WWE

01/04 Pro Wrestling Boom Podcast with Jason Powell (Episode 239): Powell's review of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 · 12/30 Dot Net Weekly Five-Year Flashback: John ...

If nothing else, it’s encouraging to see Paul Levesque still listed as the head of creative, though there’s nothing stopping Vince from reinserting himself into that position. Powell’s POV: The shakeup continues at WWE following Vince McMahon forcing himself back into the leadership role. [@prowrestlingnet](https://twitter.com/prowrestlingnet))

Stephanie McMahon's resignation as co-CEO of WWE comes less than a week after her father, Vince McMahon, returned as chairman of the board.

"Stephanie McMahon is a terrific executive and an even better person," said Khan, who negotiated WWE's current media rights deals as an agent at CAA before he joined WWE as president. Stephanie McMahon was a longtime staple of WWE as an on-screen authority figure, often alongside her father and her husband, Triple H. "Stephanie has always been the ultimate ambassador for our company, and her decades of contributions have left an immeasurable impact on our brand. Together, we look forward to working with the Board at this critical moment in time to review our strategic alternatives and maximize value for all WWE shareholders." In a statement announcing his return on Thursday, Vince McMahon said the move was made to "fully capitalize" on WWE's upcoming media rights negotiations. "WWE is in such a strong position that I have decided to return to my leave and take it one step further with my official resignation.

The world of professional wrestling has had its fair share of larger-than-life characters, but perhaps none were more polarizing than The Ultimate Warrior.

In his speech, while thankful to everyone in the company, Warrior made one last jab at The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior which evidently caused him distress. While it is comforting to know that they have made amends before Warrior's passing, one must ask, what is now the significance of The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior? The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior goes on to critique and dissect Warrior from the inside out, and the next thing to target was his promos. When Warrior declined the offer, it resulted in The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior, a feature that was more of a character assassination than a tribute to a storied individual. The WWE chairman is described in the best of terms, with him offering second chances even to the most undeserving individuals, holding a responsibility to the audience to deliver, and that he did what was best for the company. In one of the most famous backstage wrestling stories of the company's history, Warrior figuratively held a gun to McMahon's head in the middle of Summerslam 1991 by refusing to go out and wrestle in the main event unless Vince paid him a huge sum of money.

TUESDAY, January 10 could go down as a landmark day in the history of the WWE.The afternoon was kicked off by Co-CEO and Chairwoman Stephanie McMahon.

"The only way for WWE to fully capitalize on this opportunity is for me to return as Executive Chairman and support the management team in the negotiations for our media rights and to combine that with a review of strategic alternatives. The WWE has yet to address the aforementioned claims regarding a sale or confirm if any sale has taken place. "Vince McMahon coming back to sell WWE to Saudi Arabia and install himself as chairman and head of creative is again, is Peak Vince McMahon s**t" [Steven Muehlhausen Jr.](https://twitter.com/SMuehlhausenJr/status/1613014122517655552), the [WWE](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/wwe/) has supposedly been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. [Cassidy Haynes](https://twitter.com/Casshooole/status/1613010764746592263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1613010764746592263%7Ctwgr%5E44b2fa8781a4b3198bee9cd9670760a54b7ec58c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bodyslam.net%2F2023%2F01%2F10%2Fexclusive-wwe-sale-to-saudi-investment-fund-done-company-going-private%2F) of Bodyslam.net also took to Twitter to report this alleged deal, saying: "For what it’s worth, I’m told the Saudi deal is done and they’re taking the company private." [Stephanie McMahon announcing that she was resigning from her position](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/7103196/vince-mcmahon-returning-wwe-chairman-stephanie-bids-farewell/), only to be replaced by her father Vince, who had [left the role under a cloud last summer](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/5841186/vince-mcmahon-wwe-retirement/).

World Wrestling Entertainment is reportedly being sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund by Vince McMahon.

As a result of that report, McMahon stepped back from his role as chief executive officer of WWE while the board continued its investigation. “WWE is entering a critical juncture in its history with the upcoming media rights negotiations coinciding with increased industry-wide demand for quality content and live events and with more companies seeking to own the intellectual property on their platforms,” said McMahon last week. McMahon, who owns controlling shares of the company, is said to have sold the company to Saudi Arabia in a move that will take the company off the public stock market and back to being a private business per DAZN pro wrestling reporter Steven Muehlhausen.

