and he risked his life to save those. If Dunn hadn't done that, WWE would've gotten into serious trouble. So for this, Vince McMahon Sr. promised Dennis that he would forever take care of him and his son, and they will have a WWE job for their whole lives.
Kevin was one of WWE's early employees when Vince McMahon Jr. took over the company and both are very close to each other. Because of that, Dunn not only had control over the production of WWE programming but also a lot of creative control in WWE.
Dunn Is Responsible For Halting Many Wrestlers' Pushes
Dunn has been criticized by many wrestling fans for stopping the pushes from many wrestlers. Many wrestlers were de-pushed because of their accents too that Dunn didn't like including Becky Lynch and Sheamus. He also once lambasted John Morrison during Tough Enough's season two because all he wanted to do was to "run and flip and jump."
Recently, it was revealed that Dunn "didn't get" Billie Kay and didn't think she would go far as a performer in WWE. Dunn also has issues with Triple H, and many said that this is the reason why many NXT guys don't get over on the main roster. Once Kevin's crew missed a shot of The Shield standing tall over the fallen body of The Game and he wasn't happy about it. Fans believed that Dunn did it on purpose. Because of their differences, wrestling fans also believe that if Triple H takes over WWE, Dunn will be one of the first people to lose their jobs.
He Loves Constant Camera Cuts
Fans may not personally know Kevin Dunn, but they certainly know his producing style. Shaky cameras and constant cuts between wrestling moves are one of the things that fans don't like about WWE and that all happens because of Dunn.
Jim Cornette is one of the guys who genuinely hates Kevin Dunn. Cornette has even made fun of him multiple times in his shoot interviews and even made fun of his teeth by calling him, Bucky Beaver.
Jon Moxley is another member of the Kevin Dunn hate club. In his recent book titled MOX, he detailed a story about Dunn forcing him to apologize to the production team for mouthing a swear word on WWE TV. A relatively minor offense in the grand scheme of things, but Dunn accepted his apology. But days later, Dunn demanded that Moxley apologize to the entire production truck. Moxley also added:
"The reality in a place like WWE is that one comment, one little seed planted by a guy in Kevin Dunn’s position can be extremely detrimental to someone’s future there. That’s a lot of power, and power breeds ego. Connecticut … old, rich boys’ club ego."
Even Paul Bearer, who's very respected in the wrestling community, disliked Dunn and talked about it publicly. If someone as beloved and usually wholesome as Paul Bearer has negative things to say about you, then you are surely doing something wrong.
Kevin Dunn Doesn't Like Wrestling
There's nothing Kevin Dunn hates more than the word "wrestling." There have been stories have if one ever uttered this word in front of Dunn, he'd get really furious because, for him, he's not producing a wrestling show. It's always been sports entertainment and never wrestling which many fans don't get.
His opinions match those of Vince and this is probably one of the reasons he works closely with McMahon. But many people, such as former WWE head writer Alex Greenfield, believe that Kevin isn't good for the wrestling business.
NXT 2.0 Is A Kevin Dunn Production
For many people, NXT was always a sanctuary of sorts from the typical WWE programming. This was due in large part to Triple H being the head honcho on NXT's creative direction and production but earlier this year, WWE rebooted the brand with a new direction in terms of aesthetics and creative control. Vince McMahon, Bruce Prichard and Kevin Dunn seized control more heavily than ever before which has generated some success in the form of Bron Breakker, Toxic Attraction and more, but also has caused fans much anger that it has become just another WWE product more focused on spectacle and gimmicks than wrestling. This suits Dunn just fine because as much above, Dunn doesn't like pro wrestling.
He Doesn't Get Praised Often
For all the hate Kevin receives from the internet wrestling community, fans can't disagree on the fact that he was the one in charge of the WWE programming during the Attitude Era as well. At that time, the WWE product crushed WCW television every single week but Dunn doesn't get praised for that ever.
At the same time, it's probably true that his style of working seems a bit old. Dunn still favors looks than actual talent and this has caused a majority of the fanbase to dislike his work. Unfortunately for fans, it's safe to say that Dunn has a secured job in WWE and as long as Vince McMahon is in charge, he's safe.