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☆ How Vince McMahon built an empire on fakery and taught Donald Trump to control a crowd
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

New York CNN —Netflix recently bet $5 billion on the idea that pro wrestling is due for a renaissance. The potential liability for Netflix, though, lies with World Wrestling Entertainment’s longtime puppet master and promoter, Vince McMahon. CNN: Vince McMahon has been a powerful force in American culture over the last 40 years, but I think that’s hard to convey to non-wrestling fans. Riesman: For about 40 years, Vince McMahon was the central actor and gravitational point for the American and Canadian professional wrestling industry. There’s kayfabe, and then there’s what Vince really pioneered, which is neokayfabe, a term I made up.

Persons: CNN Business ’, ”, Hulk Hogan, That’s, Wrestling Entertainment’s, Vince McMahon, McMahon, didn’t, Abraham Josephine Riesman, “, ” Riesman, Dwayne “, ” Johnson, Steve Austin, Donald Trump, Riesman, Vince, Donald Trump’s, Vince’s, Donny Trump, Trump, Linda, I’m, It’s, There’s, You’re, you’re, Vince McMahon’s, Mr, McMahon ”, Sammy Stein — Organizations: CNN Business, New York CNN, Netflix, Wrestling, WWE, Wall Street, CNN, American, Trump, Trump . CNN, Endeavor Locations: New York, America, Canadian, Queens, United States

☆ Who can rein in Elon Musk? Someone you’ve probably never heard of
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

But this week, a Delaware state judge handed down a message that Musk and other powerful men in America seldom hear: Nope. The outcome of Musk’s pay package dispute is the latest instance of a towering, brash business leader getting put in his place by the one institution powerful enough to do so: US courts. Kathaleen McCormick struck down Elon Musk’s 2018 Tesla pay package after an investor challenged it as excessive. Kathleen Flynn/ReutersAmong the threads connecting Musk, Trump and McMahon is a history of evading negative consequences. “And if that’s the case, let that be a message to other people: The litigation system actually does work.”The pay package dispute wasn’t McCormick’s first rodeo with Musk.

Persons: CNN Business ’, New York CNN — Elon Musk, Kathaleen McCormick, who’d, Donald Trump, Trump, Vince McMahon, McMahon, Elon, Kathleen Flynn, Eric Talley, Talley, ”, Musk, McCormick, McCormick didn’t, “ We’ve, ‘, ’ ” Talley, “, Katie McCormick Organizations: CNN Business, New York CNN, Bloomberg, World Wrestling Entertainment, Reuters, Trump, Columbia, Twitter Locations: New York, Delaware, America

☆ The WWE knew Vince McMahon was a liability. So why did it bring him back after his scandalous departure?
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Kyle Feldscher | David Goldman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —WWE’s parent company knew Vince McMahon — the founder of the wrestling behemoth — was a potential liability. That risk was realized Thursday when a former WWE employee accused McMahon of sexual assault and trafficking in a disturbing and graphic lawsuit. The company said McMahon has since repaid the company about $20 million for misappropriated corporate funds and for the legal fees TKO and WWE paid to investigate McMahon. Vince McMahon, Jr., was more akin to a king than a business executive in the world of WWE, his fingerprints on everything. “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 at the time.

Persons: Vince McMahon, —, McMahon, ”, Janel Grant, behemoth McMahon, “, Nick Khan, McMahon’s, Donald Trump’s, Donald J, ” McMahon, McMahon, — Vince McMahon, Vince McMahon’s, Stephanie, Jr, reinstalling, Stephanie McMahon —, Khan, What’s, Grant, CNN’s Sam Delouya, Elizabeth Wagmeister Organizations: CNN, WWE, Companies, US Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Wall Street, Trump Foundation, UFC, Endeavor, Securities and Exchange Commission

☆ Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque makes public comments after WWE employee’s sex trafficking accusations against Vince McMahon
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( Elisabeth Buchwald | Eva Rothenberg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Paul “Triple H” Levesque, the chief content officer at World Wrestling Entertainment, made his first public comments after Vince McMahon resigned Friday from the board of WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, in the wake of a former employee’s lawsuit accusing McMahon of sex trafficking, sexual assault and physical abuse. The horrifying allegations against McMahon were brought forward by Janel Grant, who worked at WWE’s headquarters. Grant alleged McMahon promised a job — and later promotions — at WWE in exchange for sex. Grant’s lawsuit also includes allegations McMahon trafficked her to other men inside and outside the company, including John Laurinaitis, a former wrestler who worked in the company’s talent relations department. The deal valued the newly combined company at over $21 billion, with WWE shareholders owning 49% of the combined company.

