Aew’s Tony Khan On His WWE’s Comparison To Harvey Weinstein Drawing Negative Reactions(Photo Credit –YouTube)
Aew’s Tony Khan is known for pouring his heart out while talking and taking some really hard-hitting digs at his rival promotion, WWE. However, recently, he went too far and compared WWE to Harvey Weinstein. As expected, his remark drew reactions from all over and even the backstage reactions of both promotions had been highly negative. Now, Khan has reacted to his controversial digs. Keep reading to know more!
Tony Khan, while talking on NFL Network, said, “We are like the Pepsi of pro wrestling. We’re up against a really evil juggernaut. WWE is our competitor, that’s who we’re facing. Aew is like the Pepsi of pro wrestling. WWE is like the Harvey Weinstein of pro wrestling.” Following this remark, Khan faced the wrath of people in the pro wrestling industry.
Aew’s Tony Khan is known for pouring his heart out while talking and taking some really hard-hitting digs at his rival promotion, WWE. However, recently, he went too far and compared WWE to Harvey Weinstein. As expected, his remark drew reactions from all over and even the backstage reactions of both promotions had been highly negative. Now, Khan has reacted to his controversial digs. Keep reading to know more!
Tony Khan, while talking on NFL Network, said, “We are like the Pepsi of pro wrestling. We’re up against a really evil juggernaut. WWE is our competitor, that’s who we’re facing. Aew is like the Pepsi of pro wrestling. WWE is like the Harvey Weinstein of pro wrestling.” Following this remark, Khan faced the wrath of people in the pro wrestling industry.
- 5/1/2024
- by Shalmesh More
- KoiMoi
Nikki & Brie Garcia aka Bella Twins On Stepfather John Laurinaitis’ Sex Trafficking Lawsuit ( Photo Credit – Instagram; YouTube )
Earlier this year, the pro wrestling world was shocked by another controversy related to former WWE boss Vince McMahon. What came as a big surprise was the name of John Laurinaitis (former Head of Talent Relations of WWE) getting involved in it. Yes, here we’re talking about the sex trafficking lawsuit that was filed in January. Now, Nikki Garcia and Brie Garcia, aka Bella Twins, have reacted to it!
For those who don’t know, Vince McMahon was accused of sex trafficking by a former WWE employee, Janel Grant, who filed a lawsuit earlier this year. As per it, she alleged Vince of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse during the period of 2019 and 2022. She also revealed about being trafficked to other men against a promise of advancements in career and financial favors.
Earlier this year, the pro wrestling world was shocked by another controversy related to former WWE boss Vince McMahon. What came as a big surprise was the name of John Laurinaitis (former Head of Talent Relations of WWE) getting involved in it. Yes, here we’re talking about the sex trafficking lawsuit that was filed in January. Now, Nikki Garcia and Brie Garcia, aka Bella Twins, have reacted to it!
For those who don’t know, Vince McMahon was accused of sex trafficking by a former WWE employee, Janel Grant, who filed a lawsuit earlier this year. As per it, she alleged Vince of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse during the period of 2019 and 2022. She also revealed about being trafficked to other men against a promise of advancements in career and financial favors.
- 4/24/2024
- by Shalmesh More
- KoiMoi
Former WWE chief Vince McMahon has come under fire again after the release of former WWE superstar and Mma fighter Ronda Rousey’s memoir Our Fight. The star has reportedly revealed many scandalous details about the promotion’s behind-the-scenes practices, especially McMahon’s way of running the company.
Rousey has called out WWE and McMahon on multiple occasions, with her memoir also revealing many harsh truths about the promotion. Rousey mentioned how the women’s division of the WWE was treated under the former CEO and how much they had to fight to get recognition. She also mentioned how McMahon reacted when she dropped the ‘Women’ in the ‘Women’s title’ while giving a speech.
Ronda Rousey’s Full-Blown Attack On Vince McMahon Ronda Rousey | Credits: WWE
Ronda Rousey began her professional wrestling career with the WWE in 2018 when she made an appearance in WrestleMania 34. The Mma star teamed up...
Rousey has called out WWE and McMahon on multiple occasions, with her memoir also revealing many harsh truths about the promotion. Rousey mentioned how the women’s division of the WWE was treated under the former CEO and how much they had to fight to get recognition. She also mentioned how McMahon reacted when she dropped the ‘Women’ in the ‘Women’s title’ while giving a speech.
Ronda Rousey’s Full-Blown Attack On Vince McMahon Ronda Rousey | Credits: WWE
Ronda Rousey began her professional wrestling career with the WWE in 2018 when she made an appearance in WrestleMania 34. The Mma star teamed up...
- 4/13/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
In January, Vince McMahon stepped down as executive chairman of Tko Holdings after being accused of s-xually assaulting and s-x trafficking former WWE employee Janel Grant. While the lawsuit’s process has moved slowly, WWE was quick to distance itself from McMahon after the allegations came to light, and Paul Levesque, aka Triple H, ushered WWE in a new direction.
With WrestleMania 40 being the first major step in the company’s new era, which saw McMahon miss his first Wm since its inception, his trainer took to Ig to share his dismay over the matter.
Vince McMahon’s Personal Trainer Was Not Happy With His Absence in Wm 40 Vince McMahon | Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
For obvious reasons, Vince McMahon wasn’t involved in the Showcase of the Immortals, as WWE was quick to distance itself from its founder father following the weight of the lawsuit. However, his absence hasn’t sat...
With WrestleMania 40 being the first major step in the company’s new era, which saw McMahon miss his first Wm since its inception, his trainer took to Ig to share his dismay over the matter.
Vince McMahon’s Personal Trainer Was Not Happy With His Absence in Wm 40 Vince McMahon | Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
For obvious reasons, Vince McMahon wasn’t involved in the Showcase of the Immortals, as WWE was quick to distance itself from its founder father following the weight of the lawsuit. However, his absence hasn’t sat...
- 4/8/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
Stephanie McMahon opened the second night of WrestleMania 40 during a surprise appearance Sunday in Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
“Every WrestleMania is special for its own reason,” Stephanie McMahon told the crowd at the WWE event. “But I think Wrestlemania 40 might be the one I am most proud of, because this is the first WrestleMania of the Paul Levesque era.”
Her husband Levesque, also known by his ring name Triple H, is the chief content officer and head of creative at WWE. Stephanie McMahon hyped up the crowd by doing Triple H’s signature line, “Are you ready?”
Stephanie McMahon kicking off WrestleMania Xl marks her first official appearance on WWE programming since her resignation as co-ceo in January 2023. She also attended the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday, April 5.
Earlier this year, her father Vince McMahon resigned from his position as executive chairman of the board of Tko Group Holdings,...
“Every WrestleMania is special for its own reason,” Stephanie McMahon told the crowd at the WWE event. “But I think Wrestlemania 40 might be the one I am most proud of, because this is the first WrestleMania of the Paul Levesque era.”
Her husband Levesque, also known by his ring name Triple H, is the chief content officer and head of creative at WWE. Stephanie McMahon hyped up the crowd by doing Triple H’s signature line, “Are you ready?”
Stephanie McMahon kicking off WrestleMania Xl marks her first official appearance on WWE programming since her resignation as co-ceo in January 2023. She also attended the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday, April 5.
Earlier this year, her father Vince McMahon resigned from his position as executive chairman of the board of Tko Group Holdings,...
- 4/8/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Cm Punk is a wrestling champion, known as well for his punches as he is for voicing his dissent. The wrestler has not had the best relationship with the WWE and even threw in the towel on his career for a bit before he made his way back to the ring.
