Vince McMahon

Wrestling boss will continue to oversee WWE's creative content during the investigation.

She had been serving as the company’s chief brand officer. Aside from the investigation into the alleged misconduct by McMahon and Laurinaitis, WWE said that the company and its special committee will work with an independent third-party to perform a comprehensive review of the work environment at the organization. “I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the special committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation,” McMahon said in a prepared statement Friday. “I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.”

Vince McMahon is under investigation and out as World Wrestling Entertainment's CEO and chairman -- at least for now.

I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are,” said McMahon. He’s keeping his hands on WWE’s “creative content,” however, and is set to appear on SmackDown tonight. “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,” said Stephanie McMahon. “I have committed to doing everything in my power to help the Special Committee complete its work, including marshalling the cooperation of the entire company to assist in the completion of the investigation and to implement its findings.”

Vince McMahon is in the middle of a corporate firestorm, but he still opened the company's wrestling telecast "Smackdown" on Friday.

"It is extremely important to me that we have a safe and collaborative workplace," he said. The separation agreement was reportedly made in January between McMahon and the former unnamed employee. "Those four words are 'then,' 'now,' 'forever,' and the most important word is 'together,'" he said. Other misconduct claims were reportedly found against John Laurinaitis, the company's head of talent relations. "I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the special committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation," McMahon said in a statement Friday. "I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are." As for McMahon's in-ring persona, he won't be going anywhere for now.

Amid a misconduct scandal, McMahon's appearance on 'Smackdown' Friday shows the organization will have to live with its nominally deposed mad king.

Those words betray the brazenness of someone who may have lost the confidence and respect of a segment of viewers and even stakeholders, but still owns a majority of controlling shares in the company he’s overseen for 40 years. Competition is what fuels Vince McMahon — competition for ratings, global dominance, social media saturation, prestige, alpha-male pride and the adoration of millions. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.” Strange sentiment from someone who earlier that day stepped back from his decades-long role as chief executive and chairman following revelations in the Wall Street Journal that he’d allegedly paid millions to silence a former staff paralegal with whom he carried on an extramarital affair. More recently, he came out unscathed after ex-wrestler Ashley Massaro accused him of negligence for failing to take action after she was allegedly raped overseas by a military doctor as part of a WWE tour of armed-forces bases. While Vince may have temporarily ceded C-Suite authority — handing the reins to daughter Stephanie one month after her own publicly declared leave of absence for, ironically, family reasons — WWE confirmed in a corporate release that he will retain creative control of all programming.

Several hot topics broke this week, but perhaps none greater than allegations made against Vince McMahon and John Laurinitus.

We noted how Vince was in a “great mood” backstage before the show began and the term “business as usual” was a term regularly used throughout the night. He didn’t refer to the allegations whatsoever and instead focused on the WWE signature intro that plays at the start of each show. A new report from “Fightful Select” gives some insight into the variety of reactions people had backstage after the segment concluded. But it shows that he has no accountability, especially when something is directly his fault.” Vince’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon, is taking over as interim Chairwoman and CEO of WWE while her father steps down from the role. The investigation has reportedly uncovered other non-disclosure agreements by former WWE employees, claiming misconduct by not only McMahon but also Head of Talent Relations, John Laurinaitis.

Vince McMahon "stepped back" as WWE CEO and chairman as the board investigates his alleged $3 million settlement with a female ex-employee.

“WWE and its board of directors take all allegations of misconduct very seriously,” the company said in a statement. Stephanie McMahon said in a statement, “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 also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.”

On Friday, Vince McMahon stepped down as CEO and chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment. Bizarre twists soon followed.

Historically, Vince McMahon has come out of several major controversies unscathed and remains in power.” “Obviously WWE wants to stabilize the choppy waters and installing another McMahon in the position was considered vital.” WWE fans have seen the lines of fact and fiction blurred often over the years, with countless outrageous plotlines. “It comes off as a promotional stunt and playing to people’s curiosity by turning an investigation into a television event.” As far as McMahon’s short-term successor, just like his “Smackdown” appearance, it’s also questionable. The report further said the WWE’s head of talent relations, John Laurinaitis, is also being investigated by the board.

John Laurinaitis, former wrestler and head of talent relations, is also being investigated.

“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.” “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,” she said in her own statement. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are,” McMahon said in a statement, per THR.