Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Law

Vince McMahon Steps Down As WWE Chairman And CEO

  • The decision was made in the wake of a sexual misconduct investigation.
  • McMahon has been the top figure at WWE since buying it from his father in 1982.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

For the first time in four decades, the head of the world’s largest wrestling company won’t be in charge.

On Friday, WWE announced that Vince McMahon would step aside as Chairman and CEO pending the results of an investigation into sexual misconduct against him and head of talent relations John Laurinaitis.

McMahon’s daughter Stephanie — WWE’s chief brand officer — will serve as interim CEO and Chairwoman.

McMahon has been the top figure at the company since buying it from his father in 1982. Under his leadership, WWE has blossomed into a sports entertainment powerhouse, reporting a company record $333.4 million in revenue for Q1 2022.

He and Laurinaitis are being investigated by the company’s board for allegedly paying a former female employee $3 million to not disclose her supposed sexual relationships with the men. It’s also likely that this wasn’t the first time McMahon has enacted an agreement of this nature.

All things considered, he can’t pass up a ratings play when he sees one: McMahon is scheduled to appear on Friday’s episode of Smackdown.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Golf - Dubai Desert Classic 2025 - Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, United Arab Emirates - January 19, 2025 Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy in action as he tees off on the eighth during the final round

DP World Tour, WWE Press On in Middle East Amid War

The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship begins Thursday with a $9 million purse.

How Real American Freestyle Thinks It Could Change Wrestling

RAF has renegotiated its media-rights deal with Fox Nation eight times.

UFC’s White House Event Lost $30M, but Business Kept Growing

The business grew despite red ink from the June showcase.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/3/26 – First CFP Rankings, Wilbon Steps Away, NFL Coaching Hot Seats

0:00

Featured Today

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys former running back Emmitt Smith attends game three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.

Emmitt Smith Hits Back After Lawsuit Over Failed $2.5M Solar Deal

The longtime Cowboys running back wants the plaintiff sanctioned.
October 13, 2026

PTPA Boss Accused of Harassment, Sexist Conduct in New Suit

The PTPA is listed as both a plaintiff and a defendant.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine delivers a statement condemning the death penalty during a news conference at his office in Columbus on June 16, 2026.
October 16, 2026

NCAA Sues Ohio Governor Over Fifth-Year Eligibility Order

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed the executive order Tuesday.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
First at FOS
October 13, 2026

Controversial Search Firm Memo on Brian Flores Unsealed by Court

The memo is evidence for several of Flores’s claims, his lawyers say.
October 5, 2026

WPBL Records Case Alive Despite Board Member’s Firing

The league’s CEO tried to end the board member’s case by firing her.
Mar 16, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer reacts against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive
October 2, 2026

Ballmer Drops Lawyer Who Called NBA Probe a ‘Witch Hunt’

O’Melveny & Myers had been representing Ballmer in multiple matters.
Polymarket logo appears in this illustration taken April 22, 2026.
September 24, 2026

New York Takes Aim at Polymarket With $4.6B Suit

“Our gambling laws exist to protect New Yorkers.”