Allegations lead to McMahon’s resignation, as WWE’s leadership transitions to Stephanie McMahon
Vince McMahon, the renowned billionaire owner and head of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has stepped down from his role as CEO following accusations of a past affair with an employee. His daughter, Stephanie McMahon, has been appointed as the interim CEO and Chairwoman of the Board.
On June 15, the Wall Street Journal revealed that WWE’s board was investigating a US$3 million settlement allegedly paid by McMahon to an employee, with an upfront payment of US$1 million and the remaining US$2 million paid over five years. The employee, who has since left WWE, is also bound by a non-disclosure agreement preventing any discussion of her relationship with McMahon.
The individual involved, who had joined WWE in 2019 as a paralegal earning US$100,000 annually, reportedly saw her salary doubled to US$200,000 following the alleged affair. The scandal was exposed after anonymous emails were sent to WWE’s board, alleging further misconduct, including claims that McMahon had shared the employee with John Laurinaitis, a WWE executive.
The WWE board, including McMahon, his daughter Stephanie, and her husband Paul “Triple H” Levesque, is conducting an internal investigation, with outside legal counsel reviewing the matter. The inquiry also covers WWE’s broader company culture, human resources programs, and compliance policies.
In response to the allegations, WWE has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation and that the relationship was consensual. McMahon, however, did not directly address the claims.
Following the investigation’s commencement, WWE issued a statement on June 17 confirming McMahon’s voluntary decision to step down temporarily from his leadership roles. Despite this, he will retain control over WWE’s creative direction.
In the interim, Stephanie McMahon has pledged to work closely with the board to foster a safe and collaborative environment within the company. Her appointment follows her recent leave of absence, which occurred shortly after her husband, Paul Levesque, underwent heart surgery.
As the WWE leadership transitions, Stephanie McMahon has committed to overseeing the completion of the investigation and implementing its findings to ensure that the company’s workplace culture is reformed.
