What was once unthinkable had become inevitable over the last few months, and Vince McMahon has announced that he's retiring from WWE. This news comes just hours after it was revealed that Triple H would resume his role as EVP and Head Of Talent Relations with the company. The statement names his replacements as Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon and Co-CEO Nick Khan.
Since Vince stepped down amid investigations into him allegedly using hush money to keep former employees quiet about relationships with him, Stephanie has been operating in that role. That news sent shockwaves through the front office, and while WWE seems to be doing just fine business-wise, it seemed like only a matter of time before the longtime CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment would relinquish his role for good. That came to pass on Friday afternoon.
In a statement released by WWE Corporate, McMahon said the following: “As I approach 77 years old, I feel it’s time for me to retire as Chairman and CEO of WWE. Throughout the years, it’s been a privilege to help WWE bring you joy, inspire you, thrill you, surprise you, and always entertain you. I would like to thank my family for mightily contributing to our success, and I would also like to thank all of our past and present Superstars and employees for their dedication and passion for our brand. Most importantly, I would like to thank our fans for allowing us into your homes every week and being your choice of entertainment."
Nowhere in the statement does Vince acknowledge the ongoing investigations into his past behavior, but it's not too difficult to read between the lines here. McMahon reportedly had backstage heat after appearing on Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown immediately following the news that he was under investigation for utilizing hush funds. That initial story has only gotten bigger and won't be going away anytime soon.
Vince appearing on live television seemed to be an act of defiance and a way to show everyone that he wasn't going to allow this scandal to take him down. While neither he nor WWE has—and probably ever will—acknowledged it, these latest allegations seem to have been the tipping point that lead to this retirement. He leaves behind a remarkably complicated legacy that fans will be unpacking and discussing for years to come. In the immediate future, the company falls to Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan, while Triple H also resumes power in WWE.
Source: WWE Corporate