The Honeymoon Phase is Over for Paul Levesque & TKO
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After a landmark year in 2024 that many hailed as a creative and commercial triumph, expectations for WWE in 2025 were sky-high. But as we approach the midway point of the year, it’s clear that the momentum has stalled. WWE is facing mounting challenges—both on-screen and behind the scenes—and much of the scrutiny is now centered on Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque.
Levesque, known to fans as Triple H, had been riding a wave of goodwill since taking over WWE creative. Many viewed his vision as a refreshing alternative to the Vince McMahon era, earning him “Booker of the Year” honors and near-universal praise. But as with every booker in wrestling history, the honeymoon phase has a shelf life. For Levesque, 2025 appears to mark the end of that.
Cracks in Creative
One of the most controversial decisions under Levesque’s watch has been the much-hyped heel turn of John Cena. While bold on paper, the turn has been met with widespread criticism, mainly due to the lack of long-term planning. Fans who were initially intrigued by the storyline have grown disillusioned, feeling that the narrative payoff simply hasn’t justified the shift. What could have been a seismic storyline has fizzled into confusion and apathy.
Compounding the issue was WrestleMania 41, a show many labeled as underwhelming. Once the crown jewel of WWE’s calendar, this year’s event lacked the spectacle and memorable moments expected of the “Show of Shows”. Critics and fans alike have pointed to the event as a turning point in Levesque’s tenure—proof that momentum from 2024 had been squandered.
The R-Truth Backlash
If there was one incident that crystallized WWE’s recent missteps, it was the handling of R-Truth. A beloved figure in both the locker room and among fans, R-Truth’s removal from television—reportedly due to creative disinterest—sparked a backlash that WWE seemed entirely unprepared for. The company has since reinstated him, but the damage is done. The public perception took a hit, and Levesque’s image has suffered.
Levesque, who has increasingly taken on a Dana White-esque role as WWE’s public face, is now learning the other side of that coin. While he was eager to take credit during the highs of 2023 and 2024, he now finds himself squarely in the firing line during the lows.
Counter-Programming & the AEW Resurgence
Another growing point of contention has been WWE’s aggressive counter-programming of AEW. In years past, this strategy might have felt like a necessary flex of dominance. But with AEW enjoying a creative resurgence in 2025, thanks in part to strong storytelling and new signings, WWE’s reactive tactics come off as insecure. For some fans, the constant head-to-head maneuvering has become tiresome, especially when WWE’s own product isn’t firing on all cylinders.
PR Misfires & Internal Shifts
WWE’s public relations strategy has also taken a noticeable step backward. Under Chris Legentil’s leadership as Head of Communications, the company experienced a golden era of messaging and fan engagement. However, since Legentil’s promotion to Vice President of Talent Relations, WWE’s PR game has noticeably weakened.
The most glaring recent misstep came with the announcement that WrestleMania 42 would no longer take place in New Orleans as originally planned. Instead, they will be going back to Las Vegas. The change was abrupt, poorly communicated, and sparked fan frustration—particularly among those who had already begun making travel plans. It’s a prime example of how WWE’s internal reshuffling has affected its public-facing operations.
No one expected WWE’s meteoric rise under Paul Levesque to last forever. However, few predicted the creative and PR stumbles of 2025. While Levesque still has time to course-correct, the sheen of invincibility has worn off.
Whether this is a momentary slump or the start of a deeper systemic issue remains to be seen, one thing is clear… The honeymoon is over.
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