The status of WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis for the June 17 episode of SmackDown is now clear.
Much has been made following a Wall Street Journal report. The news outlet revealed that the WWE board is investigating an alleged $3 million pact Vince McMahon made with a former employee.
McMahon was said to have had an affair with the women. A source from the report claimed that Vince passed the woman onto Laurinaitis “like a toy.”
John Laurinaitis Will Not Attend SmackDown
(via WWE)
Many have speculated that John Laurinaitis will ultimately be the scapegoat in this situation. At least for right now, he’s definitely feeling some of the effects.
PWInsider is reporting that Laurinaitis will not be attending the SmackDown taping in Minneapolis tonight.
Reports have been surfacing that a lot of female talent in WWE have felt uncomfortable about Johnny “Ace.”
One current anonymous female star in WWE told Fightful that she’d rather have her belongings sent to her in a trash bag if she’s fired than have to deal with Laurinaitis.
Shortly after WWE announced that Vince McMahon was stepping down as CEO and Chairman following the investigation into an alleged affair that he had with a paralegal who left the company this year and was paid $3 million as part of a settlement, WWE announced McMahon would appear on tonight’s SmackDown as Mr. McMahon.
It was later reported that McMahon will be in character during the appearance. Fightful Select reports that many in WWE are unhappy with McMahon’s decision to appear on the show as it’s seen as a largely superficial move.
One source referred to it as a “cheap ratings ploy” while others plan to speak to Vince to express their displeasure at his appearance.
Some have speculated that McMahon will try to make the investigation into not only the affair, but also other nondisclosure agreements that involve misconduct claims made by other former female WWE employees about McMahon and WWE’s head of talent relations John Laurinaitis, as a ‘McMahon vs. The World’ narrative that McMahon did when he was going through the steroid trials of the early 1990s.
Stephanie McMahon has been announced as interim CEO and Chairwoman of WWE. One talent told the media outlet that they’re hopeful that Stephanie’s return will lead to an improvement for female talent who have suffered under the John Laurinaitis era.
Vince McMahon is “stepping back from duties” as CEO of the wrestling and entertainment company WWE, while allegations of misconduct against him are investigated. His daughter Stephanie McMahon will step in as interim CEO.
Speaking to Steve Fall from NBC Sports Boston, former WCW wrestler Buff Bagwell shared his thoughts on Theory’s performance against Pat McAfee at WrestleMania.
“Vince McMahon hand-picked him as a like a a protégé, so when you have Vince McMahon the boss hanging out with you on TV because think about the list of people who Vince has been involved with Austin, Rock, Taker, Triple H, and then suddenly here’s Theory. It’s immediately the fans look at it as like boom stamp of approval!
“This kid’s throwing hand signals and selfies, he was doing it all. I went this kid…this kid is somebody you know and then sure enough he did some kind of crazy ass move that looked incredible off…. like he jumped through hit the second rope…. yeah bounced up and DDT’d. That kid can work, he was very confident you know to be honest with you when I first saw him I went this kid’s gonna win tonight he just had a whole swag about him that was way too confident. I mean for example if he would have lost he would have almost looked stupid… he was so confident and I know that I wouldn’t do that if I was losing so I know that he wouldn’t do that if he was losing so I went this kid’s doing way too many hand signals and stuff and throwing cool things out that I was like if you don’t pull this off he’s gonna be buried you know kind of not buried, but it wasn’t going to look good”
WWE announced this morning that Stephanie McMahon will take over as the interim CEO and Chairwoman of the company as Vince McMahon has temporarily stepped down as CEO and Chairman of WWE during his ongoing investigation. He will still be in charge of creative.
Fightful Select has spoken to several people backstage in the company about the change including a top WWE star that said they didn’t really know what was going on, but that they’ve ‘heard in theory Stephanie McMahon is my boss, and that f*cking rules.’
A former employee that worked with Stephanie said that ‘the tone was always that she would be in that role eventually. She knows and breathes the business and she’s seamless.’ They noted that the narrative around friction between Nick Khan and Stephanie wasn’t something they’d personally experienced.
