Professional wrestling trailblazer Vince McMahon is considering a return to World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., according to the Wall Street Journal. That news comes six months after he announced he was throwing in the towel amid reports of a sexual misconduct scandal including $12 million in alleged hush money payments.
“At 77, time for me to retire,” McMahon tweeted in July. “Thank you, WWE Universe.”
His 46-year-old daughter Stephanie McMahon — a retired wrestler and self-proclaimed “occasional TV villain” — stepped in as company boss and board chair.
Despite stepping away from WWE operations, McMahon maintains majority control of the sports entertainment business and has reportedly told its board of directors he plans to make himself and two allies directors.
The Journal said three current board members would need to resign to make room for McMahon and his tag team. He reportedly met resistance during previous overtures to reinstate himself. Objections remain, the Journal reported.
WWE claims McMahon failed to disclose nearly $20 million in expenses between 2019 and 2021, which it wants to get repaid. McMahon has not addressed talk of his potential comeback.
His alleged misconduct occurred while he was married to business executive Linda McMahon, whom he married in 1966.
The wrestling tycoon took over his father’s professional wrestling business, turning it into a massive money maker over the following two decades. WWE’s reported revenues under McMahon’s leadership in 2021 topped $1 billion.
He is credited with launching the careers of Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Andre the Giant, The Rock and John Cena.
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