Shortly after the stock market closed on Friday, Vince McMahon announced that he would retire from WWE, leaving the company effective immediately. The news came as a shock to the pro wrestling world, especially as the assumption had been that the company's former Chairman and CEO would remain in that role until the day he died.
Vince is also no longer Head of Creative, and aside from being a majority shareholder, he's expected to have no active role in WWE whatsoever.
Now, more details have been revealed about his shocking departure after WWE shared an SEC filing earlier today. In that, it's revealed Vince paid out $14.6 million in "unreported expenses" since 2006.
WWE also braced its investors for future allegations about sexual misconduct by warning, "The Company has also received, and may receive in the future, regulatory, investigative and enforcement inquiries, subpoenas or demands arising from, related to, or in connection with these matters."
As many have speculated, it appears Vince's decision to go was prompted by the possibility of more damaging cover-ups and allegations coming to light in the near future. Interestingly, the wording in the filing suggests Vince resigned from WWE rather than retired.
We'll have to wait and see how that situation develops but, yes, it seems Vince chose to jump before he was pushed. Of course, many fans are far from upset to see him go, primarily because he will no longer be heading up WWE's Creative team. While Bruce Prichard took over in the immediate aftermath, the reigns have now, thankfully, been handed to Triple H.
After his stint in charge of NXT, this is amazing news, and hopefully, a sign that WWE is about to improve greatly.
Here's the full press release:
STAMFORD, Conn., July 25, 2022 – WWE® (NYSE: WWE) and its Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan as co-Chief Executive Officers. Ms. McMahon has also been appointed Chairwoman of the Board, and Mr. Khan will continue to serve as a member of the Board. These appointments follow Vince McMahon’s retirement announcement on Friday, July 22.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to lead WWE together with our unmatched management team," said Ms. McMahon and Mr. Khan. "We recognize this is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility, and we look forward to serving the WWE Universe."
Additionally, WWE executive Paul Levesque will assume all responsibilities related to WWE’s creative, in addition to his regular duties.