The WWE has been rocked by some serious allegations this year, with Vince McMahon, the former CEO of the organization, at the heart of the controversy. Punk shared candid details about his last meeting with McMahon before delving into the controversy that ruined his reputation.
The wrestler spoke extensively about McMahon (Source: WWE)
Cm Punk opens up about his last meeting with Vince McMahon
Phillip Jack Brooks, best known as Cm Punk, is an American wrestler. He even tried his hand at Mixed Martial Arts a few years ago, but he had a humiliating run since the two are very different disciplines.
The WWE has been rocked by some serious allegations this year, with Vince McMahon, the former CEO of the organization, at the heart of the controversy. Punk shared candid details about his last meeting with McMahon before delving into the controversy that ruined his reputation.
The wrestler spoke extensively about McMahon (Source: WWE)
Cm Punk opens up about his last meeting with Vince McMahon
Phillip Jack Brooks, best known as Cm Punk, is an American wrestler. He even tried his hand at Mixed Martial Arts a few years ago, but he had a humiliating run since the two are very different disciplines.
- 4/2/2024
- by Sreshtha Roychowdhury
- FandomWire
Vince McMahon, who has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, is currently treated as someone with whom Tko group and WWE do not want to get involved. His face has now been blurred out of the company’s new video game. Publisher 2K confirmed that McMahon has been cut following the allegations of s*xual assault and trafficking against him made earlier this year.
Former WWE boss Vince McMahon
McMahon left the organization following an ex-wwe employee’s lawsuit accusing him of assault. Apart from being the real-life boss of the wrestling promotion, McMahon also played the villainous Mr. McMahon, an authoritarian character that was a centerpiece of WWE programming for the last few decades.
SUGGESTEDVince McMahon Talked About His Divorce With Linda McMahon in One of the Wildest WWE Moments With Stephanie McMahon WWE 2K24 Blurs Vince McMahon’s Face
WWE 2K24 has blurred footage of...
Former WWE boss Vince McMahon
McMahon left the organization following an ex-wwe employee’s lawsuit accusing him of assault. Apart from being the real-life boss of the wrestling promotion, McMahon also played the villainous Mr. McMahon, an authoritarian character that was a centerpiece of WWE programming for the last few decades.
SUGGESTEDVince McMahon Talked About His Divorce With Linda McMahon in One of the Wildest WWE Moments With Stephanie McMahon WWE 2K24 Blurs Vince McMahon’s Face
WWE 2K24 has blurred footage of...
- 3/7/2024
- by Prantik Prabal Roy
- FandomWire
Vince McMahon, the founder of WWE who resigned from the board of Tko Group earlier this year amid sexual assault allegations against him, filed to sell more than $400 million worth of Tko stock, according to a regulatory filing.
McMahon’s sale comprises 5.35 million shares of Tko, per an SEC filing Monday. [Update: McMahon sold the stock on March 7 for $77 per share, totaling $408.1 million, according to a subsequent Tko filing.] That came after he sold 8.4 million shares of Class A common stock in Tko — worth $670.3 million — last November.
As of the end of 2023, McMahon had owned 20.35 million shares of Tko Group’s Class A shares, meaning he still owns about 15 million shares (which are currently worth more than $1.2 billion). He was the longtime CEO of WWE prior to its September 2023 merger with Endeavor-owned UFC.
In January, former WWE employee Janel Grant sued McMahon, WWE, and former WWE executive John Laurinaitis. The lawsuit alleges that McMahon abused and sexually exploited her and also trafficked her to other men, including Laurinaitis.
McMahon’s sale comprises 5.35 million shares of Tko, per an SEC filing Monday. [Update: McMahon sold the stock on March 7 for $77 per share, totaling $408.1 million, according to a subsequent Tko filing.] That came after he sold 8.4 million shares of Class A common stock in Tko — worth $670.3 million — last November.
As of the end of 2023, McMahon had owned 20.35 million shares of Tko Group’s Class A shares, meaning he still owns about 15 million shares (which are currently worth more than $1.2 billion). He was the longtime CEO of WWE prior to its September 2023 merger with Endeavor-owned UFC.
In January, former WWE employee Janel Grant sued McMahon, WWE, and former WWE executive John Laurinaitis. The lawsuit alleges that McMahon abused and sexually exploited her and also trafficked her to other men, including Laurinaitis.
- 3/5/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
WWE founder Vince McMahon is under federal criminal investigation amid a sexual assault and trafficking lawsuit filed by a former employee of the wrestling company.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the now-former Tko Group chairman has been the subject of a federal probe since 2022 following a wave of allegations against McMahon. As part of a federal warrant that was issued, McMahon had his cellphone seized by authorities.
In 2022, McMahon announced he was stepping down from the WWE after an internal probe that found allegations of a hush-money payment to a former employee,...
The Wall Street Journal reports that the now-former Tko Group chairman has been the subject of a federal probe since 2022 following a wave of allegations against McMahon. As part of a federal warrant that was issued, McMahon had his cellphone seized by authorities.
In 2022, McMahon announced he was stepping down from the WWE after an internal probe that found allegations of a hush-money payment to a former employee,...
- 2/3/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Nikki and Brie Garcia, formerly known as Nikki and Brie Bella in WWE, have opened up about the recent allegations against WWE, which include horrific allegations against the company’s former chairman Vince McMahon, and the Garcias’ stepfather, John Laurinaitis. The sisters, who performed under the stage name The Bella Twins in WWE on and off between 2007 and 2023 before leaving the wrestling organization last year, issued a joint statement on Instagram on Monday, January 29. “We are shocked and disheartened with the recent allegations against members of the WWE,” the Garcia twins posted on social media. “It has been a lot to process since we found out this past week, just as you all did.” They continued, “This is something we don’t stand for or condone from anyone no matter who they are. We want all women to feel safe and supported in the workplace and in their everyday lives.
- 1/30/2024
- TV Insider
Nikki and Brie Garcia are breaking their silence on the allegations made against WWE founder Vince McMahon and organization’s former head of talent relations John Laurinaitis.
Last week, Vince and John were accused of allegedly engaging in sexual assault and trafficking for “both for their own pleasure and as a pawn to secure talent deals with prospective wrestlers they were recruiting” in a lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant, according to CNN.
The 40-year-old twin sisters, who used to compete in the WWE as The Bella Twins, released a statement addressing the allegations.
Keep reading to find out more…
“We are shocked and disheartened with the recent allegations against members of the WWE,” Nikki and Brie wrote on Instagram.
“It has been a lot to process since we found out this past week, just as you all did,” theirstatement continued. “This is something we don’t stand...
Last week, Vince and John were accused of allegedly engaging in sexual assault and trafficking for “both for their own pleasure and as a pawn to secure talent deals with prospective wrestlers they were recruiting” in a lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant, according to CNN.
The 40-year-old twin sisters, who used to compete in the WWE as The Bella Twins, released a statement addressing the allegations.
Keep reading to find out more…
“We are shocked and disheartened with the recent allegations against members of the WWE,” Nikki and Brie wrote on Instagram.
“It has been a lot to process since we found out this past week, just as you all did,” theirstatement continued. “This is something we don’t stand...
- 1/30/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
WWE is continuing to deal with fallout from sexual-abuse allegations facing its former longtime chief Vince McMahon, with shares in parent Tko Group Holdings slipping Monday as investors weigh the potential downside.
