Report: Some In WWE Want To Leave If Vince McMahon Returns
Latest on Vince McMahon
Jan 6, 2023
WWE could be subject to a mass exodus if Vince McMahon returns to WWE.
The former WWE CEO and Chairman announced on January 5 that he has taken the "necessary actions" to elect himself, Michelle Wilson, and George Barrios to the WWE Board of Directors. The move will require the removal of three directors currently on the board.
McMahon also expects to be appointed Executive Chairman of the Board, which he believes "will enable unified decision making through the Company's upcoming media rights negotiations and a parallel full review of the Company's strategic alternatives." McMahon assuming that position has to be approved by the WWE Board of Directors.
McMahon is reportedly looking to pursue a WWE sale upon his return to the company and he has made it known that he will not support or approve any media-rights deal or sale unless he is involved in the strategic review as Executive Chairman of the Board. The WWE Board unanimously agreed that his return would not be in the best interests of WWE shareholders and communicated that to McMahon in December. The Board also asked McMahon to agree not to return while he was under investigation from the US Government but he rejected their request.
Reports since McMahon's announcement have noted that WWE talent and staff didn't know about McMahon's actions ahead of time and they were left "floored" by the news. A WWE talent also claimed the roster would be in uproar if McMahon returned as head of creative.
In an update, Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported that McMahon's announcement "pretty much shocked everyone" they have spoken with. Many were wondering what happens next and there is a lot of trepidation within the organisation. Some have even said they will want to leave the company if McMahon is back.
Johnson also noted that many within WWE were "living in denial" about a potential McMahon comeback. The 77-year-old resigned in July of 2022 amidst a sexual misconduct and hush money scandal. He remains the organisation's majority shareholder.
