SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
Vince McMahon announced this afternoon he is retiring from WWE, citing his age and saying it’s time. He also noted he remains the majority shareholder, even as he steps down from every official position in the company.
“As I approach 77 years old, I feel it’s time for me to retire as Chairman and CEO of WWE,” he said in a press release. “Throughout the years, it’s been a privilege to help WWE bring you joy, inspire you, thrill you, surprise you, and always entertain you. I would like to thank my family for mightily contributing to our success, and I would also like to thank all of our past and present Superstars and employees for their dedication and passion for our brand. Most importantly, I would like to thank our fans for allowing us into your homes every week and being your choice of entertainment. I hold the deepest appreciation and admiration for our generations of fans all over the world who have liked, currently like, and sometimes even love our form of Sports Entertainment.
“Our global audience can take comfort in knowing WWE will continue to entertain you with the same fervor, dedication, and passion as always. I am extremely confident in the continued success of WWE, and I leave our company in the capable hands of an extraordinary group of Superstars, employees, and executives – in particular, both Chairwoman and Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon and Co-CEO Nick Khan. As the majority shareholder, I will continue to support WWE in any way I can. My personal thanks to our community and business partners, shareholders, and Board of Directors for their guidance and support through the years. Then. Now. Forever. Together.”
At 77, time for me to retire.
Thank you, WWE Universe.
Then. Now. Forever. Together. #WWE #thankful— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 22, 2022
Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan have been named co-CEOs. Triple H was named V.P. of Talent Relations this morning in a press release.
Among the big questions regarding the fallout from this move and who takes over as Head of Creative. Every WrestleMania main event, every Summerslam main event, every Smackdown and Raw match, for instance, has been Vince McMahon’s decision. Ed Koskie and Ryan Ward are the top writers right now. It’s possible they will gain more power, but who is the key person who checks off on their suggestions and ideas?
AEW CEO Tony Khan also commented, noting that is the longest-tenured CEO in pro wrestling now.
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
NOTE: I’m recording the VIP podcast “Everything with Rich and Wade” this afternoon with extended reaction to this news. We will have team coverage all weekend of this news. Go VIP! (Click here for VIP info and sign-up form.)
Tony Khan cements his position as a troll.
It’s a bait and switch Wade. Don’t drink too much of the koolaid. He foretold it in his release:
“As the majority shareholder”
Due to drops in stock value Vince will be forced to return in less than 1 year to protect the stock. A preplanned storyline.
Hopefully Tony Khan will buy WWE for the tape libraries and otherwise shut it down. Poetic justice for WCW.