Shares in Tko fell 4.4% today on nearly twice their normal trading volume, closing at $82.73. The stock is well below the level where it began trading last September after the merger of WWE with the UFC in a newly public entity controlled by Endeavor Group Holdings. One prominent Wall Street firm earlier Monday flagged “brand and legal risk” to Tko from the lawsuit filed against McMahon and former WWE talent chief John Laurinaitis by former employee Janel Grant, who offered graphic details in laying out accusations of sex trafficking, battery and rape.
McMahon, who in 2022 disclosed paying more than $12 million to multiple women to resolve other sexual misconduct complaints, has denied Grant’s claims.
Speaking with reporters after WWE’s Royal Rumble event,...
Shares in Tko fell 4.4% today on nearly twice their normal trading volume, closing at $82.73. The stock is well below the level where it began trading last September after the merger of WWE with the UFC in a newly public entity controlled by Endeavor Group Holdings. One prominent Wall Street firm earlier Monday flagged “brand and legal risk” to Tko from the lawsuit filed against McMahon and former WWE talent chief John Laurinaitis by former employee Janel Grant, who offered graphic details in laying out accusations of sex trafficking, battery and rape.
McMahon, who in 2022 disclosed paying more than $12 million to multiple women to resolve other sexual misconduct complaints, has denied Grant’s claims.
Speaking with reporters after WWE’s Royal Rumble event,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Vince McMahon, one of the founders of World Wrestling Entertainment, has resigned as executive chairman of Tko Group, WWE’s parent company, after a former employee accused him of sexual assault and sex trafficking. McMahon left Tko on Friday, according to The New York Times. The Times also obtained an email from WWE president Nick Khan in which Khan told employees that McMahon “will no longer have a role with Tko Group Holdings or WWE.” One day prior, a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut named McMahon, former WWE executive John Laurinaitis, and the WWE itself as defendants. That suit accused McMahon of trafficking ex-staffer Janel Grant and subjecting her to physical and emotional abuse. And one allegation in the suit claimed that McMahon and Laurinaitis had at one point taken turns raping her. Grant alleged that McMahon and Laurinaitis pulled her behind a locked door, and...
- 1/27/2024
- TV Insider
Vince McMahon Steps Down As WWE Executive Chairman Following Assault Allegations! (Photo Credit – YouTube)
Vince McMahon has had a very controversial past. He has been accused of sexual harassment by a female referee, allegedly paid $3 million to hide his affair with a former employee. If that was not enough, ex-worker, Janel Grant, claimed she was repeatedly assaulted between 2020-2021. Owing to the latest lawsuit, he has stepped down from his position at WWE’s parent company, and below are all the details you need!
This isn’t the first time Vince has cut ties with WWE. Back in April 2022, following an investigation that he paid a former employee to hide their affair, McMahon stepped down as CEO and chairman of WWE. However, the investigation was closed in November, and he was unanimously appointed as executive chairman of the board in January 2023.
WWE employee’s allegations against Vince McMahon
Janel Grant...
Vince McMahon has had a very controversial past. He has been accused of sexual harassment by a female referee, allegedly paid $3 million to hide his affair with a former employee. If that was not enough, ex-worker, Janel Grant, claimed she was repeatedly assaulted between 2020-2021. Owing to the latest lawsuit, he has stepped down from his position at WWE’s parent company, and below are all the details you need!
This isn’t the first time Vince has cut ties with WWE. Back in April 2022, following an investigation that he paid a former employee to hide their affair, McMahon stepped down as CEO and chairman of WWE. However, the investigation was closed in November, and he was unanimously appointed as executive chairman of the board in January 2023.
WWE employee’s allegations against Vince McMahon
Janel Grant...
- 1/27/2024
- by Jishika Madaan
- KoiMoi
WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from parent company, Tko Group, a day after a former employee accused him of sexual assault and trafficking in a recent lawsuit.
In 2022, McMahon announced he was stepping down from the WWE after an internal probe that found allegations of a hush-money payment to a former employee, with McMahon allegedly paying $3 million to the then-unnamed female, a WWE paralegal, to keep their “consensual” affair private. Following the investigation, he returned to WWE in July 2023.
However, on Thursday, the woman — Janel Grant, who was hired in...
In 2022, McMahon announced he was stepping down from the WWE after an internal probe that found allegations of a hush-money payment to a former employee, with McMahon allegedly paying $3 million to the then-unnamed female, a WWE paralegal, to keep their “consensual” affair private. Following the investigation, he returned to WWE in July 2023.
However, on Thursday, the woman — Janel Grant, who was hired in...
- 1/27/2024
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
Vince McMahon is stepping down from his post atop Tko Group Holdings — the company formed in the wake of WWE’s merger with UFC — following sex abuse allegations from a former WWE staffer, Variety reports.
“I wanted to inform you that Vince McMahon has tendered his resignation from his positions as Tko Executive Chairman and on the Tko Board of Directors,” WWE president Nick Khan said in an email to staff. “He will no longer have a role with Tko Group Holdings or WWE.”
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“I wanted to inform you that Vince McMahon has tendered his resignation from his positions as Tko Executive Chairman and on the Tko Board of Directors,” WWE president Nick Khan said in an email to staff. “He will no longer have a role with Tko Group Holdings or WWE.”
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- 1/27/2024
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Following a suit Thursday asserting that Vince McMahon sexally assaulted and trafficked former WWE employee Janel Grant, the WWE founder has resigned from his role as chairman of parent company Tko Group Holdings, according to an email from WWE president Nick Khan shared with TheWrap. Tko Group was created as the new parent company of WWE in its merger last year with UFC.
“I wanted to inform you that Vince McMahon has tendered his resignation from his positions as Tko Executive Chairman and on the Tko Board of Directors,” Khan wrote in an email to staff on Friday. “He will no longer have a role with Tko Group Holdings or WWE.”
“I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth,” McMahon said in a statement. “I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations,...
“I wanted to inform you that Vince McMahon has tendered his resignation from his positions as Tko Executive Chairman and on the Tko Board of Directors,” Khan wrote in an email to staff on Friday. “He will no longer have a role with Tko Group Holdings or WWE.”
“I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth,” McMahon said in a statement. “I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations,...
- 1/27/2024
- by Mike Roe
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Slammed by allegations of rape, defecation, sex trafficking and more, Vince McMahon is out at WWE and UFC parent company Tko Group Holdings.
“I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth,” McMahon said this evening of the scorching lawsuit against him filed earlier this week. “I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.”
“However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary Tko business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the Tko board of directors, effective immediately,” the WWE co-founder added.
McMahon’s abrupt exit was spawned...
“I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth,” McMahon said this evening of the scorching lawsuit against him filed earlier this week. “I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.”
“However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary Tko business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the Tko board of directors, effective immediately,” the WWE co-founder added.
McMahon’s abrupt exit was spawned...
- 1/27/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Longtime WWE advertising partner Slim Jim has paused its sponsorship with the wrestling promotion following “disturbing allegations” unveiled in a lawsuit Thursday against WWE founder and board chair Vince McMahon. The announcement comes ahead of this Saturday’s Royal Rumble, one of WWE’s biggest events of the year.
“Slim Jim values integrity and respect in all of our partnerships. Given the recent disturbing allegations against Vince McMahon, at this time we’ve decided to pause our promotional activities with WWE,” the company said in a statement. “This decision reflects our commitment to our brand values and responsibility to our community.”
They added that they “will continue to monitor the situation and base our future engagements on our values and what’s best for our brand.”
