Former WWE Name Alleges Nia Jax Led Effort to Replace Him: Backstage Drama

Former WWE commentator Jonathan Coachman has revealed new details about his departure from the Monday Night RAW commentary team. Speaking on the Behind The Turnbuckle: The Last Word podcast, Coachman claimed Nia Jax spearheaded a campaign to replace him, leading to Renee Paquette (formerly Renee Young) taking over his role.

The Fallout Between Coachman and WWE

Coachman returned to WWE in 2018 after a decade-long hiatus, with Vince McMahon reportedly agreeing to his request to miss several RAW episodes due to prior commitments. However, after missing two events, McMahon became frustrated, and temporary replacements were brought in. This decision created tension backstage, with Nia Jax allegedly advocating for a permanent change in the commentary lineup.

“She hates me, by the way—Nia Jax hates me,” Coachman stated. He added that Jax’s push for his replacement seemed personal, though the reasons remain unclear. Ultimately, Renee Paquette became the permanent RAW commentator, and Coachman was replaced by September 2018.

Backstage Politics or Justified Decisions?

While Nia Jax’s influence remains speculative, Coachman’s allegations highlight the intense backstage politics within WWE. According to him, his return was not well-received by some, contributing to his eventual exit. Coachman, who had a successful career with ESPN, noted that his WWE comeback fell short of expectations, and he has no plans to rejoin the company.

WWE Commentary: A Demanding Role

The role of a WWE commentator is as grueling as it is pivotal. Coachman’s experience sheds light on the challenges of juggling personal commitments with WWE’s demanding schedule. Whether Jax’s actions stemmed from personal reasons or professional disagreements, the drama reflects the high stakes of WWE’s backstage dynamics.