Vince McMahon

2022 - 6 - 18

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Vince McMahon: WWE CEO steps down amid misconduct inquiry (BBC News)

The chairman and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has relinquished his duties as his board of directors investigates him for misconduct.

Mr McMahon founded the WWE in the 1980s and has overseen its growth into a media juggernaut whose weekly content is broadcast in more than 180 countries and 30 languages. The WWE's board is now said to be in possession of a copy of the agreement - an upfront payment of $1m, with the rest to be doled out over five years and apparently paid by Mr McMahon personally. Mr McMahon has not responded directly to the claims but, in a statement, pledged his "complete cooperation to the investigation".

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

Vince McMahon takes 'Smackdown' stage after misconduct ... (CNN)

Vince McMahon is in the middle of a corporate firestorm, but he still opened the company's wrestling telecast "Smackdown" on Friday.

"It is extremely important to me that we have a safe and collaborative workplace," he said. The separation agreement was reportedly made in January between McMahon and the former unnamed employee. "Those four words are 'then,' 'now,' 'forever,' and the most important word is 'together,'" he said. Other misconduct claims were reportedly found against John Laurinaitis, the company's head of talent relations. "I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the special committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation," McMahon said in a statement Friday. "I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are." As for McMahon's in-ring persona, he won't be going anywhere for now.

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Image courtesy of "CNBC"

WWE boss Vince McMahon to step back from CEO duties during ... (CNBC)

WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon is stepping back from his duties as the company's board investigates alleged misconduct by the executive.

In its release, the WWE said, "The Company and the Board do not expect to have further comment until the investigation is concluded." He bought the company from his father 40 years ago and has orchestrated its growth into a global, arena-packing brand that has media partnerships with Fox, Hulu and NBCUniversal's Peacock, among others. "I love this company and am committed to working with the Independent Directors to strengthen our culture and our Company; it is extremely important to me that we have a safe and collaborative workplace," Stephanie McMahon said in the release.

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

Vince McMahon steps aside as WWE CEO amid probe of hush ... (The Washington Post)

The company said it was investigating alleged misconduct from McMahon and John Laurinaitis, the head of talent relations, after the Wall Street Journal ...

Though WWE’s TV ratings are nowhere near where they were in the late 1990s and early 2000s when millions tuned in each week, the company has managed to make more money while being not as popular in traditional media, in large part because of its worldwide TV and media deals. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are,” McMahon, 76, said in a statement. She had recently taken a leave of absence from her role as chief brand officer to “focus on family.” Vince McMahon bought the then-World Wrestling Federation from his father in 1982. It also did not mention whether Laurinaitis would step away from his role during the investigation. “I love this company and am committed to working with the Independent Directors to strengthen our culture and our Company; it is extremely important to me that we have a safe and collaborative workplace,” she said in a news release Friday. “I have committed to doing everything in my power to help the Special Committee complete its work, including marshaling the cooperation of the entire company to assist in the completion of the investigation and to implement its findings.”

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

Vince McMahon steps down as WWE CEO while the company ... (NPR)

Vince McMahon's daughter, Stephanie, will lead the wrestling company during the inquiry. McMahon, accused of paying $3 million to cover up an affair, ...

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Image courtesy of "Politico"

Vince McMahon, husband of a former Trump official, steps down ... (Politico)

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that WWE was investigating an alleged $3 million payment from McMahon to a departing female employee following a ...

She had been serving as the company’s chief brand officer. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that WWE was investigating an alleged $3 million payment from McMahon to a departing female employee following a consensual affair. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that WWE was investigating an alleged $3 million payment from McMahon to a departing female employee following a consensual affair. Outside of the investigation, WWE said Friday that the company and its special committee will work with an independent third-party to perform a comprehensive review of the work environment at the organization. “I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the special committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation,” McMahon said in a prepared statement Friday. “I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.” Vince McMahon is stepping down as CEO and chairman of WWE during an investigation into alleged misconduct involving the longtime leader and public face of the organization.

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Image courtesy of "Vanity Fair"

Vince McMahon Steps Out of WWE Ring During Investigation (Vanity Fair)

His daughter, Stephanie McMahon, who happens to be married to the WWE Superstar Triple H, has assumed the position of interim CEO and chairperson. McMahon, who ...

