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Why Was John Laurinaitis A TV Character in 2012?



In the early 2010s, WWE fans were introduced to a new character on their TV screens – John Laurinaitis. As the Executive Vice President of Talent Relations, Laurinaitis was responsible for hiring and firing wrestlers, and his appearances on WWE programming quickly became a regular fixture. However, many fans questioned why a seemingly uncharismatic figure like Laurinaitis was being pushed as a TV character, and what purpose he served in the WWE universe.


One theory is that Laurinaitis was used as a way to blur the lines between reality and fiction in the WWE. His role as EVP of Talent Relations mirrored his real-life job, and his appearances on TV were often used to address real-life issues, such as contract negotiations and injuries. By using a real-life figure in this way, WWE hoped to create a sense of realism and authenticity in their programming.


However, the problem with this approach was that Laurinaitis was not a particularly compelling character. His on-screen persona was wooden and lacked charisma, and his interactions with other wrestlers often felt forced and stilted. This led to many fans feeling bored or frustrated whenever he appeared on TV, and ultimately did little to enhance the overall quality of WWE programming.






Another theory is that Laurinaitis was simply a way for WWE to elevate the importance of the Talent Relations department. By giving it a prominent TV presence, WWE may have been trying to show that talent recruitment and management were just as important as the in-ring action. However, this approach ultimately failed to resonate with fans, who saw Laurinaitis as little more than a corporate suit with no real connection to the wrestling world.



Whatever the reason for Laurinaitis' TV character, it's clear that he was not a particularly effective or popular figure. While his appearances may have added a degree of realism to WWE programming, they did little to enhance the overall quality of the product, and his wooden on-screen persona left many fans questioning his purpose in the WWE universe. As we look back on this era of WWE programming, it's clear that John Laurinaitis' time as a TV character is not one of the highlights.


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