WWE Smackdown: what did Vince McMahon say on Friday night in first appearance since allegations investigation?

The world of professional wrestling is often awash with dramatic, soap opera-like storylines. But the real life stories behind the scenes can be just as gripping as the onscreen product itself.

In news that could have been ripped straight from an episode of Monday Night Raw during its ‘Attitude Era’ heyday, long-time leader and the public face of WWE, Vince McMahon, is stepping down as CEO and chairman during an investigation into allegations of wrongdoing. 

According to the Wall Street Journal, the WWE board is looking into a $3 million (£2.4 million) payment paid by McMahon to a departing female employee with whom he allegedly had a consensual affair.

During the investigation, McMahon will continue to oversee the wrestling organisation’s creative output, according to World Wrestling Entertainment.

Stephanie, his daughter, will act as interim CEO and chairwoman.

Here is everything you need to know.

What has happened?

According to the WSJ, the employee, who was employed as a paralegal in 2019, has had a separation agreement in place since January that prohibits her from revealing her contact with McMahon or disparaging him.

The WWE board’s inquiry, which began in April, uncovered additional, older nondisclosure agreements involving allegations of wrongdoing by McMahon and John Laurinaitis, WWE’s head of talent relations, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Aside from the investigation into McMahon and Laurinaitis’ alleged misbehaviour, WWE stated it will cooperate with an independent third party to conduct a full evaluation of its compliance programme, HR function and overall culture.

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