Stephanie McMahon Denies Total Divas Rumor, Talks WWE's Policy On Domestic Abuse, Network
Last month, reports circulated that Vince McMahon had issued an edict that no cast member on Total Divas can have a run with the Divas Championship. According to Stephanie McMahon in a newly released interview, there is no such rule in place, despite what has been said by WWE talent.
On Chris Jericho's Talk is Jericho podcast for Sept. 12, Cameron brought this topic to light.
"The whole thing we have been fighting is being on the show [means] not being able to have a chance at the title," Cameron noted.
Nikki Bella then said earlier this month during a radio station interview that no cast member of the popular reality show can hold the belt. She also acknowledged that timing is an issue, since Total Divas episodes are taped weeks before they are aired, which could potentially seem confusing based upon the current WWE storyline of the week.
During an interview published Monday on Yahoo! Sports, McMahon was asked, "Is there any truth to the report that the wrestlers on Totals Divas aren't allowed to win the Divas Championship?"
She responded, "Absolutely not. I honestly don't even know how that rumor got started."
She was then told that WWE talent addressed it, to which she responded, "There is no policy. I think it would be awesome to have one of the Total Divas as our champion. I think it would drive interest in the storyline. I would never say never."
In recent months, professional sports leagues have been cracking down on players accused of domestic abuse. McMahon was asked what is WWE's policy on this troubling issue.
"We have a zero tolerance policy for domestic abuse. Upon arrest for such misconduct, our Superstars are immediately suspended and should there be a conviction, that Superstar or Diva would be terminated," McMahon stated.
WWE recently instituted a domestic violence policy under its Talent Wellness Program, which states: "WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. Upon arrest for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately suspended. Upon conviction for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately terminated.
"WWE's ability to fine, suspend or terminate a WWE talent will not be, however, limited or compromised in any manner in the event incontrovertible evidence of such illegal misconduct is presented to WWE. Section 9.13(a) of the WWE booking contract, commonly known as the "morals clause", provides WWE with broad discretion and authority to act under such circumstances."
McMahon was also asked what's the strategy behind the WWE Network rolling out video advertisements and what should subscribers expect in the coming months in terms of new content.
"The strategy is obviously a business decision to have limited advertising on the WWE Network. We want subscribers to know that there won't be commercial breaks during scheduled programming, so your shows won't be interrupted. It's going to be very limited advertising in between the shows themselves. There will also be the occasional advertising before our video on demand content, but not before every video," McMahon said.
"We are going to be rolling out more video on demand content from our library and we are excited for that. New shows, new programming, we have the announcements rolling out."
Elsewhere in the interview, McMahon explains how WWE walks a fine line of trying to attract new eyeballs but not turning off male fans with celebrity guests hosts that might not jive with the viewing audience, what she told her children before stepping inside the ring at SummerSlam and more.
Source: Yahoo! Sports