Backstage Reactions On Retribution's Booking In WWE (Patreon)

Fightful heard from several wrestlers following the "unveiling" of Retribution on the September 21 episode of WWE Raw. 

The feelings from the four WWE talent we spoke to echoed the critical and immediate sentiments that were uncorked on the group and more specifically, WWE's creative process. 

One female wrestler on Raw said "I feel bad for Mia (Yim) and Mercedes (Martinez). It's a good spot, but they've worked so long and are facing a battle to not make this look as dumb as it is."

A Smackdown talent mentioned being curious as to how their show has been largely untouched by so much of the hastily made changes that Raw has experienced of late. The wrestler speculated "I think they load up Raw with that stuff because it's a longer show, but we weren't told why Retribution was off Smackdown."

Those that we've spoken to said that they weren't informed of any long term plans for Retribution from the jump, and much of it felt hastily thrown together even from the backstage perspective.

Absolutely everyone we heard back from said that they thought the names given to Retribution were ridiculous.

"It sounds like something out of a bad movie or game, but I'm not sure Vince plays games or watches movies anymore," a top wrestler said.