Another top star said, ‘I imagine it won’t change much. But I love Steph. So that’s good. I imagine Vince keeps his position in creative and once the investigation is over he’ll take back over if he can.”
As previously reported, Vince is slated to appear on tonight’s episode of SmackDown as Mr. McMahon. Stephanie announced a month ago that she was taking a leave of absence from WWE to focus on her family.
The Wall Street Journal reported news of the investigation, while WWE announced Stephanie’s new interim roles.
Maria Kanellis Slams Vince McMahon
Former WWE talent Maria Kanellis took to her Twitter account to say that while she doesn’t want to see WWE fall, she hopes that there is a shift in power.
Vacation days, child care, and a clear direction for the future. This is going to be an anxiety filled time for a lot of people that work there. Hopefully, the COMPANY CULTURE will change. And people will still have jobs they love to feed their families. ?
— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) June 17, 2022
“Let’s not wish that. There are a lot of good people that work there. WWE employs hundreds of people. Let’s just hope the company is bought out by someone/company that will treat WWE like a business and not a boys club. Health insurance, retirement plans, parental leave.”
“Vacation days, child care, and a clear direction for the future. This is going to be an anxiety-filled time for a lot of people that work there. Hopefully, the COMPANY CULTURE will change. And people will still have jobs they love to feed their families.”
WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T has offered up his reaction to Paige leaving WWE.
Earlier this week, Paige announced that she will be leaving WWE once her deal expires, but promised to return to the ring soon.
WWE wouldn’t clear her to compete due to her lingering injuries, but with that being said, the former WWE Divas Champion seems determined to step into the ring again regardless of what promotion it’s for.
Booker T took to his podcast, “The Hall Of Fame,” to offer his take on the situation. The former World Heavyweight Champion suggests he’s sure Paige will wrestle again, and will be a highly sought after free agent.
“I’m sure she’s going to be highly sought after because Paige is one of kind. She really is. I’m gonna say this, Paige is going to be back inside the squared circle very, very soon. Let’s just say that.
“I don’t have any inside information. I just know how much she loves the business. I know how much her family loves the business and how well connected they are to the love of this game and Paige went out, not on her own terms.
“Paige is somebody that is definitely going to step back in that squared circle and prove that she is still one of the best female superstars that ever got in the ring and trust me on that.
“I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but I just got a feeling in my bones that it’s going to happen real, real soon, okay? That’s all I’m saying.”
Paige has been kept out of the ring due to a lingering neck injury that could be disastrous if something were to go wrong. Booker noted that it’s common for some doctors to say it’s okay to compete with certain injuries, while others say otherwise.
However, with something as serious as a neck injury, it’s some dicey territory to step back into the ring with it.
“Sometimes with injuries where one doctor may tell you, ‘You can’t do it,’ and then you go to another doctor right across the street and he’ll tell you you’re fine. You’re good to go.
“I’m serious because I was told that myself. One doctor told me, ‘Nah, you shouldn’t do this,’ and one doctor told me, ‘You’re good to go, man. You’re cleared.’ But that’s just how cautious they are when something like that happened and I get it.
“That injury right there, it’s hard to play around with. That neck issue is a very, very, serious situation as far as do’ or don’t. It’s really hard.”
Hardy’s problems with substances have seen him face suspensions in WWE, Impact Wrestling and now AEW, in a sad repeated pattern of behavior from the former World Champion.
Matt’s Comments
On this week’s “Extreme Life” podcast, Matt said he is doing all he can to support his younger brother after his latest run-in with the law.
Speaking about what he believes started Jeff’s problems, Matt said a traumatic childhood event had a profound effect on “The Charismatic Enigma.” (via WrestlingNews)
“I feel like some of Jeff’s issues probably come from our mother dying when he was so, so young. That was always an issue that he carried with him deeply. I know 100%, the biggest thing that drives me to stay healthy and not have an addiction issue at all, because I’m sure I have an addictive personality, but the thing that keeps me running and stronger than anything else is my family, my children, specifically.”
