There are very few showpeople better than Vince McMahon, who moulded WWE to become one of the most-watched shows on the planet. While he’s now stepped down as CEO and chairman amid sexual assault allegations, McMahon appeared on Friday night’s WWE SmackDown and boosted ratings further. 

This is because people tuned into the Fox program to see whether McMahon would address the sexual misconduct allegations. However, the 76-year-old didn’t after taking the stage with his signature track, Jim Johnston’s ‘No Chance in Hell’ playing in the background. 

McMahon, however, kept his comments brief once he reached the ring. He said “It is a privilege as always to stand before you here tonight, the WWE universe…I’m here simply to remind you of the four words we just saw in what we call our WWE signature. Those four words are: then, now, forever, and the most important word is together. Welcome to ‘SmackDown!'”, and left after completing the segment. 

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The very hint that McMahon might address the matter saw ratings spike to a winning score of 0.6. This marks a 26% week-over-week when it comes to total viewers, and a 46% rise in the 18-49 demo, Deadline reported. 

Friday’s segment came hours after McMahon stepped down from his role at the forefront of perhaps the world’s most popular professional wrestling brand. 

WWE is currently investigating whether McMahon paid an employee $3 million as hush money to cover up an affair. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the development, and WWE commented on McMahon’s decision, saying “McMahon will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content during this period and remains committed to cooperating with the review underway”. 

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The former CEO also promised to cooperate with the investigation, saying “I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the special committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.”