After decades of being the figurehead of the WWE, Vince McMahon is ‘retiring’. The decision comes amidst an investigation into claims of sexual misconduct against the controversial figure in professional wrestling.
JUST IN — Vince McMahon announced his retirement as Chairman and CEO of WWE. pic.twitter.com/MkmTAQWIms
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 22, 2022
It is being labeled a retirement, but that very well be a way of trying to avoid saying he is being forced out due to the several complaints against him. Earlier in the month, The Wall Street Journal reported that McMahon had paid out over $12 million to four women in the last 16 years to cover up claims of sexual misconduct. WWE opened an investigation into him shortly after that report.
One claim against him says he sent a female employee unsolicited nude photos. Another claims that McMahon forced a female wrestler to provide him with oral sex. Then he refused to renew her contract when she refused to do so again. A third claim says he paid hush money to a female employee he had an affair with. In addition to these 3, there is a 4th woman who also allegedly received a payout, though it is not clear what for.
He had already taken a step back from serving as the CEO and Chairman of the WWE when these allegations came out. But he still was involved creatively with the WWE during that time. Now he will leave the WWE entirely. His daughter Stephanie McMahon has served as interim CEO in his stead.
He took over the role of CEO of the WWE from his father back in 1982. Under him, it transformed into a multi-billion dollar industry. But now he exits the company in shame, and awaits the results of an investigation that could lead to more problems for him than losing his job.