STAMFORD, Conn., January 10, 2023– WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced that its Board of Directors unanimously elected Vince McMahon Executive Chairman of the ...

These forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties relating to, without limitation, the results of these actions, as well as possible future actions noted below, of Vince McMahon; the appointment of Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan as co-Chief Executive Officers; regulatory, investigative or enforcement inquiries, subpoenas or demands arising from, related to, or in connection with these matters; our ability to remediate material weaknesses in our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting; and reputational harm to the Company’s relationships with its stockholders, customers, talent and partners, which may have adverse financial and operational impacts, among other factors. McMahon could exercise ultimate control over our affairs, and his interests may conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock; our share repurchase program; a substantial number of shares are eligible for sale by the McMahons and the sale, or the perception of possible sales, of those shares could lower our stock price; and the volatility of our Class A common stock. Forward looking statements include statements regarding, our outlook for future financial results, the impact of recent management changes, the scope, duration and findings of the investigation being conducted by the special committee of independent members of our Board of Directors; our plans to remediate identified material weaknesses in our disclosure control and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting, and regulatory, investigative or enforcement inquiries, subpoenas or demands arising from, related to, or in connection with these matters. Forward-looking statements made by the Company speak only as of the date made and are subject to change without any obligation on the part of the Company to update or revise them. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. “I’m grateful to Vince McMahon and our Board of Directors for their ongoing support. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains, and oral statements made from time to time by our representatives may contain, forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Nick’s business acumen and mastery of the media industry have helped catapult our business to record revenue and profitability. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to WWE Network. The Company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, premium live events, digital media, and publishing platforms. Stephanie has always been the ultimate ambassador for our company, and her decades of contributions have left an immeasurable impact on our brand.

Four days after her disgraced father returned to WWE's board, the wrestling company's co-CEO and chairwoman Stephanie McMahon resigned from the company.

Following his departure, WWE disclosed multiple expenses that Vince McMahon hadn’t previously reported, totaling $19.6 million. “I’d like to express my full support for Stephanie’s personal decision,” he said in the release. Vince McMahon retired as CEO in July 2022, but remains the company’s majority shareholder.

Days after her father, Vince McMahon, ended his retirement and returned as executive chair of the WWE board, Stephanie McMahon has resigned from the company ...

I had the privilege to return as co-CEO and chairwoman of the board of WWE. "About eight months ago, I took a leave of absence and within a few weeks, unexpectedly had the opportunity of a lifetime. Days after her father, Vince McMahon, ended his retirement and returned as executive chair of the WWE board, Stephanie McMahon has resigned from the company.

After serving as co-CEO and chairwoman of WWE for the last six months, Stephanie McMahon.

"WWE is in such a strong position, that I have decided to return to my leave and take it one step further with my official resignation. She expressed confidence in the direction of the company under Khan and chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Leveque, who is her husband. "I am confident WWE is in the perfect place to provide unparalleled creative content and drive maximum value for shareholders," she said. In the Vince McMahon has also officially been voted as executive chairman of the board: It was eventually found that he had up to $19.6 million in unreported expenses.

The report of the sale comes just hours after CEO Stephanie McMahon, Vince's daughter, announced her resignation from the company. She had stepped in following ...

In 2021, the PIF became the majority owner of [English](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/england) soccer club Newcastle United. [reportedly controls](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-26/saudi-wealth-fund-plans-to-invest-24-billion-in-regional-states?sref=fypBllPq) about $620 billion in assets, and the kingdom has been stretching its reach into the world of sports in recent years. [pointed out](https://twitter.com/AngelaDawn623/status/1613021394710982656) on Twitter that severe punishment is possible in Saudi Arabia for being a part of the LGBT community, a group with which many WWE wrestlers identify. [WWE CEO STEPHANIE MCMAHON ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION AMID FATHER'S RETURN](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/wwe-ceo-stephanie-mcmahon-resignation) Her husband, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, is the chief content officer. She had stepped in following her father's departure as CEO earlier this year amid a

Co-CEO and chairwoman of the board Stephanie McMahon resigned from World Wrestling Entertainment just days after her father, Vince McMahon, returned to the ...

