Stephanie McMahon is now the interim CEO and Chairwoman of WWE after Vince McMahon temporarily stepped down as the CEO and Chairman. WWE noted it was a voluntary decision made by Vince to step back from his role. It should be noted that McMahon is still in charge of WWE creative. He is slated to appear on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE announced the news in the midst of the WWE board investigating allegations that Vince made a $3 settlement to a former employee. It was alleged McMahon and this ex-employee had sexual relations and the woman allegedly received payment to keep quiet.
The investigation expanded into other nondisclosure agreements that involve misconduct claims made by other former female WWE employees about McMahon and WWE’s head of talent relations John Laurinaitis
Brandon Thurston took to Twitter to reveal the internal message Stephanie sent out to staff announcing she’s taking over in the interim.
“I will be returning from my leave of absence and assuming the role of interim Chairwoman and CEO. I love our company and am excited to continue to work with our President & Chief Revenue Officer Nick Khan and our Chief Financial & Administrative Officer Frank Riddick. And of course, I look forward to working with all of you. My door is always open.”
All of this comes after Stephanie announced last month she was taking a leave of absence from WWE to focus on her family. There was reportedly internal doubt over Stephanie’s abilities and the belief was the odds she would return to the company were slim.
A message was simultaneously sent out to all WWE staff when the press release came out.
Stephanie: "I will be returning from my leave of absence and assuming the role of interim Chairwoman and CEO."
— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) June 17, 2022
