After her husband Vince McMahon announced his retirement earlier today, former WWE CEO Linda McMahon issued some comments.
In the midst of a Board of Directors investigation concerning NDA payouts to several women over the years, Vince announced his retirement from WWE. Additionally, he is the subject of a federal investigation. While presenting today at the America First Policy Institute conference, Linda was questioned about Vince.
Linda first declared she wouldn’t discuss Vince or the WWE.
“I’m not going to talk about Vince and WWE,” she told a reporter as she made her way through the conference. “I’m here to talk about AFPI.”
Linda was pressed by the reporter, who also remarked that pro wrestling fans find it hard to believe Vince actually retired.
“Well, you know what, he’ll just be deciding on how he’s going to spend his free time. I think that’s a good thing. Thanks!” Linda responded.
McMahon was then questioned by the reporter about her concerns regarding the payouts and her husband’s investigation.
“No, come on,” Linda responded. “Come on, I told you I’m here to talk about AFPI.”
In 2009, Linda officially resigned from her role as CEO of WWE to pursue a career in politics.
As PWMania.com previously reported, the “secret $3 million settlement” that Vince made to the former paralegal who was recruited in 2019 was the subject of an investigation by the WWE Board of Directors, which was first made public on Wednesday, June 15. Laurinaitis’ role was also under investigation, and it was made known that the Board was also looking into other incidents involving former female employees. Following Vince’s voluntary resignation from his Chairman & CEO corporate responsibilities, it was announced on Friday, June 17 that Stephanie McMahon had returned from her leave of absence to serve as the Interim CEO & Interim Chairwoman. Vince, at least temporarily, continued his creative responsibilities. On Monday, June 20, it was made public that Bruce Prichard, Senior Vice President of WWE and Executive Producer of RAW/SmackDown, had been acting in Laurinaitis’ place as Interim Senior Vice President of Talent Relations while the inquiry was ongoing. On Friday, July 8, as further charges came to light, it was made public that McMahon had agreed to pay more than $12 million in “hush money” to four women, among them a former wrestler. As Triple H was named the new WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Relations on July 22, Prichard is no longer filling the interim position. Hours after Triple H’s new position was made public, Vince announced his retirement. Vince was the first to confirm that Stephanie, along with Co-CEO Nick Khan, is the new Chairwoman & Co-CEO. Laurinaitis is thought to be no longer with the company. On July 25, WWE announced Triple H to be the new creative director. Additionally, WWE stated that prior financial reports are being revised as a result of “certain unrecorded expenses” paid by Vince totaling $14.6 million, which were payments made to several women. It was also revealed that the federal government is looking into the payouts by McMahon.
