Kevin Dunn is leaving WWE after decades with the company

A major story just broke from WWE tonight as the company is running its last show of the year in Los Angeles.

PWInsider.com is reporting that Kevin Dunn, who has been with the company since the 1980s, is leaving the company. Dunn was one of Vince McMahon's most trusted employees and he was one of the most influential people behind the scenes.

PWInsider reports that Dunn told the company during Christmas week about his intentions to leave and a big factor in his decision as the changes being made internally since TKO took over after the merger. One source was quoted as saying that Dunn was "never going to do anything that was dictated" to him. Previously, Dunn was the person who oversaw the TV production. Dunn's issue reportedly had nothing to do with creative but there were differing opinions on how things should be run on the TV production side.

In some ways, his departure is shocking but those who know Dunn already knew that he wasn't going to stick around too long after Vince McMahon's power was reduced after the merger. Everything you see from the way the shows are filmed to she lighting and even the shaking camera shots that some have criticized can be attributed to Dunn.

Dunn was very much in line with Vince McMahon's vision that WWE was more than pro wrestling and a sports entertainment company. While McMahon and others have praised what Dunn did for the company, there were also many stories over the years about Dunn rubbing people the wrong way. Jim Cornette is one person who has been very vocal about his disdain for Dunn from the years when they were both working in the company.

Now with Dunn out of the picture, the big question is who will handle the production side of things and will that mean changes on the way for the look of the shows. That question should be answered very soon.