The allegations against Vince McMahon in Janel Grant’s lawsuit led to his resignation from the company. The pro wrestling world’s bubble busted open as mainstream outlets picked up this troubling story. That being said, Matt Riddle was not surprised.
Riddle Speaks on McMahon
Matt Riddle was released from WWE in September 2023 after his own slew of controversies. He simply burned every chance he had with management after his inebriated show at JFK Airport when he was heading home from WWE’s house show in India. He obviously saw the headlines about Mr. McMahon, and he had a lot to say about it.
While speaking on Sunday Night’s Main Event, the Original Bro stated that Vince McMahon is “a maniac.” He was not surprised by the allegations in Grant’s lawsuit, either.
”Well, people say that (they were surprised), and granted I had no idea of anything going on. I don’t even politic my own matches. I show up and do my job. Honestly, if you watch any of his work from in-ring performances, the things he said and did, logic would tell you alone. Especially, me, personally, all the good wrestlers that play good characters, that’s them. It might be turned up by ten or 100, but that’s them. When I see Vince do all the things he’s done from the 80s, 90s, early 2000s, I was not surprised.’‘
”Some of it, a little, but yeah, the guy is a billionaire that owns a company. He’s done it all, seen it all, and wants to do more and see more. I don’t know, I’m not a billionaire. I wasn’t the dude (alleged in the lawsuit). Brock was the dude he was talking to. It wasn’t me. I really have no comment, other than that. I’m not surprised. I hear people say they’re surprised. I’m not surprised. The guy was a maniac,”
WWE has taken active efforts to erase Vince McMahon from the public. He, along with Brock Lesnar, are no longer people that the company wants to associate themselves with. It is notable that Lesnar has zero creative plans for him, but he is still apparently under contract.
There May Be More To Unpack
Slim Jim pulled their Royal Rumble sponsorship, and Vince resigned shortly after that. It was later noted that his resignation came at the advisement of TKO CEO Ari Emanuel and TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro.
The withdrawal of advertisers and sponsors can trigger a domino effect, prompting WWE to act swiftly to contain the situation. Vince McMahon’s resignation was deemed necessary under the circumstances and was widely regarded as justified. Questions have arisen regarding the validity of the initial investigation into the hush money scandal that led to McMahon’s first retirement, especially since Janel Grant claims she was never questioned. Grant’s lawsuit also highlights her intention to speak out for those who may not be able to. The possibility of more stories emerging about Mr. McMahon is deeply concerning.
‘Ms. Grant is filing this lawsuit not just to address her own suffering, but also to act for those who are afraid to speak out. Plaintiff Janel Grant is a former employee of WWE who was the victim of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault and trafficking at WWE.’
