Stephanie McMahon opened the latest edition of SmackDown paying tribute to her father and out-going WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
The July 22nd episode of Friday Night SmackDown opened with Stephanie McMahon in the ring. There had been a huge amount of speculation around her appearance after her father announced his retirement.
However, McMahon kept it short and sweet, and emotionally paid tribute to her father, commenting on how he thanked the WWE Universe in his goodbye announcement. She closed the segment by leading a “thank you Vince” chant.
.@StephMcMahon addresses the WWE Universe to kick off Friday Night #SmackDown! pic.twitter.com/7PgqTuqSi8
— WWE (@WWE) July 23, 2022
Earlier on July 22nd it was announced that Vince McMahon was retiring from his roles as WWE CEO and Chairman of the Board. As part of the announcement it was confirmed that Stephanie McMahon will be the new co-CEO and Chairwoman alongside Nick Khan.
Just hours earlier it was also announced that Triple H will be the new Head of Talent Relations going forward. The Game replaces Bruce Prichard who had been working in the job on an interim basis after John Laurinaitis was placed on “administrative leave.”
Vince McMahon initially stepped down from his duties as CEO and Chairman in June following allegations that he paid a former employee $3 million in “hush money” after the pair had an affair. More allegations have since been made public, including claims that McMahon paid four women more than $12 million across 16 years as part of similar agreements.