The current Slim Jim sponsorship was touted by the companies as the “largest sponsorship deal in WWE history” last August, kicking off with sponsorship around the SummerSlam event.
“Slim Jim values integrity and respect in all of our partnerships. Given the recent disturbing allegations against Vince McMahon, at this time we’ve decided to pause our promotional activities with WWE,” the company said in a statement. “This decision reflects our commitment to our brand values and responsibility to our community.”
They added that they “will continue to monitor the situation and base our future engagements on our values and what’s best for our brand.”
The current Slim Jim sponsorship was touted by the companies as the “largest sponsorship deal in WWE history” last August, kicking off with sponsorship around the SummerSlam event.
- 1/27/2024
- by Mike Roe
- The Wrap
Editor’s note: This post contain extremely sexually explicit details from the lawsuit against WWE founder Vince McMahon.
Updated, 1:51 Pm: Following a harrowing sexual assault and sex-trafficking lawsuit filed Thursday against Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment by a former WWE staff member, the wrestling mogul and current WWE owners Tko Group Holdings have broken their silence on the grisly claims.
“This lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth,” a spokesman for McMahon said today. “He will vigorously defend himself.”
“Mr. McMahon does not control Tko nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE,” a Tko spokesperson told Deadline this afternoon regarding the company’s Executive Chairman. “While this matter pre-dates our Tko executive team’s tenure at the company, we take Ms. Grant’s horrific allegations very seriously and are addressing this matter internally.”
The statement...
Updated, 1:51 Pm: Following a harrowing sexual assault and sex-trafficking lawsuit filed Thursday against Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment by a former WWE staff member, the wrestling mogul and current WWE owners Tko Group Holdings have broken their silence on the grisly claims.
“This lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth,” a spokesman for McMahon said today. “He will vigorously defend himself.”
“Mr. McMahon does not control Tko nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE,” a Tko spokesperson told Deadline this afternoon regarding the company’s Executive Chairman. “While this matter pre-dates our Tko executive team’s tenure at the company, we take Ms. Grant’s horrific allegations very seriously and are addressing this matter internally.”
The statement...
- 1/25/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Vince McMahon is accused of sexual assault and trafficking in a new lawsuit filed by a former employee against the WWE founder and his wrestling company.
In 2022, McMahon announced he was stepping down from the WWE amid an internal investigation that found allegations of a hush-money payment to a former employee, with McMahon allegedly paying a secret $3 million to the then-unnamed female, a WWE paralegal, to keep their “consensual” affair private.
However, on Thursday, the woman — Janel Grant, who was hired in the specially made role of “administrator-coordinator” in WWE...
In 2022, McMahon announced he was stepping down from the WWE amid an internal investigation that found allegations of a hush-money payment to a former employee, with McMahon allegedly paying a secret $3 million to the then-unnamed female, a WWE paralegal, to keep their “consensual” affair private.
However, on Thursday, the woman — Janel Grant, who was hired in the specially made role of “administrator-coordinator” in WWE...
- 1/25/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
A former employee of WWE sued founder Vince McMahon, alleging he abused and sexually exploited her when he was CEO of the wrestling-entertainment company — and that McMahon allegedly trafficked her to other men “as a pawn to secure talent deals” with prospective wrestlers the company was recruiting.
The former WWE employee, Janel Grant, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut Thursday naming McMahon, WWE and former head of talent relations John Laurinaitis as defendants.
The lawsuit alleges McMahon, Laurinaitis and WWE violated the Trafficking Victims Prevention Act, and includes claims of civil battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress in relation to years-long sexual and emotional abuse Grant said she endured as an employee of WWE. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages as well as a declaratory judgment that a nondisclosure agreement Grant signed while she was a WWE employee is “void and unenforceable,...
The former WWE employee, Janel Grant, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut Thursday naming McMahon, WWE and former head of talent relations John Laurinaitis as defendants.
The lawsuit alleges McMahon, Laurinaitis and WWE violated the Trafficking Victims Prevention Act, and includes claims of civil battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress in relation to years-long sexual and emotional abuse Grant said she endured as an employee of WWE. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages as well as a declaratory judgment that a nondisclosure agreement Grant signed while she was a WWE employee is “void and unenforceable,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
If you were hoping to see Naomi back on WWE television, you’re going to be very disappointed.
Trinity Fatu, who wrestled under the name Naomi, confirmed Thursday on Instagram that she is no longer with the company. When asked if she was still with the WWE, she replied, “No frien.'”
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The former SmackDown Women’s Champion and Women’s Tag Team Champion has not been featured on WWE programming since walking...
Trinity Fatu, who wrestled under the name Naomi, confirmed Thursday on Instagram that she is no longer with the company. When asked if she was still with the WWE, she replied, “No frien.'”
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The former SmackDown Women’s Champion and Women’s Tag Team Champion has not been featured on WWE programming since walking...
- 3/23/2023
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Just six months ago, Vince McMahon stepped down from his position as CEO and chairman of WWE following allegations of sexual misconduct. Now, even as two women are seeking legal compensation from McMahon for sexual abuse, the wrestling kingpin is plotting his return to his empire, according to a Wall Street Journal story published December 13.
According to the story, the former WWE chairman and principal owner has told several people in his orbit that he intends to return to WWE after stepping down due to pressure from his advisers. McMahon declined to comment for the WSJ story, but according to several of the paper’s sources, he told his inner circle he believes his allegations would have blown over had he stayed at the company, in which he still owns a majority stake.
WWE did not respond to IndieWire’s request for comment on this story.
The story further reports that two women,...
According to the story, the former WWE chairman and principal owner has told several people in his orbit that he intends to return to WWE after stepping down due to pressure from his advisers. McMahon declined to comment for the WSJ story, but according to several of the paper’s sources, he told his inner circle he believes his allegations would have blown over had he stayed at the company, in which he still owns a majority stake.
WWE did not respond to IndieWire’s request for comment on this story.
The story further reports that two women,...
- 12/13/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
World Wrestling Entertainment co-ceo Nick Khan said a special committee of independent directors looking into alleged misconduct by its former chief Vince McMahon has completed its mission and been disbanded.
Management is working with the board to implement the committee’s recommendations, Khan told Wall Streeters on a call following third-quarter earnings. He didn’t elaborate. WWE shares popped nearly 3 in late trading.
The September third quarter included a circa 18 million hit for costs related to the investigation. Khan said WWE has spent 19.4 million on the probe so far this year. He expects further write-downs. The former CAA head of television who joined WWE as president and chief revenue officer in 2020 and now runs the company with Stephanie McMahon — said Vince McMahon “has agreed to pay the reasonable costs of the investigation not covered by insurance.”
WWE had been investigating allegations that McMahon paid millions of dollars to various women...
Management is working with the board to implement the committee’s recommendations, Khan told Wall Streeters on a call following third-quarter earnings. He didn’t elaborate. WWE shares popped nearly 3 in late trading.
The September third quarter included a circa 18 million hit for costs related to the investigation. Khan said WWE has spent 19.4 million on the probe so far this year. He expects further write-downs. The former CAA head of television who joined WWE as president and chief revenue officer in 2020 and now runs the company with Stephanie McMahon — said Vince McMahon “has agreed to pay the reasonable costs of the investigation not covered by insurance.”
WWE had been investigating allegations that McMahon paid millions of dollars to various women...
