Five decisions Triple H and WWE misstepped on during 2026
Triple H and WWE made five decisions widely criticised across the Stamford-based promotion during 2026, amid a year of new stars, returns and successful weekly shows and Premium Live Events.
WWE opened 2026 with the rise of new superstars, spectacular returns and highly successful weekly programming and Premium Live Events, but the company also released several established performers and faced backlash over creative choices. The promotion let go of The New Day, Sheamus, Kairi Sane and Ilja Dragunov, while reports also listed Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods among the departures.
One major criticism was WWE’s decision to sever ties with multiple top names. The article states The New Day, Sheamus, Kairi Sane and Ilja Dragunov were let go, and notes those performers each added different value to the company.
Another contested move was an apparent renewed reliance on marquee returns rather than solely on the current generation, with the piece citing AJ Lee and Brock Lesnar as examples of names WWE leaned on. The company also brought back John Cena in a different role after his in-ring retirement, a development presented as evidence of that dependence.
The handling of Gunther’s push featured as a separate complaint: the report describes him as a “monster heel” heading into 2026 after retiring Goldberg, John Cena and then AJ Styles, but says his momentum was slowed when he was placed in random feuds and his standing as the “Career Killer” was lost.
Sami Zayn’s short world title run is singled out as another misstep. According to the article, Zayn finally won the WWE Championship at Night of Champions 2026 PLE in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but Triple H and his team removed the belt from him after only nine days, a decision the piece says made his moment and journey feel meaningless.
The booking of the World title picture from SmackDown into WrestleMania 42 is also criticised: the feud was between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, fans were reportedly behind Orton despite his heel turn and wanted him to win a 15th World Championship, yet WWE booked Rhodes to retain his title and the article says that decision sparked a huge backlash.
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