The former WWE employee discusses the difficult development with executive Kevin Dunn
In a revealed interview, former WWE director and VOD executive producer John Carlan shed light on his experience with Kevin Dunn, a key executive during Vince McMahon’s WWE era. Dunn, who recently announced his retirement after more than 40 years with WWE, was best known for his key roles as chief operating officer and head of global television distribution and his departure is a headache it matters at the end of WWE storytelling.
Carlan’s appearance on Conrad Thompson’s Insiders show on Adfreeshows gave us a glimpse into the complicated and sometimes contentious relationship between Dunn and his team As Carlan reflects on his time working under Dunn described the experience as “hard” and “never easy”. He acknowledged Dunn’s high expectations and strict standards, which often came at odds.
“Our relationship was good for the most part,” Carlan said. “We had a couple of ups and downs. There were times when we would hang out and have fun after the show, but it was definitely challenging.” Carlan admitted that Dunn’s leadership style was sometimes at odds with his own views and methods, leading to moments of tension.
Despite the difficulties, Carlan noted that Dunn’s leadership was a significant part of the WWE production environment. “There were certainly some policies that not all of us agreed with,” Carlan recalled. “But he was the boss, and that was the reality of working there.” He also mentioned that some current WWE staff members, who had worked closely with Dunn, may still exhibit traits that reflect his influence.
One memorable story Carlan shared involved a humorous incident during the 2001 NFL playoffs, known as the “Tuck Rule Game.” Carlan, a devoted New England Patriots fan, recounted a playful confrontation with Dunn, a passionate supporter of the Oakland Raiders. During a production meeting, Carlan decided to playfully flaunt his Patriots allegiance. “I had my Tom Brady jersey on underneath my work clothes,” Carlan explained. “I planned to reveal it at the end of the meeting, which was a risky move given Dunn’s Raiders fandom.”
With Stephanie McMahon’s support, Carlan executed his plan, leading to laughter and a light-hearted moment in the meeting. Dunn’s reaction, though stern, was ultimately in jest. “He said, ‘If they win this game, your ass is fired,’” Carlan recalled with a chuckle. “It was all in fun. It was a great interaction.”
As Dunn retires, Carlan’s musings provide insight into many facets of how it works in the high-pressure environment of WWE. Dunn’s tenure, with its demanding values and role in WWE’s output, has left a lasting impact on the organization.
Madeleine’s note: John Carlan’s insights highlight the difficulty of working with prominent executives in the entertainment industry. While Dunn’s path was often difficult, it is clear that his impact on the creation of WWE was profound and lasting. Carlan’s anecdotes, especially when they were light in the Tuck Rule Game, give us a human perspective on a figure who was both revered and controversial.