Nick’s business acumen and mastery of the media industry have helped catapult our business to record revenue and profitability. I had the privilege to return as the Co-CEO and Chairwoman of the Board of WWE. “About 8 months ago, I took a leave of absence and within a few weeks, unexpectedly had the opportunity of a lifetime.

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.'s chairwoman and co-chief executive officer, Stephanie McMahon, has resigned from the company after her father's return ...

Less than a week after Vince McMahon appointed himself to the WWE board of directors, the company is undergoing a major leadership shake-up.

Vince McMahon founded the company decades ago, and led it alongside his wife Linda McMahon. “I will always remain dedicated to WWE,” she added. Two other WWE board members resigned following the move. “This determination is based on a variety of factors, including non-public information the Board has become aware of and the risks to the Company and its shareholders of placing a greater spotlight on these issues,” the board wrote. In letters to Vince McMahon sent last month, the WWE board (which Stephanie and Levesque sit on) said it unanimously believed that it would be a mistake for him to return to the company. “I truly love our company, our employees, our superstars, and our fans. [Vince McMahon](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/t/vince-mcmahon/) [appointed himself](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/wwe-vince-mcmahon-rejoin-board-directors-pursues-sale-1235291911/) to the [WWE](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/t/wwe/) board of directors, the company is undergoing a major leadership shake-up. In her statement, Stephanie McMahon said, “I look forward to cheering on WWE from the other side of the business, where I started when I was a little kid, as a pure fan.” [have been on the fence](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/vince-mcmahon-wwe-sale-buyers-list-1235294374/) as to whether he would be a help, or a hindrance, to the process. McMahon said that he felt he needed to return to pursue a review of strategic alternatives for the company — including a possible sale — ahead of media rights negotiations that were expected to begin this year. However, last week Vince McMahon exercised his authority as the company’s controlling shareholder to fire three of the WWE’s board members and add himself and two former executives to the board. [retired](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wwe-ceo-vince-mcmahon-retires-1235184960/) following a board investigation into allegations that he had sexual relationships with employees at the company and subsequently paid the women millions of dollars as part of their severance packages.

In the rvialry between WWE and UFC, Vince McMahon is poised to come out on top as expectations of a sale rise with his return to the company.

Media analysts at LightShed suggested in a 2023 outlook that Amazon may be very interested in adding WWE events to its slate of live programming. Plus, in the stock market, acquisitions tend to come at a 28% premium to a company’s stock price. Whoever the buyer, at the average price premium, Vince McMahon would find his 28.7 million shares worth $3.2 billion, putting his total wealth close to $4 billion, based on data from Forbes. That means any purchase of WWE is going to be result in lots of cash flowing to shareholders’ wallets. Founded in 1993 and not even half the age of WWE, UFC is now about even on two major metrics: social media followers (WWE 60.4 million; UFC 59.5 million) and revenue (for 2021: WWE $974 million; UFC roughly $1 billion*). The reason ties back to a common theme in sports and entertainment these days: WWE’s control of its media rights and intellectual property. [off the mark](https://www.sportico.com/personalities/executives/2023/vince-mcmahon-jumps-back-into-ring-1234700409/). Assuming the same for WWE, a 28% premium would put shares at $113. Endeavor’s heavy debt load—already a weight on the stock—is one reason the chatter that Endeavor wants to buy WWE probably won’t amount to anything. Enterprise value, which is the market cap plus debt, minus cash on hand, is probably a better reflection of a business’ true worth. And in recent years, UFC has seemed to run neck-and-neck with WWE for the title of the world’s favorite ringed event (sorry, Barnum and boxing). McMahon can offer all this in what may well be the golden age of media rights, with bidding sure to be influenced by the needs of traditional broadcasters eager to clutch whatever viewers they can as well as streaming behemoths looking to establish themselves with consumers.

The “world” of World Wrestling Entertainment just grew a bit wider. According to numerous reports on Tuesday night, WWE chairman Vince McMahon has sold the ...

