As Vince McMahon retires, Tony Khan celebrates becoming the longest tenured CEO in wrestling today.
On July 22nd, Vince McMahon announced that he was retiring as CEO and Chairman of the Board with WWE.
Vince McMahon had served as Chairman and CEO of WWE since 1980 after founding Titan Sports, taking over from his father, the late Vincent J. McMahon. His behind-the-scenes role wasn’t established on-screen until the late-’90s, with the villainous Mr McMahon persona becoming a staple of WWE programming ever since.
In response to the news, AEW President Tony Khan wasted little time in having a little fun with the situation, toasting his own success. Khan thanked fans for helping him become the “longest tenured CEO in professional wrestling” before plugging the upcoming episode of AEW Dynamite.
Thanks to you wrestling fans and your great support of @AEW, I’m grateful to now be the longest-tenured CEO in pro wrestling.
Thank you very much to every single person who watches @AEWonTV!
See you for Friday Night #AEWRampage on @TNTdrama
@ 10pm ET/9pm CT/10pm PT
*TONIGHT*!— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) July 22, 2022
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.
Stephanie McMahon had served in his absence as the interim Chairwoman and CEO; she’s now the official Chairwoman and co-CEO alongside Nick Khan.