Persons: New York CNN — Paul “, New York CNN — Paul “ Triple H ” Levesque, Vince McMahon, McMahon, WWE’s, Levesque, McMahon’s, ” Levesque, he’s, Janel Grant, Grant, —, John Laurinaitis, Laurinaitis, Ari, Cody Rhodes, Dwayne “, ” Johnson, Samantha Delouya, Elizabeth Wagmeister, Jordan Valinsky Organizations: New, New York CNN, New York CNN — Paul “ Triple, World Wrestling Entertainment, Holdings, WWE, Endeavor, UFC, Netflix Locations: New York, St . Petersburg , Florida, WWE’s, Laurinaitis, Hollywood

☆ Vince McMahon, WWE founder, resigns amid sex trafficking allegations
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Vince McMahon has resigned from his role as executive chairman of TKO, the parent company of WWE, following disturbing allegations of sexual assault, trafficking and physical abuse. In the lawsuit, Grant alleged that McMahon dangled a job offer at WWE – and later promotions – in exchange for sex. McMahon engaged in acts of “extreme cruelty and degradation” toward Grant during her time at WWE, the lawsuit alleged. He initially retired from his role as CEO and chairman of WWE in July 2022 amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The investigation was closed in November 2022 and McMahon returned to WWE’s board in January 2023.

Persons: Vince McMahon, Janel Grant, behemoth McMahon, McMahon, ” McMahon, Grant, John Laurinaitus, Nick Khan, ” Khan, “ McMahon, ” McMahon’s, Grant’s, Ari, “, Ann Callis, McMahon’s, Dwayne “, ” Johnson, ”, Johnson Organizations: CNN, WWE, UFC, Hollywood, Ari Emanuel’s Endeavor Group, Netflix Locations: Laurinaitis

McMahon stepped down from the his position as executive chairman of the board of directors at WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, according to a statement released late Friday. McMahon's statement said that he was leaving the board “out of respect” for WWE and TKO Group. McMahon does not control TKO nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE,” TKO Group said earlier this week. According to the lawsuit, McMahon lived in the same building as Grant and in 2019 offered to get her a job at WWE after her parents died. “WWE benefited financially from the commercial sex act venture orchestrated by McMahon, including by having wrestling talent, such as WWE Superstar, sign new contracts with WWE after McMahon presented Plaintiff as a sexual commodity for their use,” the lawsuit states.

Persons: Vince McMahon, McMahon, Janel Grant, Grant, ”, “, ” McMahon, “ Mr, ” Grant, John Laurinaitis, Laurinaitis, McMahon lavished, —, Ms, Ann Callis Organizations: WWE, AP, World Wrestling Federation, Holdings, “ WWE Locations: STAMFORD, Conn, Connecticut

☆ Vince McMahon accused of trafficking former WWE employee in new lawsuit
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Samantha Delouya | Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —A former WWE staffer has accused the company’s founder, Vince McMahon, of sexual assault, trafficking and physical abuse in a lawsuit filed Thursday. In a statement, WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, said McMahon does not control TKO or oversee day-to-day operations at WWE. Led by McMahon, WWE and UFC, a mixed-martial arts entertainment competitor, announced in April 2023 that they would combine to form TKO. Lawsuit details disturbing allegationsAccording to the lawsuit, Grant was introduced to McMahon in 2019 when she was looking for work. The lawsuit also detailed an alleged sexual assault among Grant, McMahon and Laurinaitis that occurred at WWE’s headquarters in 2021.

