Razeen Gutta
The face of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Vince McMahon, yesterday stepped down as CEO of the company pending an investigation after accusations of sexual misconduct.
McMahon has been accused of secretly paying out $3 million (R45 million) to a former female employee, with whom he allegedly had an affair — Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month.
WWE head of talent relations John Laurinaitis is also a subject of the investigation with the report stating that the investigation has so far “unearthed other, older nondisclosure agreements involving claims by former female WWE employees of misconduct.”
The 76-year-old, who has been the chairman of the company for 50 years, will retain his responsibilities in terms of creative content while the investigation takes place — with his daughter Stephanie McMahon, 45, stepping in as interim CEO and interim chairwoman.
Vince McMahon opened Friday Night SmackDown in Minneapolis, Minnesota last night with a message for wrestling fans commonly known as the WWE Universe.
“It’s a privilege as always to stand before you here tonight. I’m here simply to remind you of the four words we just saw in what we call our WWE signature. Those four words are: then, now, forever; and the most important word is together. Welcome to SmackDown,” he said enthusiastically before making his way out of the arena to the beat of his signature entrance song ‘No Chance in Hell.”
McMahon also said in a statement on Friday that he would cooperate with the investigation.
“I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the special committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation.”
“I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.”
Image source: @WrestleFeatures