Ruby Moore Hardy died in 1986 of brain cancer when Matt was just 12 years old and his brother Jeff was nine.
What’s next for Jeff Hardy?
This week, AEW President Tony Khan suspended Jeff without pay, stating that he will only be able to return if he can prove his sobriety.
That is a huge setback for Jeff, but things could get much worse for the popular albeit problematic star.
If convicted of a DUI, his third in ten years, Jeff could face up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Stephanie McMahon is the interim CEO and Chairwoman of WWE in arguably the biggest shift in power the company has ever seen.
Ms. McMahon’s rise to power comes mere weeks after she announced she would be taking a leave of absence from her WWE duties to spend more time with her family.
Shortly after McMahon announced her departure reports came out that WWE executives had been burying her, claiming her some within the company had doubts about her abilities.
WWE’s Reasoning
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, a person with “extensive knowledge” told Dave Meltzer that the comments about Stephanie were because of her decision to take a hiatus.
WWE was seemingly worried about how its public image and stock price would be affected following McMahon’s decision to take leave (via WrestleTalk.)
“To the outside world, the idea of Vince McMahon’s daughter and the heir apparent to the top position in the company leaving the company she’s worked for her entire adult life would sound like something is wrong with the company. So they leak out that she underperformed at her job and her father pushed her out so that would explain that there wasn’t anything wrong, she was just not good at her job.”
“they leak out that she underperformed at her job and her father pushed her out so that would explain that there wasn’t anything wrong.”
Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Stephanie McMahon hasn’t responded to any of the claims that her work was lacking prior to her decision to take her leave of absence.
The allegations against Vince McMahon
Vince McMahon is facing claims that he had an extra-marital affair with an employee who was hired as a paralegal in 2019.
The unnamed paralegal was promoted in April 2021 and departed WWE earlier this year.
McMahon has said he is cooperating fully with the investigation and will respect the result no matter what it is.
Vince McMahon reportedly tore up the script for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown Live.
The report comes from Alex Sherman of CNBC.com, who notes McMahon will be speaking to the crowd in character tonight on SmackDown. The promo will apparently address his upcoming absence from the company.
Sherman added that McMahon actually tore up the script for the show that was written last night.
“Vince McMahon will speak tonight on Smackdown IN CHARACTER as Mr. McMahon to address his temporary absence. Could be a big ratings night for WWE. McMahon has torn up the script for Smackdown, which was written last night, I’m told.
“I’m also told that elevating Stephanie to CEO, after she just left to focus on family, is an optics play to signal Vince McMahon has no intention of stepping down.”
I’m also told that elevating Stephanie to CEO, after she just left to focus on family, is an optics play to signal Vince McMahon has no intention of stepping down. https://t.co/dpUPxKiuGP
McMahon is currently dealing with sexual misconduct allegations, forcing him to step down as WWE CEO. His daughter, Stephanie McMahon, who recently stepped away for a “temporary leave of absence” as WWE Chief Branding Officer, has stepped in as an interim replacement.
Sherman’s report adds that Stephanie’s move to step in and replace McMahon for the time being indicates that Vince has no intentions of stepping down for good anytime soon.
Dave Meltzer also recently reported that Vince is set to address the talent before tonight’s show as well.
What do you think about Vince McMahon reportedly tearing up the script for tonight’s SmackDown, and his appearance tonight despite his current situation? Sound off in the comments!
WWE talent releases aren’t anything new but there had been some mystery surrounding one in particular.
These days, WWE’s primary reason for releasing someone is budget cuts. Usually, WWE releases talent in waves and one superstar isn’t singled out.
When it comes to this situation, however, the release wasn’t due to budget cuts. It left many wondering what exactly happened and now we have the answer.
Why Troy “Two Dimes” Donovan Was Released
(via WWE)
When word first broke that former NXT talent Troy “Two Dimes” Donovan was released from his WWE deal, it was said that a policy issue was the cause. Details were scarce as to what rule Donovan broke.
In an update, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Donovan was released due to a failed drug test.
It’s been said that the company is open to bringing Donovan back a year from now if mutual interest is still there.
