When news broke that Vince McMahon had agreed to a $3 million hush-money payment with a former employee, the ramifications were swift. Before the week's edition of SmackDown could go on the air, McMahon had stepped down as the company's active CEO and Chairman of the Board in favor of his daughter Stephanie, and he agreed to accept the findings of the WWE Board of Directors' independent investigation whatever that might be.

Now granted, McMahon did maintain creative control of the weekly shows in addition to the match-making book and has since appeared on both SmackDown and RAW in very weird segments, but his status on the business side of the promotion has undoubtedly changed, even if it isn't particularly obvious to the fans watching at home.

But what about the other WWE employee who was heavily featured in the investigative journalism done by the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and others, John Laurinaitis? After seemingly partaking in much of the same behaviors as McMahon was he going to keep his job as if nothing had changed?

Apparently, the answer to that question is a resounding no.

That's right, according to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com, Laurinaitis has been placed on administrative leave and will be replaced in his usual duties by Bruce Prichard, who will now serve as the interim Head of Talent Relations.

Have WWE fans seen the last of Laurinaitis, who once wrestled for the promotion as Johnny Ace? Or will he ultimately service this issue due to his indirect involvement with the payouts? Only time, as they say, will tell, but it's safe to say this news won't be the end of this story.