Stamford, Connecticut – January 27, 2024
Vince McMahon, the iconic figure behind WWE, has resigned from his role as executive chairman of TKO, the parent company of WWE, amidst disturbing allegations of sexual assault, trafficking, and physical abuse. The resignation follows a lawsuit filed by former WWE staffer Janel Grant, alleging egregious misconduct by McMahon and other WWE executives.
McMahon, who founded the wrestling behemoth WWE, denied the allegations but stated his decision to resign out of respect for the WWE Universe and the TKO business. Reports suggest McMahon had paid settlements to multiple women while serving as WWE’s CEO and chairman.
The lawsuit filed by Grant accuses McMahon of offering job opportunities and promotions in exchange for sex, and alleges trafficking to other men within and outside the company. It also claims McMahon engaged in acts of “extreme cruelty and degradation” towards Grant during her time at WWE.
This marks McMahon’s second resignation from WWE amid allegations of sexual misconduct. He initially retired in July 2022, but returned to WWE’s board in January 2023 after an investigation into the allegations was closed.
Grant’s lawsuit raises questions about the culture at WWE, alleging a cover-up of McMahon’s wrongdoing. Despite TKO’s statement addressing McMahon’s departure, questions linger about the company’s handling of the allegations.
The timing of McMahon’s exit coincides with WWE’s recent business partnerships, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson joining TKO’s board of directors and Netflix securing exclusive rights to “WWE Raw” starting in January 2025.