Following his release, Donovan took to social media and admitted he made a mistake and will take this as a learning lesson.
It had been reported that there were plans in place for a big WWE Undisputed Universal Title match at SummerSlam but some changes are likely in order.
Backup Plan For Roman Reigns’ Opponent
(via WWE)
WWE had been targeting a title match between WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Randy Orton for SummerSlam. Fightful has reported that WWE now fears that Orton’s back injury could keep him out for the remainder of 2022.
Orton may need surgery.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE does have a backup plan in the event Orton can’t go. It’s noted that the backup plan is not Riddle.
Roman is scheduled to put his gold on the line against Riddle on the June 17 episode of WWE SmackDown. If Riddle loses, then he can never challenge Roman for the championship again.
In the midst of an investigation, Vince McMahon will be making an appearance on WWE SmackDown tonight.
The June 17 episode of SmackDown will take place inside the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns will put his gold on the line against Riddle. If Riddle loses, he can never challenge Roman for the gold again.
We’ll also get to see a “Last Laugh” match between Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin. Max Dupri will also unveil the first member of his Maximum Male Models faction.
Vince McMahon Appearance
WWE has also announced that Vince McMahon will be making an appearance during a crucial time.
McMahon is being investigated by the WWE board for allegedly making a $3 million pact with an ex-employee. He reportedly had an affair with the woman and paid her to keep quiet.
As a result of the investigation, McMahon has stepped down from his role as WWE CEO and Chairman for now. Stephanie McMahon is the interim CEO and Chairwoman.
He will retain his role as far as WWE creative is concerned.
It was reported by Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Vince is expected to address the talent before SmackDown goes on the air.
Keep it locked on the SEScoops homepage for live coverage of WWE SmackDown tonight.
Stephanie McMahon is now the interim CEO and Chairwoman of WWE and she has addressed the news with company staff.
Earlier this morning, WWE announced that Vince McMahon has voluntarily stepped back from his role as the WWE CEO and Chairman. In his place for the time being is Stephanie McMahon.
The news comes in the midst of the WWE board investigating allegations that Vince made a $3 million pact with an ex-employee. The two reportedly had sexual relations and the woman allegedly received payment to keep quiet.
Stephanie McMahon’s Message To WWE Staff
(via WWE)
Brandon Thurston has taken to Twitter account to reveal the internal message Stephanie McMahon sent announcing she’s taking over in the interim.
“I will be returning from my leave of absence and assuming the role of interim Chairwoman and CEO. I love our company and am excited to continue to work with our President & Chief Revenue Officer Nick Khan and our Chief Financial & Administrative Officer Frank Riddick.
And of course, I look forward to working with all of you. My door is always open.”
– Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie McMahon also tweeted the following on Friday morning, in reference to WWE’s bombshell management shakeup:
Until the conclusion of the investigation into recent allegations, I am honored to assume the role of interim Chairwoman & CEO. I love @WWE and all it continues to do to entertain billions around the world. https://t.co/E2MushpoSG
This is quite the turnaround for Stephanie. She had announced a leave of absence back in May to focus on her family. While things seemed to be amicable, reports started surfacing that there was internal doubt over Stephanie’s abilities.
The stories making rounds seemed like a bit of a hit job and Vince McMahon was said to have allowed those reports. The belief was that the odds of Stephanie returning to the company were slim.
Vince McMahon will keep his role as it relates to WWE creative.
WWE has undergone arguably its biggest shift in power in decades today with the announcement of Stephanie McMahon as Interim CEO.
McMahon, who announced last month that she would be taking a break from WWE duties, was appointed following the announced investigation into her father Vince McMahon.
McMahon is alleged to have arranged a $3 million hush-money payment to a paralegal it is claimed he had an affair with.