I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.” There have also been allegations made against him of sexual assault in the past, which he has denied. Vince McMahon, the 76-year-old head of World Wrestling Entertainment and face behind one of the more entertaining memes commonly spotted online, announced on Friday that he is stepping back from his leadership role while the company investigates misdemeanor claims.

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Image courtesy of "Human Resources Director"

Vince McMahon steps down as chairman, CEO of WWE (Human Resources Director)

He's under investigation for allegedly paying hush money to a former employee over an affair.

The first email alleged that McMahon hired the woman at a salary of $100,000, but increased it to $200,000 after beginning a sexual relationship with her. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are," McMahon said in a statement. The WWE’s board of directors launched the investigation in April, uncovering other nondisclosure agreements over the years involving misconduct claims from former employees against McMahon and John Laurinaitis, head of talent relations, according to the Journal.

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Image courtesy of "Los Angeles Times"

Vince McMahon cynically plays 'Mr. McMahon' on WWE 'SmackDown' (Los Angeles Times)

Amid a misconduct scandal, McMahon's appearance on 'Smackdown' Friday shows the organization will have to live with its nominally deposed mad king.

Those words betray the brazenness of someone who may have lost the confidence and respect of a segment of viewers and even stakeholders, but still owns a majority of controlling shares in the company he’s overseen for 40 years. Competition is what fuels Vince McMahon — competition for ratings, global dominance, social media saturation, prestige, alpha-male pride and the adoration of millions. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.” Strange sentiment from someone who earlier that day stepped back from his decades-long role as chief executive and chairman following revelations in the Wall Street Journal that he’d allegedly paid millions to silence a former staff paralegal with whom he carried on an extramarital affair. More recently, he came out unscathed after ex-wrestler Ashley Massaro accused him of negligence for failing to take action after she was allegedly raped overseas by a military doctor as part of a WWE tour of armed-forces bases. While Vince may have temporarily ceded C-Suite authority — handing the reins to daughter Stephanie one month after her own publicly declared leave of absence for, ironically, family reasons — WWE confirmed in a corporate release that he will retain creative control of all programming.

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Image courtesy of "NBC News"

WWE's Vince McMahon steps back from leadership post during ... (NBC News)

The WWE board of directors appointed McMahon's daughter, Stephanie McMahon, as interim CEO and chairwoman until the probe's conclusion. “I have pledged my ...

"I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are." He frequently appears in WWE broadcasts and is said to have almost total control over scripts and overall storylines. “I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the Special Committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation,” Vince McMahon said a in statement released by the Stamford, Connecticut-based company.

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Image courtesy of "wflx"

Vince McMahon will step down during WWE misconduct probe (wflx)

McMahon's daughter, Stephanie, will serve as interim CEO and chairwoman, the organization said.

She had been serving as the company’s chief brand officer. “I have committed to doing everything in my power to help the Special Committee complete its work, including marshaling the cooperation of the entire company to assist in the completion of the investigation and to implement its findings,” she said in a statement. “I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the special committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation,” McMahon said in a prepared statement Friday. “I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.” Outside of the investigation, WWE said Friday that the company and its special committee will work with an independent third-party to perform a comprehensive review of the work environment at the organization. Revenue last year exceeded $1 billion for the first time, and the company has television deals with Fox and NBCUniversal. Last month it announced a multi-year expansion of its original programming partnership with A&E. Vince McMahon will appear on its live show “SmackDown” later Friday, WWE said on Twitter after it announced the changes in leadership.

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Image courtesy of "The A.V. Club"

WWE's Vince McMahon steps down as CEO amid misconduct ... (The A.V. Club)

John Laurinaitis, former wrestler and head of talent relations, is also being investigated.

“I have committed to doing everything in my power to help the special committee complete its work, including marshaling the cooperation of the entire company to assist in the completion of the investigation and to implement its findings.” “I love this company and am committed to working with the independent directors to strengthen our culture and our company; it is extremely important to me that we have a safe and collaborative workplace,” she said in her own statement. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are,” McMahon said in a statement, per THR.