Persons: CNN —, Vince McMahon, Janel Grant, McMahon, Grant, –, John Laurinaitis, ”, WME, Ann Callis, “, ” Callis, Mr, ” McMahon, Ari, Dwayne “, ” Johnson, Johnson Organizations: CNN, WWE, UFC, ” WWE, Endeavor, Netflix Locations: Connecticut, McMahon’s, Laurinaitis, Hollywood

A former WWE employee filed a federal lawsuit Thursday accusing executive Vince McMahon and another former executive of serious sexual misconduct, including offering her to a star wrestler for sex. Grant also names as defendants in the lawsuit the WWE and John Laurinaitis, the company's former head of talent relations and general manager. McMahon does not control TKO nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE," TKO Group said in a statement. According to the lawsuit, McMahon lived in the same building as Grant and in 2019 offered to get her a job at WWE after her parents died. “WWE benefited financially from the commercial sex act venture orchestrated by McMahon, including by having wrestling talent, such as WWE Superstar, sign new contracts with WWE after McMahon presented Plaintiff as a sexual commodity for their use,” the lawsuit states.

Persons: Vince McMahon, Janel Grant, McMahon, Grant, John Laurinaitis, Ann Callis, ”, “ Mr, Laurinaitis, McMahon lavished, — Organizations: WWE, AP, “ WWE, World Wrestling Federation, Holdings Locations: U.S, Connecticut

☆ CBS News Names New Chief Executive
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Benjamin Mullin | More About Benjamin Mullin | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

CBS News has named Wendy McMahon as its next chief executive, overseeing the news division, its network of stations and its TV syndication arm. Ms. McMahon was previously president of CBS News and its stations, splitting duties with Neeraj Khemlani, who also held that title. Mr. Khemlani stepped down on Sunday, striking a multiyear deal to develop content for the company. George Cheeks, the chief executive of CBS, said in a note to employees on Monday that Ms. McMahon’s appointment was part of a broader reorganization of the division’s national and local news businesses. “I firmly believe that Wendy is the ideal leader for these groups at this critical juncture,” Mr. Cheeks wrote.

Persons: Wendy McMahon, McMahon, Neeraj Khemlani, Khemlani, George Cheeks, McMahon’s, Wendy, Mr, Cheeks Organizations: CBS, CBS News

☆ CBS announces Wendy McMahon to lead news in wake of Neeraj Khemlani stepping down
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Liam Reilly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Wendy McMahon was named president and chief executive officer of CBS News, the network’s local TV stations, and CBS Media Ventures, the company announced on Monday following the departure of Neeraj Khemlani as co-president of CBS News and stations. She will also oversee content licensing to TV stations and the division’s national advertising sales business. McMahon immediately named veteran journalist and executive at CBS News, Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews, president. I’m excited for the future of CBS News, our local stations and our valuable syndication franchises under her leadership.”On Sunday, CNN reported that Khemlani was stepping down after a little more than two years in the role. “I have some news to share today, and I don’t want to bury the lede,” Khemlani said in a memo sent to staffers Sunday.

Persons: Wendy McMahon, Neeraj Khemlani, McMahon, Ingrid Ciprian, Matthews, “, Wendy, ” George Cheeks, ”, Khemlani, ” Khemlani, I’ve, ” McMahon Organizations: New, New York CNN, CBS News, CBS Media Ventures, CBS, Sunday, CNN Locations: New York

Talent agency Endeavor (EDR.N), which owns the mixed martial arts business, will tag-team with Vince McMahon’s WWE in deal valued at some $21 billion. The merger unveiled on Monday creates a new publicly traded company 51% owned by Endeavor and 49% by WWE shareholders. On paper, the WWE enterprise gets the sweeter valuation, at around 24 times last year’s EBITDA, whereas UFC is pegged at 19 times. Instead, in the grand tradition of wrestling, McMahon and Endeavor boss Ari Emanuel are trying to appeal to shareholders with a more unconventional thriller. Under terms of the deal, WWE is being valued on the basis of $106 per share, implying an enterprise valuation of $9.3 billion, according to the companies.

☆ WWE’s Vince McMahon Settles With Ex-Wrestling Referee Who Accused Him of Rape
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Joe Palazzolo | Ted Mann | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Vince McMahon , the executive chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., has agreed to a multimillion-dollar legal settlement with a former wrestling referee who accused him of raping her in 1986, according to people familiar with the agreement. Mr. McMahon’s settlement with Rita Chatterton, completed last month, averts a public legal fight over her allegations as Mr. McMahon pursues a possible sale of the company.

