When Marvel’s Avengers were formed, their creators famously wrote that they came together on “a day unlike any other.” July 22, 2022 will forever fit that description for WWE, as it marked the first day of what’s long been an unthinkable reality: a WWE without Vince McMahon.
The chairman and CEO of WWE first took to social media to announce that he was retiring from the company he’s been synonymous with for decades.
At 77, time for me to retire.
Thank you, WWE Universe.
Then. Now. Forever. Together. #WWE #thankful— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 22, 2022
That was followed quickly by a company press release, which revealed that daughter Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan will serve as co-CEOs going forward, with the former also holding the role of Chairwoman.
“As I approach 77 years old, I feel it’s time for me to retire as Chairman and CEO of WWE,” Vince McMahon said in the 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.
“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.”
Stephanie McMahon had been the company’s interim CEO since June 17, when her father announced he was stepping aside form that role while the WWE’s board investigated reported that he had paid millions of dollars to multiple women to keep them from discussing alleged affairs and sexual misconduct.
The Wall Street Journal, which broke the original story, then published a second story on July 8, increasing the scope of the accusations in terms of both money (a reported $12 million) and victims. Throughout, Vince McMahon remained in charge of the creative team and made several appearances on live WWE programming, giving off an air that it was business as usual.
Clearly, something has changed over the past few weeks, as WWE confirmed to journalists reaching out for comment that Vince McMahon is also giving up his beloved creative role.
Vince McMahon is retiring from all roles, including head of creative, a WWE spokesperson confirms to me.
— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) July 22, 2022
The departure has led to speculation that perhaps even more allegations are on the way. Time will tell if that proves to be the case, but regardless of how Vince McMahon’s story plays out from here, his retirement marks the end of his time as the most significant force in the world of pro wrestling, and the start of a new era for WWE and the industry as a whole.