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

Vince McMahon Steps Aside as WWE CEO as Board Probes ... (Variety)

Vince McMahon "stepped back" as WWE CEO and chairman as the board investigates his alleged $3 million settlement with a female ex-employee.

“WWE and its board of directors take all allegations of misconduct very seriously,” the company said in a statement. Stephanie McMahon said in a statement, “I love this company and am committed to working with the Independent Directors to strengthen our culture and our company; it is extremely important to me that we have a safe and collaborative workplace. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.”

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WWE Smackdown: what did Vince McMahon say on Friday night in ... (NationalWorld)

Get all of the latest Other Sport news from NationalWorld. Providing fresh perspective online for news across the UK.

Those four words are Then, Now, Forever and the most important one, Together. Welcome to SmackDown!” McMahon said. The world of professional wrestling is often awash with dramatic, soap opera-like storylines. McMahon was said to be in a “great mood” backstage at the show in Minneapolis, and was reported to be joking around, despite the weight of allegations currently on him. An unnamed wrestler speaking to Fightful said they thought McMahon’s appearance was "a cheap rating ploy in the middle of something serious,” and that WWE’s culture and presentation will likely remain the same once the investigation is closed. “I have pledged my complete co-operation to the investigation by the special committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation,” McMahon said in a statement. “I have committed to doing everything in my power to help the special committee complete its work, including marshalling the co-operation of the entire company to assist in the completion of the investigation and to implement its findings,” she said in a statement.

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

Vince McMahon Makes Brief 'SmackDown Live' Appearance After ... (Variety)

Vince McMahon opened "SmackDown Live" on Friday night with a brief appearance in the ring.

The board’s investigation uncovered other settlement agreements involving McMahon and Laurinaitis, the Journal reported. McMahon’s daughter and WWE executive Stephanie McMahon has been named interim CEO and chairwoman while the investigation is underway. He kept his remarks brief, saying, “It is a privilege as always to stand before you here tonight, the WWE universe…I’m here simply to remind you of the four words we just saw in what we call our WWE signature.

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Vince McMahon will step down during WWE misconduct probe (Stuff.co.nz)

Vince McMahon is stepping down as CEO and chairman of WWE during an investigation into alleged misconduct involving the longtime leader.

She had been serving as the company's chief brand officer. “I have committed to doing everything in my power to help the Special Committee complete its work, including marshalling the cooperation of the entire company to assist in the completion of the investigation and to implement its findings,” she said in a statement. Outside of the investigation, WWE said Friday that the company and its special committee will work with an independent third-party to perform a comprehensive review of the work environment at the organisation. “I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the special committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation," McMahon said in a prepared statement Friday. “I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are." Stephanie McMahon, who will take over at least temporarily as the leader of WWE, announced last month that she was taking a leave of absence from the most of her responsibilities at the organisation. Vince McMahon is stepping down as CEO and chairman of WWE during an investigation into alleged misconduct involving the longtime leader and public face of the organisation.

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Image courtesy of "Wrestling Inc."

Backstage Atmosphere At WWE SmackDown, Vince McMahon's Mood (Wrestling Inc.)

The investigation has reportedly uncovered other non-disclosure agreements by former WWE employees, claiming misconduct by not only McMahon but also Head of ...

Vince will still be influencing creative decisions and attending shows with the company. One SmackDown talent told Fightful that they were expecting an “eventful day,” though the show was a lot more relaxed than usual by the time it kicked off. The investigation has reportedly uncovered other non-disclosure agreements by former WWE employees, claiming misconduct by not only McMahon but also Head of Talent Relations, John Laurinaitis.

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Vince McMahon steps down as WWE CEO while the company ... (knkx.org)

Vince McMahon's daughter, Stephanie, will lead the wrestling company during the inquiry. McMahon, accused of paying $3 million to cover up an affair, ...

The McMahon family has been involved in wrestling for more than a hundred years, and Vince McMahon regularly cast himself and his children as villains in the WWE's wrestling storylines. She went on to serve as head of the Small Business Administration for two years under former President Donald Trump. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are," McMahon said in the company's statement.

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