- 11/3/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Sports entertainment powerhouse WWE reported its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday following several delays due to the discovery of what it had recently said were 19.6 million in previously unrecorded expenses paid by former chairman and CEO Vince McMahon between 2006 and 2022.
WWE also said in filings made late Monday and early on Tuesday that an investigation into McMahon and another ex-executive was “substantially complete” and repeated the 19.6 million figure for previously unrecorded expenses.
It also detailed 1.7 million in second-quarter costs associated with the probe, adding: “While we currently anticipate spending approximately 10 million during the remainder of the year related to this investigation, the related costs could exceed this estimate.”
The company said on its earnings conference call that the 1.7 million was paid by McMahon, adding that he had also agreed to pay “additional reasonable expenses of the investigation not covered by insurance.”
As a result of the probe,...
Sports entertainment powerhouse WWE reported its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday following several delays due to the discovery of what it had recently said were 19.6 million in previously unrecorded expenses paid by former chairman and CEO Vince McMahon between 2006 and 2022.
WWE also said in filings made late Monday and early on Tuesday that an investigation into McMahon and another ex-executive was “substantially complete” and repeated the 19.6 million figure for previously unrecorded expenses.
It also detailed 1.7 million in second-quarter costs associated with the probe, adding: “While we currently anticipate spending approximately 10 million during the remainder of the year related to this investigation, the related costs could exceed this estimate.”
The company said on its earnings conference call that the 1.7 million was paid by McMahon, adding that he had also agreed to pay “additional reasonable expenses of the investigation not covered by insurance.”
As a result of the probe,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Georg Szalai and Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
WWE says it discovered two additional payments totaling 5 million on top of the 14.6 million that former CEO Vince McMahon paid in “unrecorded expenses” from 2006 through 2022.
“The Company has evaluated the Unrecorded Expenses and has determined that such amounts should have been recorded as expenses in each of the periods in which they became probable and estimable,” the WWE stated in a securities filing Tuesday.
In addition, the company disclosed that all of the underlying unrecorded expenses “were or will be paid by Mr. McMahon personally.” The WWE is facing investigations related to the payments, which were allegedly to former female employees with whom McMahon had sexual relationships.
The previously undisclosed payments, made in 2007 and 2009, bring the total in alleged agreements to resolve claims of misconduct against McMahon to 19.6 million.
In July, McMahon retired from the company after stepping aside from his from his...
WWE says it discovered two additional payments totaling 5 million on top of the 14.6 million that former CEO Vince McMahon paid in “unrecorded expenses” from 2006 through 2022.
“The Company has evaluated the Unrecorded Expenses and has determined that such amounts should have been recorded as expenses in each of the periods in which they became probable and estimable,” the WWE stated in a securities filing Tuesday.
In addition, the company disclosed that all of the underlying unrecorded expenses “were or will be paid by Mr. McMahon personally.” The WWE is facing investigations related to the payments, which were allegedly to former female employees with whom McMahon had sexual relationships.
The previously undisclosed payments, made in 2007 and 2009, bring the total in alleged agreements to resolve claims of misconduct against McMahon to 19.6 million.
In July, McMahon retired from the company after stepping aside from his from his...
- 8/9/2022
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
WWE CEO Vince McMahon announced he is officially retiring from professional wrestling amid an investigation into financial and sexual misconduct accusations.
“At 77, time for me to retire,” McMahon wrote on Twitter Friday, July 22. “Thank you, WWE Universe. 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
In a statement issued by WWE, McMahon said, “As I approach 77 years old, I feel it’s time for me to retire as Chairman and CEO of WWE. Throughout the years,...
“At 77, time for me to retire,” McMahon wrote on Twitter Friday, July 22. “Thank you, WWE Universe. 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
In a statement issued by WWE, McMahon said, “As I approach 77 years old, I feel it’s time for me to retire as Chairman and CEO of WWE. Throughout the years,...
- 7/22/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Vince McMahon, the longtime CEO and chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment, announced today he’s retiring from the company at age 77. He had temporarily stepped away from running the company amid a scandal.
WWE’s board of directors has been investigating McMahon over allegations that he’d paid millions of dollars to various women in exchange for silence over relationships and misconduct.
McMahon, whose exit is effective immediately, said in a statement issued by the Stamford, Ct-based company that his daughter, Stephanie McMahon, will be chairwoman and co-ceo. The other co-ceo is Nick Khan, who joined WWE from CAA in 2020.
At 77, time for me to retire.
Thank you, WWE Universe.
Then. Now. Forever. Together. #WWE #thankful
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 22, 2022
McMahon took over WWE from his father in the early 1980s and turned it into a global media empire with lucrative deals including NBCUniversal and Fox in the U.S.
WWE’s board of directors has been investigating McMahon over allegations that he’d paid millions of dollars to various women in exchange for silence over relationships and misconduct.
McMahon, whose exit is effective immediately, said in a statement issued by the Stamford, Ct-based company that his daughter, Stephanie McMahon, will be chairwoman and co-ceo. The other co-ceo is Nick Khan, who joined WWE from CAA in 2020.
At 77, time for me to retire.
Thank you, WWE Universe.
Then. Now. Forever. Together. #WWE #thankful
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 22, 2022
McMahon took over WWE from his father in the early 1980s and turned it into a global media empire with lucrative deals including NBCUniversal and Fox in the U.S.
- 7/22/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Longtime WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon has announced his retirement. The 76-year-old steps down amid a board of directors investigation into accusations he paid millions of dollars in hush money to several female employees with whom he carried on affairs.
McMahon agreed to pay four women more than 12 million over the past 16 years to “suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity,” the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month.
The board’s investigation is ongoing, a person with knowledge told IndieWire. The probe is also looking into allegations against Vince’s right-hand man John Laurinaitis, a top WWE executive who used to wrestle with the company as “Johnny Ace.” Laurinaitis is still on leave from WWE pending the board investigation, we’re told.
McMahon will no longer be involved with WWE’s creative direction, we’re told. McMahon’s daughter Stephanie McMahon will share the CEO job with company president Nick Khan.
McMahon agreed to pay four women more than 12 million over the past 16 years to “suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity,” the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month.
The board’s investigation is ongoing, a person with knowledge told IndieWire. The probe is also looking into allegations against Vince’s right-hand man John Laurinaitis, a top WWE executive who used to wrestle with the company as “Johnny Ace.” Laurinaitis is still on leave from WWE pending the board investigation, we’re told.
McMahon will no longer be involved with WWE’s creative direction, we’re told. McMahon’s daughter Stephanie McMahon will share the CEO job with company president Nick Khan.
- 7/22/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
WWE founder and CEO Vince McMahon, who stepped aside from his executive duties last month amid a board probe into alleged misconduct claims, is retiring from the company. That will include his executive responsibilities and also the company’s creative responsibilities, which he oversaw. McMahon also appeared on WWE programming in character, but those appearances will also end.
The WWE announced the decision in a statement Friday, adding that his daughter Stephanie McMahon serving as chairwoman and co-ceo and WWE president Nick Khan also becoming co-ceo.
McMahon will remain the company’s majority shareholder, and he added in his statement that “I will continue to support WWE in any way I can.”
“As I approach 77 years old, I feel it’s time for me to retire as Chairman and CEO of WWE,” McMahon said in a statement. “Throughout the years, it’s been...
WWE founder and CEO Vince McMahon, who stepped aside from his executive duties last month amid a board probe into alleged misconduct claims, is retiring from the company. That will include his executive responsibilities and also the company’s creative responsibilities, which he oversaw. McMahon also appeared on WWE programming in character, but those appearances will also end.