The statement from WWE Corporate is as follows:
STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– WWE and its Board of Directors jointly released the following statement today:
Independent directors continue review of alleged executive misconduct
Stephanie McMahon named interim CEO and interim Chairwoman
Stamford, Conn. – WWE (NYSE: WWE) and the Board of Directors today announced that a Special Committee of the Board is conducting an investigation into alleged misconduct by its Chairman and CEO Vincent McMahon and John Laurinaitis, head of talent relations, and that, effective immediately, McMahon has voluntarily stepped back from his responsibilities as CEO and Chairman of the Board until the conclusion of the investigation. McMahon will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content during this period and remains committed to cooperating with the review underway.
The Special Committee has appointed Stephanie McMahon to serve as interim CEO and interim Chairwoman.
“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,” said Mr. McMahon.
“I love this company and am committed to working with the Independent Directors to strengthen our culture and our Company; it is extremely important to me that we have a safe and collaborative workplace. I have committed to doing everything in my power to help the Special Committee complete its work, including marshaling the cooperation of the entire company to assist in the completion of the investigation and to implement its findings,” said Ms. McMahon.
WWE and its Board of Directors take all allegations of misconduct very seriously. The Independent Directors of the Board engaged independent legal counsel to assist them with an independent review. In addition, the Special Committee and WWE will work with an independent third-party to conduct a comprehensive review of the company’s compliance program, HR function and overall culture.
The Company and the Board do not expect to have further comment until the investigation is concluded
Cody Rhodes has been one of WWE’s most prominently featured Superstars since returning to the company at WrestleMania 38.
Rhodes has three Premium Live Event victories over Seth Rollins and despite his recent torn pectoral injury, is expected to be in the main event scene for a long time to come.
Cody’s return this past April came after three years with All Elite Wrestling, and “The American Nightmare” has one interesting souvenir from his time working for Tony Khan.
The Throne
On Twitter, Cody shared an image of the infamous throne from AEW Double or Nothing 2019, the promotion’s first Pay Per View.
For his entrance, Rhodes destroyed a throne that bore a striking resemblance to one used by Triple H.
Destroying it with a sledgehammer (another symbol of “The Game”) the message was clearly a shot at WWE and their COO.
The image Rhodes shared also included Rhodes’ daughter Liberty Iris Runnels, who turns one year old tomorrow.
Cody Rhodes may be considered by many as the face of WWE these days, but it wasn’t too long ago that “The American Nightmare” was opposed to Vince McMahon’s company.
In an interview this past April, Cody said he takes some of the blame for the tribalism between WWE and AEW fans (via Cageside Seats.)
“Before making this WWE return, I’m taking little fun potshots and talking smack which is what wrestlers do. I think sometimes the fans that attach themselves to those statements forget that we are in the realm of entertainment, but I added to the tribalism myself.”
AEW has been left reeling from Jeff Hardy’s recent arrest, as the popular wrestler has been charged with three felonies, including driving under the influence.
Prior to his arrest, Jeff and Matt were scheduled to face AEW World Tag Team Champions Jurrasic Express and the Young Bucks in a triple-threat Tag Team Title Ladder match.
The match went ahead without the Hardys, and while the Bucks won, becoming the first two-time AEW World Tag Team Champions, the company had much different plans at first.
The Plan
According to Bryan Alverez, the original plan for the match was for Matt and Jeff to win the AEW World Tag Team Titles, which would have marked their first reign in the company.
However, those plans changed following Jeff’s performance at May’s Double or Nothing Pay Per View, as it was deemed that the former WWE World Champion looked too bad in the ring.
There were at one point, plans for the Hardys to be attacked before the match began, but neither Jeff nor his older brother was used at all for the match.
Jeff’s arrest as expected played a massive role in the decision to change plans, and it’s reported that his openly telling the officers that he was going to undergo a brain scan was also an issue.
What’s next for Jeff?
Jeff Hardy has been suspended from AEW without pay, according to a statement given by Tony Khan over Twitter.
This marks Hardy’s third DUI arrest within a decade which could lead to a hefty jail sentence for “The Charismatic Enigma.”
In the state of Florida, where Hardy was arrested, a third DUI in under ten years can lead to a maximum five-year prison sentence.
Jeff could also face up to $5,000 in fines, and a minimum 10-year driver’s license revocation.
