WWE Rumor Roundup - Triple H in contact with 3-time Champion who left in 2015, big Andrade update, John Cena accused superstar of stealing his move - 17th March 2021

#2. Former WWE Superstar Elijah Burke on attracting backstage heat for turning down Vince McMahon

"Da Pope", formerly known as Elijah Burke from his WWE days, spoke to Lucha Libre Online and revealed that he received backstage heat from the WWE locker room for rejecting Vince McMahon's proposal.

The WWE Chairman offered Burke the chance to join the Spirit Squad. However, the former WWE Superstar turned down Vince McMahon's proposal as he felt that he would not have been able to do justice to the role.

McMahon came up with the idea of having a faction of over-the-top male cheerleaders, and the WWE boss was confident that the plan would make WWE a lot of money.

Burke explained that "some of the boys" took his rejection the wrong way and felt that the wrestler was squandering an excellent chance. Vince McMahon appreciated Burke's honesty, and there were no hard feelings between the boss and the wrestler.

"It was a great redemption, redeeming moment, so to speak, in not taking the Spirit Squad and getting a bunch of heat for turning it down from some of the boys, who saw it as squandering an opportunity for telling Vince McMahon no. But Vince McMahon appreciated the fact that I was open and honest. I was man enough to say it's not for me."

Burke left WWE in 2008, and the former OVW Heavyweight Champion has since worked for TNA/IMPACT Wrestling, NWA, and various other independent promotions. He is currently the NWA World Television Champion.