Probably true.
He seems like someone that would really want that higher up corporate position and I bet there are openings now after the scandals.
Plus WOW has been in a fairly underwhelming state for 3-4 years now, under his leadership. I can't help but feel like he'd not want to do it anymore and that the company wants someone different.
I actually think the higher ups are MORE to blame than Ion for the state of the game. There's actually a lot of great ideas in BFA and SL, they were just half baked and didn't get the time and attention they needed or not put in at all.
They seem more interested in forcing predatory retention tactics and other toxic bullshit to make a profit. That's stuff that comes from the higher ups.