WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon has been placed on medical leave “until further notice.” This announcement came as WWE filed their Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) report on August 2nd. Though McMahon is going on leave with no end date specified, he will still maintain his position.
The SEC report includes a footnote pertaining to a federal grand jury subpoenaing McMahon on July 17th. A search warrant was also executed by federal agents on the same day. No charges have been brought up in either investigation. Many speculate that these searches are tied to the ongoing government investigation of McMahon’s alleged hush money payments and sexual misconduct.
The investigation began around the same time McMahon announced his retirement from WWE in July 2022. His daughter, Stephanie McMahon, took over as CEO.
McMahon and WWE have both been complicit in handing over any documents requested in this investigation. McMahon has maintained he committed no wrongdoing, and that the government will find the same. In March, McMahon reimbursed WWE $17.4 million; related to costs of an internal investigation the company conducted for the alleged misconduct.
His retirement didn’t last long as he returned to his position with WWE in January 2023, following Stephanie’s resignation. He quickly resumed creative control, despite backlash from fans. Shorty after his return, McMahon was in talks with several companies about selling WWE. In April 2023, McMahon agreed to a deal with UFC President Dana White‘s Endeavor to merge both companies for $21 billion.
The WWE-Endeavor merger is set to close in the coming months. There is no word on if McMahon’s absence will effect this deal. He reportedly underwent “major spinal surgery” on July 21st, 2023.
