Unpacking Entire Narrative In WWE's Latest Scandal Involving Vince McMahon

Just a few days after Jeff Hardy’s latest run-in with the law, the pro wrestling community was shocked to have learned that the company is going through another scandal that involves none other than WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.

The Wall Street Journal put out a lengthy report on the matter regarding McMahon giving out a $3 million settlement to a paralegal that was hired in 2019 and had left the company in January 2022, also noting that she cannot disclose the details of her affair with McMahon nor malign him in any capacity.

The whole thing broke out when board members received anonymous emails from someone who claimed to be friends of the paralegal and even noted WWE head of talent relations John Laurinaitis was involved in the scandal.

“The first email, sent to board members on March 30, alleged that Mr. McMahon, 76 years old, initially hired the woman at a salary of $100,000 but increased it to $200,000 after beginning a sexual relationship with her,” the report stated.

“The email to the board also alleged that Mr. McMahon ‘gave her like a toy’ to Mr. Laurinaitis. The board is investigating the allegations in the email, the people familiar with the inquiry said.”

With the paralegal being paid $1 million upfront and $2 million expected to be given out over the next five years, investigators had also found out about the nondisclosure agreements involving McMahon and Laurinaitis.

According to the Journal, the board reportedly acquired the services of the New York-based Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett LLP law firm to sort the whole thing out and paint an even clearer picture.

It is worth noting that the top-tier pro wrestling company’s board of directors includes his daughter Stephanie McMahon, Triple H (real name Paul Levesque), and WWE president Nick Khan.

Speculation now revolves around whether Stephanie’s leave of absence was related to the investigation since the timelines eerily match up.

Jerry McDevitt, the man who represented WWE during its famed trial over distributing and conspiring to distribute steroids to its performers, told the Journal that the company “did not pay any monies” to the former employee “on her departure.”

The internet wrestling community has since taken up arms against the company via social media, with one Twitter user sharing a screenshot of former WWE performer Nia Jax throwing shade.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select also reported that this new, damaging issue will cause a domino effect, which starts with Laurinaitis resigning and ends with McMahon possibly leaving.

“One former office employee said they believe this will be a ‘domino effect’ and believes Vince McMahon will fight hard to stay but doesn’t see a situation in which Laurinaitis doesn’t resign,” as quoted by Ringside News.

WWE has yet to release an official statement about it and it is highly likely that the organization will not, but updates regarding the situation will surely trickle out over the coming days.