Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel is expected to do whatever it takes to give WWE a fresh start following the controversy surrounding Vince McMahon.
Following on from horrifying allegations that McMahon repeatedly sexually assaulted and sex trafficked a former WWE employee, Vince McMahon announced he would be resigning from the company while still denying the allegations. Unlike the previous retirement in July 2022, McMahon no longer has the power to force his way back into the company that he once owned. With not enough voting power and ownership from Endeavor, the second exit is permanent.
TKO Holdings has begun its process to deal with the fallout of what has happened in the previous week and how to move forward. With TKO Holdings issuing a statement to confirm McMahon’s departure and removing McMahon from company websites, a new report has shed some insight into what Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel’s strategy is expected to be moving forward.
Following on from their initial report that stated that Endeavor would “sweep out” anyone closely associated with McMahon, PWInsider has provided a follow-up. One source noted that Emanuel will “ferociously eradicate anything that needs to be taken care of to protect his businesses” and that he will have no issues “removing anything and anyone still remaining”, citing Emanuel’s previous decision to walk away from a deal with Saudi Arabia investments.
Multiple WWE Employees At Risk Due To Association With Vince McMahon
As noted by PWInsider, the company is completely different under Endeavor ownership than it was when it was independently owned by McMahon. Additionally, some employees have struggled to face this reality and some have even taken things one step further and have left following the major corporate restructure. The possible return of Stephanie McMahon is also referenced, with it being stated that although she is liked and respected, it is a completely different environment now the sale has been completed.
Ultimately, the biggest concern for many employees who worked under the old regime is that the protection that was there when McMahon was in charge no longer exists. Furthermore, in regards to an employee’s WWE status, it is a “major negative” for those who have a close relationship with McMahon.
In terms of an update on the lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant, Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis and WWE have all been issued electric summons. Each party has 21 days to respond and could request additional time. PWInsider stated that at the time of reporting, no parties had confirmed the receipt of their summons.