Vince McMahon Keeps It Short And Sweet On WWE SmackDown After Stepping Down

Vince McMahon delivered his first public comments on WWE SmackDown since temporarily stepping down as Chairman and CEO of WWE.

McMahon was well-received by the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., where he reminded the supportive audience of WWE’s catchphrase “Then, Now, Together…” and “most importantly Forever.”

McMahon then proclaimed “welcome to SmackDown!” before casually tossing the microphone.

Some within WWE were reportedly concerned over what the historically combative Vince McMahon would have to say with the WWE Chairman in the midst of a whirlwind of serious allegations. McMahon, who didn’t directly address any of these allegations, has been known to rally WWE’s fanbase against outside forces when under fierce criticism or scrutiny. A forthcoming multi-part Netflix documentary—appropriately titled “The United States of America vs. Vince McMahon”—seems designed to do just that. Given McMahon’s penchant for confrontation, some may even consider his lack of commentary a let down.

McMahon has been embroiled in multiple bombshell investigations, one of which pertains to a $3 million settlement he made to an ex-employee during an alleged affair. McMahon and WWE are also being investigated by Scott+Scott Attorney at Law for a potential breach of fiduciary duties.

Stephanie McMahon has been installed as WWE’s interim Chairwoman and CEO, and while the announcement has reportedly been well-received backstage, it’s said to be an optics move with Vince McMahon—who remains in charge of WWE’s creative—retaining the majority of control behind the scenes.

Stephanie McMahon abruptly took a leave of absence last month as part of a seemingly contentious exit, however she now finds herself in WWE’s top executive position with the company in a desperate, messy situation.

McMahon, meanwhile, seems to be dealing with an “upper-limit” problem, with his role as WWE Chairman now threatened despite previously being at the helm of WWE’s most lucrative financial period in history.