“WWE is entering a critical juncture in its history with the upcoming media rights negotiations coinciding with increased industry-wide demand for quality content and live events and with more companies seeking to own the intellectual property on their platforms,” said McMahon last week. “The only way for WWE to fully capitalize on this opportunity is for me to return as executive chairman and support the management team in the negotiations for our media rights and to combine that with a review of strategic alternatives. According to numerous reports on Tuesday night, WWE chairman Vince McMahon has sold the company to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE) has been sold to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, according to a tweet by DAZN journalist Steve Muehlhausen ...

Year-to-date, it has already [ climbed by 31.6%](https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/wwe/stock-analysis). [WWE’s stock](https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/wwe/forecast) price has risen more than 7% in pre-market trading. Muehlhausen tweeted late last night that the WWE had been sold and would return to being a private company.

Vince McMahon was 'unanimously elected' as executive chairman of the WWE board Tuesday, following the resignation of his daughter Stephanie McMahon.

"My return will allow WWE, as well as any transaction counterparties, to engage in these processes knowing they will have the support of the controlling shareholder." "I'll forever be grateful that she offered to step in during my absence and I'm truly proud of the job she did co-leading WWE," he continued. "I had the privilege to return as the Co-CEO and Chairwoman of the Board of WWE. And I am grateful to all of our partners," added Stephanie. She married WWE star "Our Founder, Vince McMahon, has returned as Executive Chair and is leading an exciting process regarding strategic alternatives," added Stephanie. "I will always remain dedicated to WWE. [return as Executive Chairman](https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2022/07-22-2022-210511643) and support the management team in the negotiations for our media rights and to combine that with a review of strategic alternatives," he added. I truly love our company, our employees, our Superstars, and our fans. Together." "Thank you for everything. [Vince McMahon](https://people.com/sports/everything-to-know-about-vince-mcmahon-xfl-relaunching-this-weekend/), 77, will serve as executive chairman of the WWE board, having been " [unanimously elected](https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2023/01-10-2023-235206986)" after her announcement the company stated in a release.

WWE's rumored sale to Saudi Arabia has thrust its biggest star into the spotlight.

WWE is hardly the first American company Saudi Arabia has invested in. With tensions subsiding in time for the next Saudi show, and WWE continuing to reap the eight-figure benefits of Saudi shows, WWE has now gone all in on its relationship with Saudi Arabia. Those fears are justified, as Zayn has never competed at a Saudi Arabia show due to being of Syrian descent. Many are fearful that the top star will be on the outside looking in of WWE’s deal with Saudi. This has not stopped fans from rallying around Sami Zayn, who has become a popular talking point in the wrestling community. No, [not the returning Vince McMahon](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUIP_6-loGQ), but rather Sami Zayn.

Social media posts claim that WWE has been sold to the KSA's Public Investment Fund after Vince McMahon took over as Chairman again from his daughter.

I truly love our company, our employees, our Superstars, and our fans. Stephanie continued: "Our founder, Vince McMahon, has returned as Executive Chair and is leading an exciting process regarding strategic alternatives. Together." "Thank you for everything. A man who retired from WWE due to ongoing allegations of sexual misconduct... Unknown if Vince McMahon will return to head of creative but it is expected by some people." "I will always remain dedicated to WWE. bullied his way back onto the board of directors after saying he was done... to Saudi Arabia. "I had the privilege to return as the Co-CEO and Chairwoman of the Board of WWE. The company will go back to being private. A number of people close to the sport have stated on social media that the Saudi sovereign fund has bought the wrestling brand, with Steven Muehlhausen, head of social media at Pro Wrestling and DAZN, among the first to share the news.

“I cannot put into words how proud I am to have led what I consider to be the greatest company in the world, working alongside a remarkable leadership team and ...

She eventually rose to the position of chief brand officer before assuming her role as co-CEO and chairwoman. “WWE is in such a strong position, that I have decided to return to my leave and take it one step further with my official resignation,” she continued. She began by reminding fans that she had taken a [leave of absence from WWE](https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/stephanie-mcmahon-wwe-1235272536/) in mid-2022 that was cut short when she was asked to serve as co-CEO and chairwoman of the board of directors after her father, Vince McMahon, was put under investigation for sexual misconduct. “First, I’d like to express my full support for Stephanie’s personal decision,” Vince said in a statement issued by WWE. Vince eventually retired from the company in July but [returned less than a week ago](https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/vince-mcmahon-wwe-board-members-return-1235480703/) by installing himself as executive chairman of the board using his authority as the majority shareholder. This is the latest high-profile executive move at WWE in less than a week.