The WWE announced the decision in a statement Friday, adding that his daughter Stephanie McMahon serving as chairwoman and co-ceo and WWE president Nick Khan also becoming co-ceo.
McMahon will remain the company’s majority shareholder, and he added in his statement that “I will continue to support WWE in any way I can.”
“As I approach 77 years old, I feel it’s time for me to retire as Chairman and CEO of WWE,” McMahon said in a statement. “Throughout the years, it’s been...
- 7/22/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
WWE CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon reportedly agreed to pay more than 12 million to four women over the last 16 years to cover up allegations of infidelity and sexual misconduct, according to both documents obtained by the Wall Street Journal and accounts by people familiar with the arrangements.
McMahon reportedly paid 7.5 million in 2018 to an ex-wrestler who alleged that he coerced her into performing oral sex before demoting her and then declining to renew her contract in 2005, when she rejected further encounters.
More from TVLineVince McMahon Visits SmackDown After Stepping Down as WWE CEO Due to Misconduct Allegations -- Watchwwe Suspends Sasha Banks and Naomi Indefinitely,...
McMahon reportedly paid 7.5 million in 2018 to an ex-wrestler who alleged that he coerced her into performing oral sex before demoting her and then declining to renew her contract in 2005, when she rejected further encounters.
More from TVLineVince McMahon Visits SmackDown After Stepping Down as WWE CEO Due to Misconduct Allegations -- Watchwwe Suspends Sasha Banks and Naomi Indefinitely,...
- 7/8/2022
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Vince McMahon, who stepped aside as CEO of the WWE last month pending the outcome of a probe into alleged misconduct, paid 12 million in hush money to four different women, according to a new report in The Wall Street Journal.
The amount and scope of the payoffs is significantly larger than was previously known. Stephanie McMahon, Vince’s daughter and a longtime executive at the company, has assumed CEO duties on an interim basis in recent weeks during a probe by a special committee of the company’s board of directors.
John Laurinaitis, head of talent relations for WWE, is also a subject of the board’s investigation.
Among the newly reported settlements was a 7.5 million payment to a former wrestler who said Vince McMahon coerced her into giving him oral sex and then demoted her. In 2005, he decided not to renew her contract after she resisted further sexual encounters,...
The amount and scope of the payoffs is significantly larger than was previously known. Stephanie McMahon, Vince’s daughter and a longtime executive at the company, has assumed CEO duties on an interim basis in recent weeks during a probe by a special committee of the company’s board of directors.
John Laurinaitis, head of talent relations for WWE, is also a subject of the board’s investigation.
Among the newly reported settlements was a 7.5 million payment to a former wrestler who said Vince McMahon coerced her into giving him oral sex and then demoted her. In 2005, he decided not to renew her contract after she resisted further sexual encounters,...
- 7/8/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Longtime World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Vince McMahon, who stepped down in June over a handful of sexual misconduct allegations, paid upwards of 12 million to four women over the last 16 years in an effort to keep allegations from going public, the Wall Street Journal reports.
A spokesperson for the WWE referred TheWrap to the company’s initial statement from June when reached for comment.
All four women were formerly associated with the WWE and signed nondisclosure agreements to prevent them from discussing their relationships with the executive, per the outlet.
Also Read:
Vince McMahon Steps Aside as WWE CEO Amid Ongoing Misconduct Investigation
These settlements include a 7.5 million payout in 2018 to a former wrestler who alleged that the CEO pressured her into performing oral sex on him. McMahon did not end up renewing her contract in 2005 after she declined additional sexual advances from him, according to the report.
McMahon is said...
A spokesperson for the WWE referred TheWrap to the company’s initial statement from June when reached for comment.
All four women were formerly associated with the WWE and signed nondisclosure agreements to prevent them from discussing their relationships with the executive, per the outlet.
Also Read:
Vince McMahon Steps Aside as WWE CEO Amid Ongoing Misconduct Investigation
These settlements include a 7.5 million payout in 2018 to a former wrestler who alleged that the CEO pressured her into performing oral sex on him. McMahon did not end up renewing her contract in 2005 after she declined additional sexual advances from him, according to the report.
McMahon is said...
- 7/8/2022
- by Brandon Katz
- The Wrap
“You don’t do the business, the business will do you,” B.B. King (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) tells the rising Elvis Presley (Austin Butler) in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. He says this after a late-night jam session which includes Little Richard (Alton Mason), and while the blues guitarist is admiring the shiny new ride owned by the white rock and roll sensation. King advises Elvis to start his own label.
In reality, B.B. King did just that in 1956. At the time, he was coming off his best year, according to King of the Blues: The Rise and Reign of B.B. King, by Daniel de Visé. King had just packed the Howard Theater in Washington D.C. and Harlem’s Apollo, as well as 340 other venues. Born Riley B. King on a Mississippi plantation in 1925, B.B. “Blues Boy” King had risen to the height of his musical popularity by the mid-1950s.
In reality, B.B. King did just that in 1956. At the time, he was coming off his best year, according to King of the Blues: The Rise and Reign of B.B. King, by Daniel de Visé. King had just packed the Howard Theater in Washington D.C. and Harlem’s Apollo, as well as 340 other venues. Born Riley B. King on a Mississippi plantation in 1925, B.B. “Blues Boy” King had risen to the height of his musical popularity by the mid-1950s.
- 7/1/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
It was all good just a week ago. Last Wednesday, pro-wrestling giant WWE had a market cap just above 5 billion. Since then, when news came out about its board investigating longtime Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon paying millions of dollars in hush money to an ex-employee with whom he allegedly had an affair, WWE has lost 500 million in valuation. At this writing, shares in the publicly traded WWE were down 10 percent in the last week.
Not all of WWE’s key metrics are in decline. On the flip side are the company’s TV ratings: Both Friday’s “SmackDown” (which aired live mere hours after McMahon announced he would step aside while the board investigates the matter) and Monday’s “Raw” jumped in viewership, according to Nielsen.
This creates a curious point of tension: WWE fans love McMahon. They might even love him a little extra for his creation of a rubbernecking trainwreck.
Not all of WWE’s key metrics are in decline. On the flip side are the company’s TV ratings: Both Friday’s “SmackDown” (which aired live mere hours after McMahon announced he would step aside while the board investigates the matter) and Monday’s “Raw” jumped in viewership, according to Nielsen.
This creates a curious point of tension: WWE fans love McMahon. They might even love him a little extra for his creation of a rubbernecking trainwreck.
- 6/22/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Vince McMahon made a brief appearance on WWE Friday Night SmackDown after the company announced earlier in the day that he would be stepping back from his roles as CEO and chairman amid misconduct allegations against him.
“It is a privilege as always to stand before you here tonight, the WWE universe,” the longtime WWE fixture told the crowd at the Friday event. “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!”
This follows The Wall Street Journal reporting earlier this week that multimillion-dollar hush money payments were made to women who alleged having sexual relationships with the wrestling-industry mainstay.
In response to an investigation focused on him and WWE head of talent relations John Laurinaitis,...
Vince McMahon made a brief appearance on WWE Friday Night SmackDown after the company announced earlier in the day that he would be stepping back from his roles as CEO and chairman amid misconduct allegations against him.
“It is a privilege as always to stand before you here tonight, the WWE universe,” the longtime WWE fixture told the crowd at the Friday event. “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!”
This follows The Wall Street Journal reporting earlier this week that multimillion-dollar hush money payments were made to women who alleged having sexual relationships with the wrestling-industry mainstay.
