People power is back behind the scenes.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, John Laurinaitis is back as WWE Head of Talent Relations and reports directly to WWE Executive Vice President of Operations Brad Blum.
Laurinaitis previously served as Head of Talent Relations from 2004 to 2012. He replaced Jim Ross in 2004, but stepped down in 2012 to work as an agent/producer. His new role is specified as General Manager, Talent and he begins in the position immediately.
WWE has not confirmed Laurinaitis' new position.
Meltzer goes on to report that the WWE talent relations department is being split into talent management and talent branding. Talent branding reportedly works as a "talent agency" that looks to book WWE talent for appearances, television commercials, movies, and other third-party engagements.
Laurinaitis was known as Johnny Ace during his days as a wrestler. He became an on-screen authority figure in 2011, feuding with the likes of CM Punk and John Cena, and famously coined the term "people power."
He made a cameo appearance in the WWE Headquarters Money in the Bank match in 2020.