☆ Wall Street Journal: WWE's Vince McMahon settles with another ex-employee
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The Journal reported Thursday that McMahon completed a settlement last month with Rita Chatterton, its first female referee, who accused him of raping her in 1986. And he settled the case solely to avoid the cost of litigation,” said Jerry McDevitt, a lawyer for McMahon, told the Journal. In addition, Chatteron’s lawyer didn’t respond to CNN’s request for comment and the lawyer declined to comment to the Journal. McMahon has previously paid more than $12 million to four women to cover up “allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity,” according to a July 2022 Wall Street Journal report. WWE (WWE) shares were up slightly Thursday.

☆ How WWE’s Vince McMahon ruthlessly got his job back despite allegations of sexual assault and misuse of company funds
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-14 | by ( Kyle Feldscher | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

WWE has always been a family business – Vince McMahon, Sr., handed over the reins to his son in the 1980s – and it seemed set to continue that way. Why was Vince McMahon stepping aside such a big deal? Vince McMahon was more akin to a king than a business executive in the world of WWE, his fingerprints on everything. Once considered a wrestling genius, critics have more recently come to consider Vince McMahon a creative liability. McMahon,” Vince McMahon’s devious on-screen character, who served as wrestling’s greatest heel for years in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

☆ WWE Board Elects Vince McMahon Executive Chairman
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-11 | by ( Patrick Chu | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Vince McMahon had previously retired as WWE chief executive and chairman amid a board investigation of sexual misconduct claims against him. World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. said Tuesday night its board of directors unanimously voted to elect majority owner Vince McMahon as executive chairman of the board, less than a week after the former chief executive returned to the company and ousted three directors, while two other board members resigned. Mr. McMahon’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon, has resigned as chairwoman and co-chief executive officer, the company said in a statement. Nick Khan will serve as the sole chief executive.

Stephanie McMahon has resigned as WWE co-chief executive officer and chairwoman after her father, Vince, was unanimously re-elected as the company’s executive chairman. Stephanie McMahon returned from a leave of absence in July to take over as co-CEO after Vince McMahon retired amid allegations of sexual misconduct. She informed staff Tuesday that she is again stepping down as Vince McMahon returns to facilitate a potential sale of the company. From left, Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H attend the UFC 276 event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, on July 2, 2022. “I’d like to express my full support for Stephanie’s personal decision,” Vince McMahon said in a statement Tuesday.

☆ Stephanie McMahon resigns as WWE’s chairwoman and co-CEO
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Rob Mclean | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Four days after her disgraced father returned to WWE’s board, the wrestling company’s co-CEO and chairwoman Stephanie McMahon resigned from the company. The move comes as WWE’s board of directors elected her father, Vince McMahon, as executive chairman of the board. “I’ll forever be grateful that she offered to step in during my absence and I’m truly proud of the job she did co-leading WWE.”WWE said Nick Khan, who was co-CEO with Stephanie McMahon, will serve as CEO. Vince McMahon retired as CEO in July 2022, but remains the company’s majority shareholder. Following his departure, WWE disclosed multiple expenses that Vince McMahon hadn’t previously reported, totaling $19.6 million.

☆ WWE confirms Vince McMahon is rejoining the board, stock spikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed on Friday that former CEO and majority shareholder Vince McMahon will be reinstated to the company’s board. “Today, we announce that the founder of WWE, Vince McMahon, will be returning to the Board,” WWE executives said in a Friday press release. He also said he would bring back former co-presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios as board directors. Three current board members, JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey Speed and Alan M. Wexler, were removed from their positions. Even during his leave, McMahon maintained control over the company as a majority shareholder.

☆ Wall Street Journal: Vince McMahon plots return to WWE
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-05 | by ( David Goldman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Vince McMahon, the former World Wrestling Entertainment chief executive, who retired from the company last year following a hush money and sexual harassment scandal, is plotting a return to the WWE, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. The WWE has disclosed multiple expenses that McMahon hadn’t disclosed, totaling $19.6 million, which forced the company to revise its financial statements for 2019, 2020 and 2021. The Journal in July reported McMahon paid more than $12 million to four women, including the one from the prior report, to cover up “allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity.”Now, the 77-year old McMahon is attempting a comeback. McMahon’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon took over as board chair and co-CEO after Vince McMahon’s retirement in July. WWE and Vince McMahon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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