John Laurinaitis not backstage at WWE SmackDown

John Laurinaitis is not backstage at SmackDown tonight as Vince McMahon is set to appear on the show following hush money allegations.

Laurinaitis is not at SmackDown tonight in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dave Meltzer is reporting that he was never scheduled to be there. However, the belief is he will be at Raw this coming Monday. He, along with Vince McMahon, are currently under investigation by WWE’s Board of Directors regarding a $3 million dollar hush money agreement to a former employee who allegedly had a sexual relationship with both McMahon and Laurinaitis.

Additionally, PWInsider reported that McMahon was “joking around” during the production meeting prior to tonight’s show and was said to be in a “great mood” despite the events of the last 48 hours.

McMahon, who earlier on Friday ‘voluntarily stepped back’ as CEO and Chairman of WWE while he is under investigation, has been announced for tonight’s SmackDown. PWInsider reported that the segment involving McMahon tonight was not discussed during pre-show meetings, and was described as “treating it almost as if the segment wasn’t part of the show.”

Despite stepping aside, McMahon will continue to be in charge of WWE’s creative process. Stephanie McMahon has since been named as interim CEO and Chairwoman of WWE.