The WWE world was hit with shocking news at the beginning of the year as Vince McMahon was charged with a damaging lawsuit. The former TKO board member was accused by his former associate of alleged se*ual abuse and s*x trafficking after which McMahon officially stepped down from the TKO board.
Since the allegations, everyone believed that McMahon’s tenure and relationship with the WWE would soon come to an end. It has now been reported that McMahon has sold his remaining shares in the TKO, doubling down on the fact that his association with the company is now over.
Vince McMahon Sells His TKO Shares, Putting an End to His Ties With WWE
In January of this year, shocking reports about a lawsuit against Vince McMahon caused a stir in the WWE and fans. The damaging lawsuit put up by McMahon’s former associate/ employee Janel Grant claimed that McMahon allegedly asked for se*ual favors with the “promise of career advancement”. Grant also accused McMahon of allegedly trafficking her to other men within the company (The Wall Street Journal).
As the news broke out, McMahon stepped down from the TKO board. It has been reported that McMahon is now selling all of his TKO shares and officially severing ties with WWE. As reported by Wrestling.Inc, 8,021,405 shares held by McMahon are now up for sale, which at the end of the day, means that WWE and McMahon will have no connection or link whatsoever.
Fans were conflicted about the whole matter as they acknowledged that his significant contribution led the WWE to become what it is today, However, knowing about the lawsuit and the terrible accusations, they believe it is the best thing to do for him and the company. Here are some of the reactions on X,
The man built an empire that carried my childhood, let him enjoy what's left of his life peacefuly; he's a legend
— Ilan Potato (@IlanPotato) April 26, 2024
Without Vince, we don't have what we have today.
But I wish he had been a better person…
— NSS2VPREZ (@NSS2VPREZ) April 27, 2024
Kind of disappointing. Hoping in a few years this will blow over and they will induct him to the hall of fame. He is the most prominent figure in the history of wrestling.
— Andrew (@Smallcityandrew) April 26, 2024
Wow! No one could see this a couple of years ago
— Saeed‘Nova’Khan (@Saeedkhan55) April 26, 2024
I thought I’d never see the day.
— CM Punk (@TeamCMPunk) April 26, 2024
Respect Vince for creating such an Umpire💯
— SimplyMe (@the_wiresless) April 27, 2024
McMahon has denied the allegations against him and stated that he stepped down from the board “out of respect for the WWE Universe, TKO, shareholders, and business partners.” (via Deadline). Whatever one thinks about the accusations, no one can deny that the man elevated the company to great heights. It is indeed a devastating end
The PG Era of WWE Is Shifting Thanks to The Rock and Paul Heyman
The PG era of WWE starting in 2008 was controversial for fans who felt that it watered down the intensity and fights taking place in the ring. However in 2024, the Rock pushed all boundaries as he reigned hell on Cody Rhodes mouthing F-bombs and other profanities. Paul Heyman’s Hall of Fame speech also was an example of how the company is slowly getting rid of its family-friendly image.
In his latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer wrote that these two instances have signaled the end of the PG era of the WWE. However nothing is official and all will be decided when WWE Raw moves to Netflix starting in 2025, as per the rules of the sponsors. Meltzer wrote (via TJR Wrestling),
“It was said to us that the Rock interviews and Heyman promo are considered the official end of the PG era. This isn’t to say that the TV shows will be changing. That is something talked about but no decision has been made, but I’m guessing a decision will be made at the end of the year when Raw goes to Netflix and NXT to CW, based on what those broadcasters want and also what sponsors will be comfortable with.”
Raw moving to Netflix permanently next year is itself a big shift and some adjustments and new working procedures are expected to come into play. It remains to be seen if the brand can still keep the unhinged atmosphere that the Rock and Heyman brought in when it moves to Netflix.
