WWE’s Vince McMahon paid over $12 million to cover up sexual misconduct allegations: Report

Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon paid more than $12 million to four women to cover up “allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity,” according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The women, who worked for WWE, signed contracts with McMahon that “prohibit them from discussing potential legal claims against or their relationships with the 76-year-old executive.”

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The hush money, which the Journal report claims was paid over 16 years, is the latest chapter in McMahon’s corporate saga.

Another story from the Journal last month stated that McMahon was being investigated by the company’s board for agreeing to pay a secret $3 million compensation to a former employee with whom he allegedly had an affair. That woman is one of the four named in the new study.

While the inquiry is ongoing, the long-time WWE president decided to step down as chairman and CEO.

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“I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the special committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation,” McMahon stated last month in a statement. “I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.”

Stephanie McMahon, McMahon’s daughter, is serving as temporary CEO and chairwoman.

McMahon, on the other hand, has not run away from the spotlight, retaining not just his participation in WWE’s creative content, but also his in-ring presence. The organisation announced last month that McMahon would continue to play his role during matches while the inquiry is ongoing.

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McMahon, in fact, didn’t take long to re-enter the ring. McMahon appeared on the company’s wrestling broadcast “Smackdown” just days after the initial allegation, informing the audience he was there to remind them of the four phrases that make up the “WWE signature.”

“Those four words are ‘then,’ ‘now,’ ‘forever,’ and the most important word is ‘together,'” he stated.”Welcome to Smackdown!” McMahon then left the ring to the tune of his theme song, “No Chance in Hell.”