Sasha Banks has a unique persona that makes her stand out among other competitors in WWE. Though the officials of the company feel that they can replicate her success with any star they choose.
Andrew Zarian of the Mat Men podcast recently talked about the former women’s champion. He first confirmed yesterday’s news that her attorneys were working on getting her off the WWE contract.
Regarding the perceived value of Banks, Zarian explains that WWE views Sasha as someone who they can ‘clone’ with a competitor of their choice:
“In their minds, they could clone Sasha with somebody else and have her fit that role, and no problem. It is now a role you are playing.”
– Andrew Zarian
“It’s a role with mid-level actors,” he added. ”Everybody’s a mid-level actor, except for a Roman Reigns, or a Brock Lesnar, or a Cody Rhodes. Those guys are the stars.”
He also discussed the possibility of the two parties coming to an agreement. Zarian said that right now, he does not see Sasha Banks going back.
After the initial reports of the former champion’s release earlier yesterday, latest updates on the matter suggest that her departure has not been made official just yet. Though in the current circumstances, it only appears to be a matter of time.
Killer Kross has confirmed the reports about having talks with AEW owner Tony Khan earlier this year about a potential debut. The former NXT champion recently had an interview with Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast. He first claimed that he is open to working with anybody as long as he is genuinely interested.
Kross also confirmed the rumors of having discussed potential opportunities with Khan. He said he liked the AEW owner and mentioned how many people would have jumped on the opportunity:
“I like the guy. There’s a lot of people who upon getting that phone call would’ve just taken his money, and maybe they’re in a position where they absolutely have to.”
Though Killer Kross did not go into details of his talks with Tony Khan, claiming that “some conversations are meant to be private.” The former WWE star explained that the ideas he heard weren’t the best fit for him. He said that he is going to be honest when he feels that an idea is not suited for him.
While Kross did not reveal any details about their talks, reports that came out last month suggested that AEW did not want to bring in Scarlett Bordeaux with him. The heavyweight star felt that without his wife, his AEW debut would have been no different than how he was treated on WWE’s main roster.
Ronda Rousey has explained her remarks about pro wrestling being fake, saying that its predetermined nature makes the sport a lot less stressful. The former UFC star recently appeared on The Kurt Angle Show. She first claimed that she is not afraid of injuries because they happen in every sport.
Rousey then mentioned how people got offended by her remarks. She explained that it’s not the physicality that makes something real:
“I don’t think pro wrestlers understand how much that it helps because a lot of times I’ll hear people be so offended that like, ‘How dare you call this fake! There’s no fake way to go through a table,’ or ‘This injury is real.’ And I’m like, ‘You guys, it’s not like the physical toll that makes something real.'”
‘It The Anxiety And Uncertainty Of The Result’: Ronda Rousey
(via WWE)
Reflecting on her time in the MMA world, Ronda Rousey claimed that the uncertainty of the result makes the situation real:
“The injuries don’t enter into your mind, It’s the anxiety and uncertainty of the result,” that makes the situation real, as opposed to the predetermined outcome of a pro-wrestling match.”
Ronda then gave an example using Kurt Angle. She asked the Olympic Gold Medallist what he would have done if he hadn’t won the medal. She said that the uncertain outcome is what makes things real for her.
Whatdo you think about Ronda Rousey’s explanation? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
The Great One is known for being very generous with his gifts. He has gifted new vehicles among other things to people in his life. Though this time he has gone even a step further than that, and The Rock has gifted a brand-new home to his cousin and current WWE star Tamina Snuka.
The former WWE champion shared a video of this moment on his Instagram. He mentioned how he has known Snuka since childhood. The Hollywood star also wrote a touching caption in which he described how Tamina has gone through many hardships in life but has always faced any problems with determination:
“I’ve known my cousin Sarona since we were little kids growing up together. Man this girl’s gone thru some tough times, but regardless of what life’s thrown her way – she was ALWAYS determined to break the cycle and become a strong and inspiring single mom example to her two greatest inspirations — her daughters, Milaneta & Maleata.”
