With the news that Vince McMahon is taking very real steps to retake control of WWE, the company has been left in turmoil once more.
McMahon initially stepped down in July 2022, following numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. It was also alleged that McMahon paid more than $12 million in hush money to the women involved in an attempt to suppress the allegations. However, by December it was reported that McMahon wanted a return, and believed that he had made a mistake in stepping down. The former Chairman claimed to those close to him that he had acted on bad advice and the controversy surrounding him would have passed had he remained in position.
Previous Vince McMahon Comeback Blocked
Less than a month later it was confirmed that not only is McMahon interested in coming back to WWE, he’s actively working to make it happen. On January 5th, it was revealed that as WWE’s majority shareholder, McMahon elected himself back onto the Board of Directors, and brought with him former co-presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios. It is claimed that McMahon is returning to WWE in an effort to sell it.
Interestingly, it has been reported by the Wall Street Journal that this isn’t McMahon’s first attempt at coming back. The report states that McMahon tried to return previously but was blocked by WWE’s Board of Directors.
As a result, he has now taken a different route into make a return happen.
Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer shared comments from an unnamed source within WWE, who explained how they felt the saga might end. They also confirmed that McMahon’s previous return was blocked.
(Vince McMahon) attempted to come back, Board shut him down. So now he takes it to the shareholders. When he had someone leak out he’s returning, Wall Street freaks out about the protracted fight, stock goes from 80 (bolstered from rumors of sale) to 68. Now he sends out a press release, officially announcing not the exploration but the actual intent to prep for sale, stock jumps in after hours back to 80.
It ends up with a direct pitch to the shareholders at the annual meeting. Or it ends up with WWE cutting a deal with him (and potentially George and Michelle, or he’ll cast them aside without second thought). Or it ends up in a bloodbath with a fight that plays out right to the shareholders and a call for a vote. Or it ends u in court. Lot of ways this can play out.”
Following the news, it has been reported that some within WWE are already looking to leave should McMahon assume control.