These wrestling plotlines sure are full of twists and turns! Granted it’s all scripted but… wait this isn’t a script; this is the actual goings on in the executive offices of the company. Former WWE CEO and figurehead Vince McMahon announced his return as executive chairman of the board. While we assumed this would ruffle some feathers, it’s also had the effect of causing co-CEO Stephanie McMahon (Vince’s daughter) to resign her position, effective immediately.
To call Vince McMahon a divisive figure would be an understatement. You can criticize him for everything from treatment of his wrestlers to inserting himself into storylines to his alleged sexual misconduct. The latter of these is what prompted an investigation that saw Vince retiring, potentially to take heat off of the company itself. In his place, two co-CEOs were named; his daughter Stephanie and businessman, Nick Khan. Stephanie had been a presence in the WWE for years, not just as the boss’s daughter but as one of the performers in the ring.
Stephanie’s husband of 20 years, Paul Levesque, otherwise known as Triple H, also rose to the position of Chief Content Officer. Effectively, this kept much of WWE “in the family.” This is something that makes Stephanie’s departure a bit more shocking. If the rumors are true that Vince’s return is to sell the company, the younger McMahon is picking an interesting time to leave. Perhaps she disagreed with her father’s potential decision.
Stephanie McMahon was non-confrontational about the subject. She stated she believed the WWE was “in good hands” between Khan and Triple H. Regarding her father’s return, she only said he “has returned as Executive Chair and is leading an exciting process regarding strategic alternatives.” She then went on to extol her admiration for the WWE and its fans and employees.
What happens next is anyone’s guess. There’s the potential for the WWE to sell, especially given the rights to streaming and broadcasting its premiere wrestling programs are up for bid. It’s just a matter of whether not Vince’s presence is a good or bad thing to that decision making process. Despite the scandals and allegations, Vince McMahon is forever tied to the legacy and rise of the WWE and what’s more, he knows it. Just like a good wrestling plotline or grudge match, this story isn’t over yet.
