Misconduct allegations threaten Vince McMahon’s hold on WWE

WWE CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon revolutionized the sport of wrestling into a staple of mainstream entertainment over the course of his decades-long career. However, fresh allegations of misconduct could destabilize the once unshakeable control McMahon had held over the industry.

According to the Wall Street Journal, McMahon paid out more than $12 million in hush money settlements to four women over a 16-year span. These findings came after WWE launched an investigation into a $3 million settlement McMahon had reached with a former company employee with whom he had allegedly engaged in an affair.

All four of these reported settlements were reached with women who had professional ties to the WWE. One of these agreements was reached with a former wrestler who alleged McMahon had coerced her into providing sexual favors before demoting her, while another included allegations by a former WWE contractor that the CEO had sent her unsolicited nude photographs of himself.

WWE employees who spoke with the Wall Street Journal about their organization’s ongoing investigation into these incidents said, “Mr. McMahon’s affairs at the company were common knowledge.”

In light of these accusations, McMahon announced last month he was voluntarily stepping back from his responsibilities as CEO and chairman while the WWE examined the claims made against him.

“I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the Special Committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are,” McMahon said in a statement.

Despite the announcement he would step away, McMahon has continued to make multiple televised in-character appearances on both “Friday Night SmackDown” and “Monday Night Raw.” Meanwhile, McMahon’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon, has taken on her father’s role within WWE’s business dealings on an interim basis.