It was Christmas Eve on December 24th 2009. It was announced on WWE.com that Vince McMahon would appear on WWE Superstars to make an announcement regarding the current status of the WWE. There were many major releases after the summer of 2009 due to the overwhelming economy. Many of those major releases were Chris Jericho, Batista, Big Show, Jack Swagger, and Kane. Batista had suffered one injury too many and was useless in Vince’s eyes because of him being on the sidelines too often. Both the Big Show and Jack Swagger wanted luxurious contracts after their current ones were expiring, and Vince refused thus the 2 leaving for other wrestling opportunities. Chris Jericho was released after bad mouthing the McMahon family on the Late Show with Jimmy Kimmel. The backstage conflicts with the McMahons brought both sides to a breaking point, parting ways. Kane and many other midcard superstars were scrapped to save some money. To help the company and focus more on his family, Triple H decided to call it quits and go backstage full time on the WWE creative team. Survivor Series saw the end of an era as the Undertaker announced his retirement as the WWE Universe and members of the locker room payed tribute to the Deadman as his illustrious career came to an end. Both RAW and Smackdown were declining in roster spots and in the Fall of 2009, ECW was shut down from Sci Fi and thus the superstars of ECW spread equally to RAW and Smackdown. After saving some money from the releases, Vince bought out the contract of Christopher Daniels and signed AJ Styles when his contract expired. Vince then talked with former talent Rob Van Dam and convinced him to come back full time along with signing free agent Petey Williams to a multi year contract. WWE Superstars was still standing as the Chairman of the Board Vince McMahon came out to address the WWE Universe on the current state of the company.
The following is a live feed from the WWE Superstars show where Vince McMahon has come out to address the fans:
Vince McMahon walks down to the ramp as he gets a mixed reaction from the crowd. He has his signature suit on and a blank expression on his face. He enters the ring and approaches the ring announcer for a microphone, and then positions himself in the center of the ring.
McMahon: You see, around 50 years ago my father founded what is now known to you all as the WWE. My father was a man of many characteristics. He was a kind man and sometimes he was an angry man. He got frusterated and thrilled and the business drove him insane. However, he loved the business and passed it down to me. If my father knew one thing, it was that got to do what you got to do because he knew no matter what he did he wanted the best for the company he ran. Fast forward now and I am in this very ring about to do what my father did, and do what is best for this company.
The fans are a little confused as they wait for Vince
McMahon: You see, I have owned the WWE for almost 30 years. In those 30 years I have done the unthinkable. I have made mind blowing announcements and made controversial decisions as well as actions. You people have loved me and hated me and now I do not know what you will think after what I have to say.
The fans are still wondering what is going on
McMahon: The economy has been plummeting recently and we all know that. Many superstars were released to save money because that is what I thought was the best for the WWE. I love this company and each decision is for a reason. Now, the ratings for both RAW and Smackdown have been going downhill, and I have been frustrated for months trying to figure out a proper solution to this problem. Just recently this week I came to a conclusion that had to do something quick.
The fans are now worried as to what Vince has to say
McMahon: We all know just months ago, ECW got shut down from television and the superstars that were not released, moved onto RAW and Smackdown. Going over the rosters today, I realized that there were not enough superstars for each show. Not only that but people were getting bored and sick of the same old stuff, and quite frankly I was too. Which is why I have come out here today to let the WWE Universe know that I have been negotiating with both the USA network and MyNetowrkTV, and starting on the new year both RAW and Smackdown will no longer be on the air.
Mr.McMahon takes a deep breath as the crowd is in shock. A bunch of booing is heard as they are not reacting kindly
McMahon: Now listen, I came out tonight for a purpose damnit and I will not be booed at. I want to save this company and this is the best financial decision I could have done. From now on there will be a 2 hour broadcast of WWE Superstars every Thursday starting at 9 pm Eastern. The Announcers will be Jim Ross and Jerry the King Lawler. As for a General Manger, I will be running the show. You may like it or not, quite frankly I do not care. This is a new era for the WWE and starting next week on New Years Day, we will kick things off with a bang!
Mr. McMahon hands the microphone back to the ring announcer and goes through the ropes and out of the ring. He fixes his suit as he walks back with the fans still in shock at the announcement just made. McMahon does not show any expression on his face as he walks to the back.