Tamina made her wrestling debut back in 2009 and she joined WWE in 2010. She made her main roster debut alongside The Usos when they attacked the Hart Dynasty. The female star has been a featured member of the roster ever since. Snuka has won the 24/7 championship and the women’s tag team titles during her run, but she has never held the women’s world title.
It didn’t take long for a law firm to have its own investigation of WWE.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the board of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc is investigating an alleged $3 million pact made by Vince McMahon to a former employee. Vince allegedly had an affair with the ex-employee and paid her to keep quiet.
The report also noted that McMahon allegedly passed the former WWE worker onto Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis “like a toy.” The woman was said to have initially made a salary of $100,000 but it was supposedly bumped up to $200,000 after having sexual relations with McMahon.
Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP Opens Investigation
In a press release sent to Business Wire, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP announced an investigation into WWE directors and officers for breach of fiduciary duties.
“NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP (“Scott+Scott”), a national securities and consumer rights litigation firm, is investigating whether certain directors and officers of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (“WWE”) (NYSE: WWE) breached their fiduciary duties to WWE and its shareholders. If you are a WWE shareholder, you are encouraged to contact attorney Joe Pettigrew for additional information at (844) 818-6982, or jpettigrew@scott-scott.com.
“Scott+Scott is investigating whether members of WWE’s board of directors or senior management failed to manage WWE in an acceptable manner, in breach of their fiduciary duties to WWE, and whether WWE and its shareholders have suffered damages as a result.
“On June 15, 2022, the Wall Street Journal reported that the WWE board was investigating an alleged $3 million settlement that CEO Vince McMahon agreed to pay in January 2022 to a former WWE employee with whom he allegedly had an affair.
“What You Can Do
“If you are a WWE shareholder, you may have legal claims against WWE’s directors and officers. If you wish to discuss this investigation, or have questions about this notice or your legal rights, please contact attorney Joe Pettigrew toll-free at (844) 818-6982 or jpettigrew@scott-scott.com.”
Time will tell what exactly is going to be the fallout of this. There are some who feel Vince McMahon is bulletproof, while others believe this is a real threat to his power in WWE.
There is a strong universal belief, however, that John Laurinaitis’ job could be in jeopardy.
One superstar on the WWE SmackDown roster believes he has what it takes to defeat Roman Reigns.
The “Tribal Chief” is the reigning WWE Undisputed Universal Champion. He was promoted to undisputed status after defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38. Going into that match, Reigns was the Universal Champion, while Lesnar was the WWE Champion.
Reigns has long dominated the main event scene but could his time be running out?
“Why Not Madcap?”
(via WWE)
During an appearance on KFAN 100.3’s Power Trip Morning Show After Party Podcast, Madcap Moss expressed his belief that he can be the one to take the undisputed gold from Roman Reigns in due time.
“Then, you know, this one at this point may seem like a bit of a stretch to some people. Because the guy’s just an absolute all-time run right now. But I’d love to get a shot at Roman Reigns.
“I mean, he is the pinnacle of the business right now. He likes to say he’s in God mode, and it’s hard to disagree with him. God meaning ‘Greatness On a Different Level.’ I mean, it’s just unbelievable what he’s done over the past 8-10 years, but specifically in the last few.
“He’s really just been untouchable in every aspect of the business. But I think that someone needs to eventually dethrone the guy I look at myself and I say, ‘Why not Madcap?’ So, I got my work cut out for me.
Our Get to Know Series is back to bring you a special conversation with the host of the Wrestling Winedown Podcast, Lo.
It can be challenging for up-and-coming content creators to stand out from others to find success. In the wrestling podcasts community, people may share their opinions or review weekly what happened on shows from WWE or AEW. However, other podcasts like Wrestling Winedown try to give fans a different alternative.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcS9zSVFTb_/
Created and led by Lo, Wrestling Winedown has become a successful brand that likes to discuss deeper topics of professional wrestling relevant to current wrestling news. Lo also supports and collaborates with other talented creators to share their stories or experiences in wrestling. This has created unique content that wrestling fans may not get from other creators.