In response to an investigation focused on him and WWE head of talent relations John Laurinaitis,...
- 6/18/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Vince McMahon opened “SmackDown Live” on Friday night with a brief appearance in the ring.
McMahon strutted to the ring with a smile on his face as his theme music — “No Chance in Hell” — played over the speakers. He kept his remarks brief, saying, “It is a privilege as always to stand before you here tonight, the WWE universe…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!'”
With that, he left the ring.
The segment on “SmackDown” came just hours after WWE announced that McMahon was stepping back from his responsibilities as chairman and CEO of the sports entertainment giant. McMahon is currently under investigation by WWE’s board of directors after a Wall Street Journal report on allegations...
McMahon strutted to the ring with a smile on his face as his theme music — “No Chance in Hell” — played over the speakers. He kept his remarks brief, saying, “It is a privilege as always to stand before you here tonight, the WWE universe…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!'”
With that, he left the ring.
The segment on “SmackDown” came just hours after WWE announced that McMahon was stepping back from his responsibilities as chairman and CEO of the sports entertainment giant. McMahon is currently under investigation by WWE’s board of directors after a Wall Street Journal report on allegations...
- 6/18/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Vince McMahon will step aside from the company’s business affairs amid an investigation into allegations of a hush-money payment to a former employee and new accusations of sexual misconduct.
The Wall Street Journal first reported Thursday that McMahon paid a secret 3 million settlement to an unnamed female employee, a WWE paralegal, in order to keep their “consensual” affair private. That separation agreement was finalized in January 2022.
The investigation into that claim unearthed “other, older nondisclosure agreements involving claims by former female WWE employees of misconduct by Mr.
The Wall Street Journal first reported Thursday that McMahon paid a secret 3 million settlement to an unnamed female employee, a WWE paralegal, in order to keep their “consensual” affair private. That separation agreement was finalized in January 2022.
The investigation into that claim unearthed “other, older nondisclosure agreements involving claims by former female WWE employees of misconduct by Mr.
- 6/17/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Vince McMahon is stepping aside as CEO and board chairman of WWE amid an ongoing investigation into claims of misconduct by himself and head of talent relations John Laurinaitis, the company announced Friday.
Stephanie McMahon, Vince’s daughter who took a leave of absence last month from her role as the company’s chief marketing officer, will serve as interim CEO and chairman.
Vince McMahon will retain will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content during the investigation, which involves multiple claims of sexual misconduct including a 3 million hush payment to a former employee who said that she had had a romantic relationship with him.
“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,” Vince McMahon said in a statement.
Stephanie McMahon, Vince’s daughter who took a leave of absence last month from her role as the company’s chief marketing officer, will serve as interim CEO and chairman.
Vince McMahon will retain will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content during the investigation, which involves multiple claims of sexual misconduct including a 3 million hush payment to a former employee who said that she had had a romantic relationship with him.
“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,” Vince McMahon said in a statement.
- 6/17/2022
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Vince McMahon, the longtime face of and force behind the WWE and the company’s chairman and CEO, is stepping aside pending an investigation into “alleged executive misconduct” by a special committee of the board of directors.
His daughter, Stephanie McMahon, who herself had recently taken a pause from the company in order to “focus on her family,” is taking over the CEO role on an interim basis. John Laurinaitis, head of talent relations for WWE, is also a subject of the board’s investigation.
The Wall Street Journal earlier this week surfaced allegations that McMahon had secretly paid 3 million to a former female employee with whom he had conducted an affair. The payout was alleged to be one of many to women affiliated with the pro wrestling circuit.
McMahon “will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content during this period and remains committed to cooperating with the review underway,...
His daughter, Stephanie McMahon, who herself had recently taken a pause from the company in order to “focus on her family,” is taking over the CEO role on an interim basis. John Laurinaitis, head of talent relations for WWE, is also a subject of the board’s investigation.
The Wall Street Journal earlier this week surfaced allegations that McMahon had secretly paid 3 million to a former female employee with whom he had conducted an affair. The payout was alleged to be one of many to women affiliated with the pro wrestling circuit.
McMahon “will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content during this period and remains committed to cooperating with the review underway,...
- 6/17/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Vince McMahon has “voluntarily stepped back” from his responsibilities as WWE CEO and chairman while the board of directors investigates claims of misconduct against the exec, the company said Friday.
The board of WWE has launched an investigation into allegations that McMahon offered a 3 million settlement to a former female employee with whom he had an affair, according to a detailed investigative report Wednesday by the Wall Street Journal.
WWE said Stephanie McMahon, Vince’s daughter, will assume the role of interim CEO and interim chairwoman. She comes back to the company after last month announcing a leave of absence as WWE’s chief brand officer to “focus on my family.”
Vince McMahon will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content during the investigation and remains “committed to cooperating with the review underway,” the company said Friday. The board also is investigating alleged misconduct by John Laurinaitis,...
The board of WWE has launched an investigation into allegations that McMahon offered a 3 million settlement to a former female employee with whom he had an affair, according to a detailed investigative report Wednesday by the Wall Street Journal.
WWE said Stephanie McMahon, Vince’s daughter, will assume the role of interim CEO and interim chairwoman. She comes back to the company after last month announcing a leave of absence as WWE’s chief brand officer to “focus on my family.”
Vince McMahon will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content during the investigation and remains “committed to cooperating with the review underway,” the company said Friday. The board also is investigating alleged misconduct by John Laurinaitis,...
- 6/17/2022
- by Todd Spangler, Cynthia Littleton and J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
WWE founder and CEO Vince McMahon has “voluntarily stepped back” from his roles as CEO and chairman of the sports entertainment powerhouse amid an “investigation into alleged misconduct” by him and John Laurinaitis, head of talent relations.
“McMahon will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content during this period and remains committed to cooperating with the review underway,” the company said. A special committee of the board is handling the probe. It has appointed McMahon’s daughter Stephanie to serve as interim CEO and interim chairwoman, WWE also said on Friday.
The Wall Street Journal had reported of multimillion-dollar hush money payments to women who allegedly had sexual relationships with McMahon. The allegations were spurred on after the board was contacted by someone who knew an employee who left the company earlier this year and who received a 3 million payment.
WWE founder and CEO Vince McMahon has “voluntarily stepped back” from his roles as CEO and chairman of the sports entertainment powerhouse amid an “investigation into alleged misconduct” by him and John Laurinaitis, head of talent relations.
“McMahon will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content during this period and remains committed to cooperating with the review underway,” the company said. A special committee of the board is handling the probe. It has appointed McMahon’s daughter Stephanie to serve as interim CEO and interim chairwoman, WWE also said on Friday.
The Wall Street Journal had reported of multimillion-dollar hush money payments to women who allegedly had sexual relationships with McMahon. The allegations were spurred on after the board was contacted by someone who knew an employee who left the company earlier this year and who received a 3 million payment.
- 6/17/2022
- by Alex Weprin and Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The World Wrestling Entertainment board is investigating longtime Chairman/CEO Vince McMahon for previously undisclosed settlement agreements with former employees. Those include a payoff of 3 million to a female employee he allegedly had an affair with, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
McMahon is the majority shareholder of the publicly traded company’s Class B shares, which grant him overwhelming voting power. Additionally, the board has various members of his family.
The board probe began in April, the WSJ report says. The employee who received the 3 million settlement reportedly had a consensual relationship with McMahon, who used personal funds for the payoff.
