By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
Vince McMahon announced his resignation from TKO on Friday in the wake of the sexual assault and sex-trafficking lawsuit that was filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant on Thursday.
McMahon issued the following statement that was published by Deadline.com: “I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth. I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.
“However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors, effectively immediately.”
Powell’s POV: McMahon held the title of Executive Chairman of TKO prior to his resignation. He will get a chance to tell his side of the story, but given the severity of the allegations made by Grant, this was a move that had to happen.
“A distortion of the truth”. So not a lie then?
He’s gotta cover his ass so I’m sure this was some very carefully chosen verbiage.
HHH knew about this. Probably said nothing to protect his inheritance. He needs to go as well. And Lesnar shouldn’t be on tv either as he made a joke of it all. If you’re going to clear the decks … then clear them. There’s currently alot of people in the E involved in this probably with this women and many others and are hoping their name doesn’t get leaked. Sordid company that I stopped watching over 5 years ago.
HHH and Stephanie both stepped away from things as this started coming up back in 2021. HHH isn’t going anywhere.
Lesnar did nothing illegal. It was stupid and gross, but not illegal. Unless there are certain clauses in his contract, there’s nothing they can do.
It literally says lies and obscene made up scenarios right before that.
There are a number of text messages. Hopefully (for him) he has some evidence to support himself.
I wonder if Danielson had words with Johnny Ace.
There’s a telling moment in the lawsuit where she asks John L. if other women had done this before, and he just a look to McMahon who changed the topic. Who knows if others will come forward.