WWE has not been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund ... this according to sources familiar with the situation.

with the intent to help with TV deal negotiations and explore a potential sale of the company. A sale to Saudi Arabia would certainly cause backlash with WWE fans ... WWE Company Not Sold to Saudi Arabia ... WWE has not been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund ... WWE Sources Say Company Not Sold to Saudi Arabia [Vince McMahon](https://www.tmz.com/people/vince-mcmahon/) secured a massive payday for handing over the company reins to Saudi Arabia, which would take the WWE private once again.

The stock rose as much as 2.5% in early Wednesday trading following a report about the company's alleged pending sale to the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth ...

The long-time WWE CEO and chairman McMahon [resigned](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/06/17/vince-mcmahon-steps-down-as-wwe-ceo-amid-3-million-hush-pact-investigation/?sh=395f42dc278c) from the company in June and [retired](https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/07/22/vince-mcmahon-retires-from-wwe-under-cloud-of-misconduct-probe/?sh=3899789c5253) from the company in July following the revelation of [millions](https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2022/07/25/wwe-discloses-millions-in-vince-mcmahon-expensesbut-companys-stock-still-soars/?sh=5a5ef7f263e1) of dollars in company funds going toward “hush” payments to former employees accusing him of sexual misconduct. McMahon officially [took over](https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2023/01-10-2023-235206986) as chairman late Tuesday, while his daughter Stephanie McMahon simultaneously resigned from her role as co-CEO and chairwoman in what the elder McMahon described as a “personal decision.” The Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund made waves in American sports in 2022, [dishing out](https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2022/08/12/majors-monopolies-megabucks-and-donald-trump-inside-the-business-of-the-new-saudi-golf-league/?sh=18f414073ef5) billions of dollars in its financing of LIV Golf, the controversial PGA Tour competitor that lured top American golfers like Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau with its nine-figure paydays. [Vince McMahon Retires From WWE Under Cloud Of Misconduct Probe](https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/07/22/vince-mcmahon-retires-from-wwe-under-cloud-of-misconduct-probe/?sh=7faf1c4f5253) (Forbes) [Vince McMahon’s WWE Sale Would Body Slam UFC](https://www.sportico.com/personalities/owners/2023/vince-mcmahon-wwe-sale-would-body-slam-ufc-1234700896/) (Sportico) [estimate](https://www.forbes.com/profile/vincent-mcmahon/?sh=7fcfb861b897) McMahon to be worth $2.9 billion, with his fortune up substantially from the $2.3 billion it stood at as of his [June resignation](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/06/17/vince-mcmahon-steps-down-as-wwe-ceo-amid-3-million-hush-pact-investigation/?sh=395f42dc278c). [said](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230106005293/en/WWE-Provides-Update-Regarding-Composition-of-Its-Board-of-Directors-and-Exploration-of-Strategic-Alternatives) last week it planned to “undertake a review of its strategic alternatives with the goal being to maximize value for all WWE shareholders,” indicating it was likely mulling a sale, and CNBC [reported](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/07/who-would-buy-wwe-as-mcmahon-returns-to-board-to-pursue-sale.html) Saturday the firm has retained JPMorgan Chase to advise on such a transaction. [said](https://twitter.com/RichLightShed/status/1613167493580734476) LightShed Partners’ Rich Greenfield on Twitter, while Cannonball Research’s Vasily Karasyov noted in an email the original tweet was deleted and wrote in a recent note that the WWE would need to complete media rights negotiations in order for a sale to “make sense” for any bidder, with its television deal set to expire next year.

In a since-deleted tweet, Steven Muehlhausen of DAZN reported Tuesday that WWE had been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and that it would revert ...

