Stephanie McMahon Shockingly Quits WWE After Vince McMahon’s Return

Stephanie McMahon has stepped down as Co-CEO and Chairwoman of WWE amid Vince McMahon’s return to the WWE Board of Directors.

“About 8 months ago, I took a leave of absence and within a few weeks, unexpectedly had the opportunity of a lifetime. I had the privilege to return as the Co-CEO and Chairwoman of the Board of WWE,” began a letter from McMahon shared on Twitter.

“Our Founder, Vince McMahon, has returned as Executive Chair and is leading an exciting process regarding strategic alternatives.”

Stephanie McMahon went on to reiterate that she’s “confident WWE is in the perfect shape to continue to provide unparalleled creative content” while driving “maximum value for shareholders.”

Despite the positive tone of the email, and during an employee meeting last week, the optics continue to suggest tensions between Vince and Stephanie McMahon. This past spring, McMahon’s resignation came amid an apparent smear campaign against her that appeared to come from within WWE. Now, with Vince McMahon forcing his way back into the promotion, Stephanie has abruptly stepped down in a move that was just as shocking as her initial resignation back on May 19.

McMahon’s announcement came after the market closed, and it’ll be interesting to see how this affects WWE’s stock price. Vince McMahon’s comeback, which has intensified WWE sale rumors, exploded WWE’s stock, which closed today at $90.24.

With Stephanie McMahon out of the picture, many will continue to cast doubt of whether or not Vince McMahon’s return will be in a limited role that will keep him away from creative. It goes without saying that Stephanie McMahon’s resignation certainly feels like a blow to the Triple H era as he loses his biggest ally.

Given Vince McMahon’s history, and reading the tea leaves of the McMahon’s complex family dynamic, all signs point to Vince McMahon returning to his post as WWE’s unquestioned ring leader.