Vince McMahon, chief executive officer and chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment announced his retirement on Friday at the age of 77. In a tweet posted in the late afternoon McMahon stated that “At 77, time for me to retire.” He then thanked the WWE universe.
The announcement comes a month after McMahon stepped down from his duties amid allegations that the CEO paid up to $12 million in hush money to former employees.
At 77, time for me to retire.
Thank you, WWE Universe.
Then. Now. Forever. Together. #WWE #thankful— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 22, 2022
“Throughout the years it’s been a privilege to help WWE bring you joy, inspire you, thrill you, surprise you, and always entertain you,” McMahon said in a corporate statement.
He went on to thank his family, the current and former superstars who have wrestled for the company, and the fans for allowing the WWE into their home every week.
McMahon is being investigated by WWE’s board of directors over allegations that he’d paid millions of dollars to various women in exchange for their silence regarding his relationships and misconduct. While the investigation was ongoing, the longtime WWE boss stepped down from his role as chairman and CEO. The company’s president Nick Khan and McMahon’s daughter Stephanie McMahon will serve as the new heads of the company.
On Twitter, some fans seemed baffled at the turn of events. “I thought Vince McMahon would die before he retired,” one user wrote.
I thought Vince McMahon would die before he retired. No bullshit.
— Big Boss (@LordBalvin) July 22, 2022
Vince McMahon has not been hacked, guys. WWE tell me his retirement is very real.
— Alex McCarthy (@AlexM_talkSPORT) July 22, 2022
Others celebrated the wrestling icon’s legacy and contributions to the sport. Wrestlers and fans alike reflected on how McMahon impacted their lives.
Today is a sad day in the sports entertainment and wrestling industry. @VinceMcMahon retired from @WWE at 77 years. Sir, thank you for believing in me and granting me the opportunity to change my life. Without you there wouldn’t be an Albert Del Río. Enjoy life! You deserve it. pic.twitter.com/Xg9UutYWN0
— Alberto El Patron (@PrideOfMexico) July 22, 2022
Meanwhile, some expressed relief that McMahon is leaving the role following his recent controversy.
Love the people trying to walk the fine line of “Vince might be a sex criminal, but he also touched a lot of children’s lives”. Yeah, so did my cousin, he is legally obligated to tell his neighbors about it when he moves to a new town.
— Trevor Dame (@TrevorDame) July 22, 2022
I’ll believe this is really going down when they say he’s leaving creative. Doesn’t seem like that’s in the cards just yet.
— Yo La Waingro (@alex_navarro) July 22, 2022
McMahon’s creative duties will be taken over by Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
Proud and honored to work with the best talent in the world. https://t.co/polNi8n87C
— Triple H (@TripleH) July 22, 2022
