A few days ago, I wrote about the situation between WWE and the Pepsi Center and feel that the latest developments need to be mentioned.
As you may recall, Vince McMahon made a press release and went on ESPN Sports Center to criticise Stan Kroenke, owner of both the Denver Nuggets and Pepsi Center, for reneging on a deal they had for the arena to host this coming Monday's episode of Raw.
The progress of the Denver Nuggets in the NBA play-offs resulted in the venue needing to play out a game between the home team and the visiting, Los Angeles Lakers.
Vince McMahon painted himself as the victim in the situation. It was a clever trick because what he was saying was right. Kroenke, by allowing the WWE to be booked in the building at a time when the NBA play-offs were being played, showed signs that he didn't like the chances the Nuggets would have progressed to this late stage.
The hyperbole McMahon used in the press release and media appearance was typical for him and his company. I thought it was great publicity for them. He made the most out a bad situation, if you will.
But - it didn't end there.
Kroenke and McMahon sorted out a deal where the venue would host Raw on Sunday. The show would be recorded and aired in its usual time on Monday albeit not live. It seemed to be the ideal solution for everyone.
Things went awry when Kroenke Sports sent a draft press release to World Wrestling Entertainment wanting it to be signed-off. They had written up a quote for Vince McMahon that the chairman of WWE didn't like.
I would like to thank Stan Kroenke and his management team for resolving this matter so quickly in a way that allows all WWE and Nuggets fans to watch two world class main events Sunday and Monday. By all accounts, Mr. Kroenke is one of the most respected professional sports team owners in the world, and the professional way he and his staff good-naturedly handled this conflict gives further testament to the type of business leader he is.
This would have made McMahon seem like he had backed down so he refused to sign the release and ended all communication with Kroenke.
He then cut a deal with a new building to host this Monday's show.
The Staples Center.
The home of the Denver Nuggets' opponents - Los Angeles Lakers.
Monday Night Raw is now set to feature skits where they show support for the Lakers and attack the Nuggets. It's the way McMahon and WWE work. Milk the situation for as much as it's worth.
Don't feel bad for WWE, though. They aren't totally innocent in the fallout from this game.
They pulled out of Tuesday's Smackdown show in Colorado Springs because they got a better deal with the Staples Center to run back-to-back shows.
Surprisingly, the media were too busy casting WWE as the wronged to pick up on that one.
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