Latest news with #ex-WWE
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Will Vince McMahon buy back WWE? Legal hurdles and speculation mount
Image via WWE The wrestling world was sent into a frenzy earlier this week following rumors that Vince McMahon , the former CEO of WWE , was considering buying back the company from TKO Group Holdings. The claims first surfaced on a podcast hosted by ex-WWE broadcaster Jonathan Coachman and quickly gained traction across social media platforms and wrestling news sites. However, multiple reputable sources have since dismissed the possibility as nothing more than speculation. Industry insiders and financial experts have weighed in, pointing out the many obstacles McMahon would face in attempting such a move. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select provided a detailed breakdown of the situation, firmly stating that McMahon does not have the financial means or corporate leverage to regain control of WWE. 'McMahon would almost certainly not have the financial means at this point to purchase the company,' Sapp wrote. 'He doesn't have the ability to buy back a controlling interest.' Though McMahon still holds a stake in TKO Group Holdings, it is reportedly comparable to that of other major investors such as the Vanguard Group. The majority ownership lies with corporate giants Endeavor, Silver Lake Equity Partners, and Egon Durban, who together control over 60% of the company. Legal troubles cloud the horizon McMahon's ongoing legal challenges further diminish any chances of a business comeback. He remains embroiled in a sexual misconduct lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant, alleging serious accusations. Recently, John Laurinaitis, a former WWE executive also named in the lawsuit, was dropped as a defendant after agreeing to provide evidence against McMahon. This development adds to the legal pressure on McMahon and complicates any potential plans he might have to re-enter WWE's management or ownership. Since McMahon officially stepped down from WWE in early 2024, the company has continued to flourish. Under the creative and operational leadership of Paul 'Triple H' Levesque and TKO's management, WWE has reported record-breaking numbers in live event attendance, viewership ratings, and merchandise sales. The market valuation of WWE has also risen significantly since the acquisition, making the prospect of McMahon buying back the company a steep financial mountain to climb. Despite expert reports debunking the buyback rumors, discussions about a Vince McMahon return persist among wrestling fans and industry watchers. While his legendary role in shaping WWE's history fuels speculation, insiders maintain that the doors to WWE ownership are firmly closed to the former chairman - at least for now.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Vince McMahon's co-defendant in sex trafficking lawsuit reaches secret deal to flip on former WWE boss
A former WWE executive accused of sex trafficking in a bombshell lawsuit involving Vince McMahon reached a confidential settlement — and will now snitch on the pro wrestling mogul, according to lawyers in the bombshell case. John Laurinaitis, WWE's former head of talent relations, was a co-defendant in a lawsuit filed by ex-WWE employee Janel Grant that alleges he and McMahon subjected her to years of sexual abuse and coercion. The stunning about-face was revealed Wednesday in a joint statement issued by representatives for Laurinaitis and Grant. 3 John Laurinaitis, WWE's former head of talent relations, has reached a settlement with a former WWE employee who accused him and Vince McMahon of misconduct. WWE 'John Laurinaitis has agreed to cooperate and provide evidence in Janel Grant's lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE,' the statement said. 'His agreement to a confidential settlement is a pivotal next step toward holding McMahon and WWE accountable and bringing justice to Ms. Grant after years of sexual abuse and trafficking.' 'Mr. Laurinaitis looks forward to moving on with his life,' the statement added. Grant's civil lawsuit, filed in January 2024 in federal court in Connecticut, contains graphic allegations against both McMahon and Laurinaitis, accusing them of grooming, coercing, and sexually abusing her during her time as a paralegal at WWE. The complaint claims McMahon forced Grant to perform sex acts 'on demand,' to send him nude photographs daily, and to engage in non-consensual sexual encounters — some allegedly orchestrated to benefit WWE business negotiations. Grant also alleges she was 'passed' to Laurinaitis and that he engaged in similar abuse. 3 Vince McMahon has been accused of sex trafficking by a former employee of the WWE. Netflix The agreement with Laurinaitis voluntarily dismisses her claims against him 'with prejudice' — meaning the claims cannot be refiled — and likely signals that a confidential settlement was reached, according to former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani. '[This is] potentially bad news for McMahon,' the legal analyst told The Post. 'What you want to do in any type of case is cooperate your less culpable defendant against your main target. You want people to testify against your main defendant — whether it's Sean 'Diddy' Combs or, in this case, Vince McMahon.' However, Rahmani noted that it remains unclear what Laurinaitis knows or is prepared to share. 'It's really tough to know until a case proceeds to trial or there's some filing that references cooperation in the statement,' he said. McMahon — who built the WWE into a multi-billion dollar business — stepped down from overseeing day-to-day operations shortly after the lawsuit was filed, but remains executive chairman of its parent company, TKO Group Holdings. 3 Janel Grant filed suit against McMahon and the WWE. The Post reached out to McMahon, WWE and TKO for comment. McMahon has previously denied all allegations, with a spokesperson calling the suit 'replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth.' TKO had said the allegations predate its current executive leadership and that it is reviewing the matter internally. In the lawsuit, Grant also challenges the validity of a nondisclosure agreement she signed in 2022, under which McMahon agreed to pay her $1 million upfront and $500,000 annually through 2026. She claims McMahon ceased payments and argues the NDA is unenforceable under the federal Speak Out Act. The civil case poses a serious threat to McMahon's legacy and financial empire, as WWE continues to finalize billion-dollar media deals and expands its global reach under TKO.
NBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- NBC News
Vince McMahon sex trafficking case co-defendant John Laurinaitis agrees to help accuser
The co-defendant in the bombshell lawsuit accusing former WWE boss Vince McMahon of sexual abuse and sex trafficking has agreed to cooperate with and give evidence to the woman suing the pro wrestling mogul and WWE. The co-defendant, John Laurinaitis, also reached a confidential settlement with McMahon's accuser, Janel Grant, according to a statement issued by their representatives on Wednesday. Laurinaitis is a former wrestler and ex-WWE executive. A filing Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Connecticut shows that lawyers for Grant and Laurinaitis agreed to dismiss her lawsuit against as it applies to him with prejudice, which means that it cannot be refiled. 'John Laurinaitis has agreed to cooperate and provide evidence in Janel Grant's lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE,' the reps said in the statement obtained by NBC News. 'His agreement to a confidential settlement is a pivotal next step toward holding McMahon and WWE accountable and bringing justice to Ms. Grant after years of sexual abuse and trafficking,' the reps said. 'Mr. Laurinaitis looks forward to moving on with his life. We cannot provide any additional details at this time.' CNBC has requested comment from attorneys for McMahon and WWE. Grant's settlement with Laurinaitis comes three weeks after she filed an amended civil complaint against him, McMahon, and WWE. McMahon resigned as the executive chairman of the board of TKO Group Holdings — WWE's parent company — in January 2024 after Grant filed her lawsuit. In January 2025, McMahon agreed to settle administrative charges filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission alleging he violated federal securities laws by failing to inform WWE's board of directors that he had signed non-disclosure agreements with two women whom he promised to pay $10.5 million to keep quiet about his sexual conduct. McMahon agreed to pay a $400,000 civil penalty in that case, and reimburse the WWE $1.3 million after consenting to an order finding he violated a securities law. McMahon's wife, former WWE executive Linda McMahon, is currently serving as secretary of the U.S. Education Department under the couple's friend, President Donald Trump.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Triple H Says Vince McMahon Thought Iconic WWE Moment Would Not Work
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE Chief Content Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque recently reflected on his poignant in-ring retirement announcement, revealing that former WWE CEO Vince McMahon initially had reservations about how the segment would be received. Levesque, however, perceived the moment as one of triumph and celebration. The powerful segment occurred at the start of night two of WrestleMania 38, hosted at AT&T Stadium. It was there that Levesque formally concluded his storied in-ring career, a decision that followed a serious cardiac procedure for a heart issue from which he has since made a full recovery. Discussing this memorable event on a recent episode of "Stephanie's Places," Levesque shared McMahon's initial perspective. He recounted how McMahon questioned the idea of opening such a grand show with what he perceived as a somber announcement. Levesque detailed the conversation, stating, "The moment in Dallas (at WrestleMania 38), Vince (McMahon) asked me to go open the show. The idea of going and putting my boots in the ring was not what he had in mind. Like, 'Why do you wanna -- I gotta open the show with a downer,' and I said, 'I don't see it as a downer. I see it as kind of a triumphant moment. I'm back." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation In separate news concerning Vince McMahon, developments continue in the sex trafficking lawsuit filed against him, WWE, and former executive John Laurinaitis by ex-WWE employee Janel Grant. An update on May 7th, 2025, indicated that a judge had permitted Grant to proceed with an updated version of her lawsuit against the defendants. Superstar Triple H and Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment, Vince McMahon, attend the World Wrestling Entertainment "Denver Debacle" press conference at the Hard Rock Cafe, Times Square on May 21, 2009 in New York City.... Superstar Triple H and Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment, Vince McMahon, attend the World Wrestling Entertainment "Denver Debacle" press conference at the Hard Rock Cafe, Times Square on May 21, 2009 in New York City. MoreFurthermore, a significant decision was made in the legal proceedings to temporarily halt the discovery process in the case. This pause means that the phase where both sides gather evidence and information from each other is currently on hold, pending further legal deliberations or rulings. The lawsuit has scrutinized McMahon and WWE, with allegations detailing serious misconduct. The allowance of the amended complaint and the stay on discovery represent the latest procedural steps in what is expected to be a complex and closely watched legal battle. Triple H has been praised by WWE fans since taking over creative and breathing new life into the product. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion arrested in shock undercover prostitution sting
Three-time world champ to appear in court after 16 men were charged POLICE PROBE Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion arrested in shock undercover prostitution sting AN Olympic gold medallist has been arrested after an undercover sting on prostitution. Freestyle wrestler Kyle Snyder, 29, was one of 16 people reportedly charged following the operation by Columbus Police in Ohio. Advertisement 3 Kyle Snyder, right, has won a string of top wrestling titles Credit: AP 3 Snyder's haul includes three world crowns plus Olympic gold and silver Credit: Getty Snyder became the youngest fighter ever to land the clean sweep of his sport's three major titles in 2016. He lifted the world crown, Olympic title and NCAA wrestling gongs. Columbus Police confirmed Snyder was arrested on Friday after an investigation. US media say cops posted escort ads online. Advertisement Police then used the responses to set up possible arrests. It's alleged that Snyder called and texted a number that was said to have been listed in the ad. The three-time world champion is accused of agreeing to meet the 'escort' at a hotel nearby. He faces claims he then paid an undercover officer cash and asked for oral sex. Advertisement Snyder was arrested over allegations of engaging in prostitution. He was reportedly released at the scene and is due in court on May 19. 3 He signed for the Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion Credit: Getty Snyder, from Woodbine, Maryland, is the youngest American wrestler to have picked up Olympic gold - at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil nine years ago. Advertisement He followed that up with silver at the Tokyo Games in 2020 but missed out on a gong in Paris last year. The three-time national champ had recently signed up for the new Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion, which was set up by legend Hulk Hogan and ex-WWE executive Eric Bischoff.
