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Vince McMahon confirmed for WWE SmackDown hours after stepping back as CEO and chairman amid misconduct allegations-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro
Mr. McMahon will address WWE fans.
Vince McMahon will address the fans on SmackDown (Picture: WWE)
WWE has announced Vince McMahon will appear on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
The show will broadcast just hours after it was confirmed the 76-year-old businessman will be replaced by his daughter Stephanie McMahon as CEO and chair until the conclusion of the board’s investigation into his and head of talent relations John Laurinaitis’ alleged behaviour.
In a brief statement, WWE said: ‘Mr. McMahon will appear on SmackDown tonight.’
The show will start at 1am for fans in the UK, and air as usual on BT Sport 1.
In a press release, the board of directors said McMahon has ‘voluntarily stepped back from his responsibilities as CEO and Chairman of the Board until the conclusion of the investigation’.
He will ‘retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content during this period’, while his daughter Stephanie has been named interim CEO and interim Chairwoman.
Stephanie McMahon will replace her dad as chair and CEO (Picture: WWE)
Vince said: ‘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.’
Stephanie added: ‘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.’
The news comes after the Wall Street Journal reported that Vince made a $3million (£2.47million) settlement with a former employee with whom he allegedly had an affair.
It’s claimed the investigation began in April and has reportedly revealed other older nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) regarding allegations of misconduct made against Mr. McMahon and Mr. Laurinaitis.
The board said the allegations are being taken ‘very seriously’, while there will be a ‘comprehensive review’ of the company.
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They said: ‘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.’
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