However, the board probe has unearthed other, older nondisclosure agreements involving claims by former female WWE employees against McMahon and one of his top executives, John Laurinaitis, the head of talent relations at WWE, the WSJ reported. It could not put a number on the settlement count,...
McMahon is the majority shareholder of the publicly traded company’s Class B shares, which grant him overwhelming voting power. Additionally, the board has various members of his family.
The board probe began in April, the WSJ report says. The employee who received the 3 million settlement reportedly had a consensual relationship with McMahon, who used personal funds for the payoff.
However, the board probe has unearthed other, older nondisclosure agreements involving claims by former female WWE employees against McMahon and one of his top executives, John Laurinaitis, the head of talent relations at WWE, the WSJ reported. It could not put a number on the settlement count,...
- 6/16/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The WWE has “suspended indefinitely” and stripped Sasha Banks and Naomi of their titles after the tag team’s balk at participating in a match earlier this week at Monday Night Raw.
Both refused to participate in the main event six-pack challenge match Monday. Their suspension was announced on the WWE Friday Night SmackDown, with a tournament to held to crown new champions.
Banks and Naomi’s merchandise pages has also been taken down from the WWE Shop .
“Sasha Banks and Naomi let us all down,” Michael Cole said during SmackDown on Friday. “The WWE women’s tag team champions walked off the show and walked out of the building during Monday Night Raw.”
Cole claimed the two left their championships belts with head of talent relations John Laurinaitis before leaving.
“Their actions disappointed millions of WWE fans and their fellow superstars,” Cole said before announcing the suspension.
Banks and...
Both refused to participate in the main event six-pack challenge match Monday. Their suspension was announced on the WWE Friday Night SmackDown, with a tournament to held to crown new champions.
Banks and Naomi’s merchandise pages has also been taken down from the WWE Shop .
“Sasha Banks and Naomi let us all down,” Michael Cole said during SmackDown on Friday. “The WWE women’s tag team champions walked off the show and walked out of the building during Monday Night Raw.”
Cole claimed the two left their championships belts with head of talent relations John Laurinaitis before leaving.
“Their actions disappointed millions of WWE fans and their fellow superstars,” Cole said before announcing the suspension.
Banks and...
- 5/21/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Sasha Banks and Naomi are no longer the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Veteran announcer Michael Cole revealed on Friday Night SmackDown that the pair has been suspended indefinitely after walking out on a live taping of Monday Night Raw earlier this week.
“We will have a future tournament to crown the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions,” Cole said during Friday’s broadcast.
More from TVLineTV Ratings: SmackDown Slips But Ties Dateline for Friday Demo WinWWE Legend Scott Hall Remembered: Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash Pay TributeWWE Hall of Famer Scott Hall Dead at 63 After Hip Surgery Complications...
“We will have a future tournament to crown the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions,” Cole said during Friday’s broadcast.
More from TVLineTV Ratings: SmackDown Slips But Ties Dateline for Friday Demo WinWWE Legend Scott Hall Remembered: Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash Pay TributeWWE Hall of Famer Scott Hall Dead at 63 After Hip Surgery Complications...
- 5/21/2022
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
The WWE is speaking out after Naomi and Sasha Banks were noticeably absent from Monday Night Raw. In a statement released May 17, the organization confirmed, "During the broadcast, they walked into WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis office with their suitcases in hand, placed their tag team championship belts on his desk and walked out." According to the organization, Sasha, real name Mercedes Varnado, and Naomi, née Trinity Fau, felt "they weren't respected enough as tag team champions" and claimed they had safety concerns. "Even though they had eight hours to rehearse and construct their match, they claimed they were...
- 5/17/2022
- E! Online
WWE wrestler Road Warrior Animal, real name Joe Laurinaitis, has died. He was 60.
Animal and Road Warrior Hawk (real name Michael Hegstrand) made up tag teams the Road Warriors and Legion of Doom (later simplified to “Lod”). As The Road Warriors, Laurinaitis and Hegstrand terrorized the Awa (American Wrestling Association), Nwa (National Wrestling Alliance) and WCW (World Championship Wrestling).
In 1990, when they came to WWE — which was still WWF at the time — the team was renamed Legion of Doom.
By either name, the guys wore face paint and spiked shoulder pads inspired by 1981 film “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior.” The intimidating duo used a tandem finishing maneuver, the Doomsday Device, to defeat their opponents.
And defeat opponents they did: Animal and Hawk won the tag team titles twice and were enshrined into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011 alongside manager Paul Ellering.
The Road Warriors/Legion of Doom are...
Animal and Road Warrior Hawk (real name Michael Hegstrand) made up tag teams the Road Warriors and Legion of Doom (later simplified to “Lod”). As The Road Warriors, Laurinaitis and Hegstrand terrorized the Awa (American Wrestling Association), Nwa (National Wrestling Alliance) and WCW (World Championship Wrestling).
In 1990, when they came to WWE — which was still WWF at the time — the team was renamed Legion of Doom.
By either name, the guys wore face paint and spiked shoulder pads inspired by 1981 film “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior.” The intimidating duo used a tandem finishing maneuver, the Doomsday Device, to defeat their opponents.
And defeat opponents they did: Animal and Hawk won the tag team titles twice and were enshrined into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011 alongside manager Paul Ellering.
The Road Warriors/Legion of Doom are...
- 9/23/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
To celebrate DVD release of TLC:Tables/Ladders/Chairs 2019 (available to buy from 10th February 2020) – we are giving away a DVD copy to one lucky winner
TLC is one of the most anticipated events in the WWE calendar. A night of high-octane action with three bone-crunching elements thrown into the mix – tables, ladders, and chairs! Old rivals Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair team up to challenge the Kabuki Warriors in a TLC Match for the Women’s Tag Team Championship, while Miz takes on Bray Wyatt, and Roman Reigns collides with King Corbin in more TLC action!
TLC is always an exciting night and the 2019 edition – the final WWE pay-per-view of the decade – is no exception! There’s brutal action as Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair form an uneasy alliance against the Kabuki Warriors. But can “The Man” and “The Queen” coexist and capture the Women’s Tag Team Championship?
Meanwhile,...
TLC is one of the most anticipated events in the WWE calendar. A night of high-octane action with three bone-crunching elements thrown into the mix – tables, ladders, and chairs! Old rivals Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair team up to challenge the Kabuki Warriors in a TLC Match for the Women’s Tag Team Championship, while Miz takes on Bray Wyatt, and Roman Reigns collides with King Corbin in more TLC action!
TLC is always an exciting night and the 2019 edition – the final WWE pay-per-view of the decade – is no exception! There’s brutal action as Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair form an uneasy alliance against the Kabuki Warriors. But can “The Man” and “The Queen” coexist and capture the Women’s Tag Team Championship?
Meanwhile,...
- 2/6/2020
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
This is one, big, happy family! Have you ever wondered what would happen if Nikki Bella and Brie Bella and their fellas and their family and their pups moved in together for three months? Well, ponder no more because you're about to find out on the upcoming premiere of E!'s Total Bellas! But before all the fun (and chaos) begins, it's time to take a quick crash course on the family tree: Nikki is dating John Cena. Brie is married to Daniel Bryan. J.J. Garcia is Nikki and Brie's younger brother. J.J. is married to Lola Garcia. Nikki, Brie and J.J.'s mom is Kathy Colace. Kathy is engaged to John Laurinaitis. And then, we must not forget about Brie and Nikki's respective...
- 9/28/2016
- E! Online
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