I recently had the chance to speak with Lo about the success of her podcast. Here’s the video of our discussion, followed by written highlights.
How did Wrestling Winedown Begin?
It’s been three years since the start of the Wrestling Winedown podcast. The creation began while Lo was still attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for Journalism. Her friend Hayleigh liked wrestling and wanted to get into podcasting. Talking about wrestling intrigued Lo, especially when a female wrestling podcast was still uncommon.
“…I started looking, doing some research, and I noticed that it was mostly men doing wrestling podcasts, so there weren’t a lot of female options out there, and that was one striving reason as to why we started it,” said Lo. She continued,”…We wanted to have that girl talk. Be in the week girl friend chat about professional wrestling. So we started thinking and I’m like we need to incorporate something else. My friend loves beer and I was like, I’m not really a beer drinker, I don’t know about that and I was like what about wine.
Wrestling Winedown had its first podcast on Apr. 13, 2019. Hayleigh eventually stepped away from the podcast, and Lo changed the format to what it is today. The growth of the female-founded brand has led to great opportunities in wrestling and could possibly inspire other female wrestling fans to get into podcasting.
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Discussing Serious Topics in Wrestling
One thing that separates Wrestling Winedown from other podcasts is the approach to discussing serious topics in wrestling like diversity and representation. Lo organizes and moderates a panel of different content creators to have constructive and informative discussions. It’s also done in a way that looks at past issues in wrestling and how it relates today.
“…There is a lot going on within professional wrestling and I think a lot of people they get scared to talk about certain stuff because they don’t want people to look negatively at it or they don’t want to start an argument on the timeline,” said Lo. She continued, “…We come fact base. We are not just saying stuff to say stuff, but we also encourage people to share their thoughts because it is important that even though you have knowledge whether it’s institutional knowledge or you gained it on your own.”
Outside of the panel episodes, Lo also reviews wrestling events and does interviews with wrestling-related content creators that fans enjoy. She enjoys having conversations about wrestling but isn’t afraid to speak on topics that others may shy away from.
Photo Credit: Fior Murua
What’s Next for Wrestling Winedown?
The podcast will be going through a rebrand in its third year of creation. Now that Lo is leading the brand, she hopes to shape Wrestling Winedown more into her vision. She also has added Wrestfriends Iridian Fierro to the team as an assistant on social media, and she will be more involved in future projects.
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Lo has also started a new series for Wrestling Winedown called “The Life of a Wrestling Fan.” She will be interviewing successful people that are not involved in wrestling but that happen to be big wrestling fans. She recently interviewed a former MTV, VH1, and Nickelodeon executive Andria Parides in her first episode. Lo revealed that she already has several interviews planned and will be releasing them soon. When discussing the idea behind the new series, Lo expressed that she created the concept to bridge the gap between wrestling and people from other job fields.
“…There are so many amazing wrestling fans who are doing stuff offline that is great for the community or their career, and we don’t know because we are not talking about online. We are focused on what’s going on RAW or AEW that we are not sharing Hey, I did this at work, or I made this impact in my community, or I’m working at the Met Gala. There are so many amazing things that wrestling fans are doing that needs to be brought to the forefront along with being a wrestling fan,” said Lo. She revealed that several interviews are already planned and will be released at a later date.
The future of Wrestling Winedown looks promising as the brand continues to thrive. Possibly, a wine sponsorship is on the horizon as well.
Speaking to Steve Fall from NBC Sports Boston, Big Swole opened up about her feelings on a controversial tweet from Tony Khan.
Big Swole was asked if its too late for an apology.
“I don’t think it’s never too late to forgive someone and to you know say speak your piece and speak you’re wrong and stuff like that like it’s never too late for that. I don’t ever want to close the door on something like that because that affects my healing that affects my heart you know as much as it could affect someone else so if you were to call me like a year from now and apologize hey you know whenever you know it’s set on his heart to do so then so be it, but if it’s not then that’s okay as well I’m literally like Pontius Pilate I wash my hands of it because I know my truth and I’m standing in it.”