[Cassidy Haynes](https://twitter.com/Casshooole/status/1613045348930289671) of BodySlam.net later reported that while WWE and Saudi Arabia have agreed to a deal in principle, it hasn't been finalized. Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. [Lauren Thomas](https://www.wsj.com/articles/vince-mcmahon-plots-return-to-wwe-11672952709) of the Wall Street Journal reported that McMahon was planning a WWE comeback in order to play a role in the potential sale of the company. [Alex Sherman](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/07/who-would-buy-wwe-as-mcmahon-returns-to-board-to-pursue-sale.html) furthered rumors of a potential sale last week when he reported that WWE hired investment banking company JPMorgan to advise it in sale discussions. [Brandon Thurston](https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1613176189610299396) of Wrestlenomics disputed reports of a sale, noting that someone in WWE "who would know" told him the Saudi Arabia rumors are untrue. [since-deleted tweet](https://wrestletalk.com/news/update-wwe-saudi-arabia-sale-agreed-in-principle/), Steven Muehlhausen of DAZN reported Tuesday that WWE had been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and that it would revert to being a private company rather than a publicly traded one.

Stephanie's father, Vince, has now returned as chair - after she became co-CEO and chairwoman in July.

Stephanie has been a part of the company since the 1990s, appearing as an in-ring performer and leading the company in various roles behind the scenes. "Stephanie has always been the ultimate ambassador for our company, and her decades of contributions have left an immeasurable impact on our brand," Vince McMahon said. "I look forward to cheering on WWE from the other side of the business," Stephanie wrote in her resignation statement.

Rumors of a sale to Saudi Arabia have thrown wrestling's biggest company into turmoil.

This isn’t a done deal yet, but it seems to be on the ropes — and the future of wrestling could be very scary if this is finalized. A sale to the PIF would not carry on that legacy. A sale to the PIF would maximize the amount of money for a sale, with the additional benefit being that as a buyer they would be far less likely to scrutinize financials or worry about making a return on investment. Vince McMahon is unquestionably one of the worst employers in the United States when it comes to the rights of his workers. This is what’s often missed in the discussion of PIF-owned entities. Still, it’s a far cry from suddenly becoming the employee of a country with a laundry list of human rights violations. Complete with a host of wrestlers speaking on camera about how lovely Saudi Arabia is, how kind people are, bragging about the country’s cleanliness, and telling a predominantly western audience what a wonderful place it is to visit. Of course, this is designed to distract from the fact that anyone found to be LGBTQ can tortured, sentenced to life imprisonment, or be subject to chemical castration. So let’s slow things down, discuss what the hell is actually happening, and what this means for the future of professional wrestling — not just in terms of WWE, but for the industry as a whole. Significant investment, often far above “accepted” market rates, is made into a team, league, or sport as a whole — with an expectation that in exchange the beneficiary will help perform public relations for Saudi Arabia. On Tuesday night reports and rumors swirled that the world’s largest professional wrestling company was in the process of being sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the same entity which has heavily invested in Formula 1, initiated a takeover of We can pump the brakes on the sale reports right now, because this isn’t something that can happen in the dead of night without significant regulatory hoops to jump through.

WWE Inc. chief Vince McMahon—who returned to the company in early January after resigning amid a wave of sexual harassment allegations—is facing investor ...

His daughter, Stephanie McMahon, who resigned as co-CEO and chairwoman Tuesday, is married to another top executive, former WWE champion Paul “Triple H” Levesque. To contact the editors responsible for this story: McMahon](https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/document/ScottAFellowsvVincentKMcMahonDocketNo20230022DelChJan102023CourtD?doc_id=X67OCN5B0D9MEO593PB4BAUMRB), Del. To contact the reporter on this story: 2023-0022, complaint filed 1/10/23. According to the proposed class action, McMahon timed his return to seize control of upcoming negotiations over the company’s expiring media rights, the “lifeblood” of the business, and forced his way back by leveraging a threat to withhold support for any deal reached without his participation.

Rumors swirled Wednesday that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund was eyeing a purchase of the WWE amid Stephanie McMahon's sudden departure as ...

Are You Asking It Already? [January 11, 2023] [the Hottest Franchises to Watch in 2023](/article/442326) [This One Question Will Make You a Better Thinker](/article/442557). [Front Office Sports](https://frontofficesports.com/public-investment-fund-saudi-arabia-wwe-sale-liv-golf-vince-mcmahon/) claimed that the PIF had been eyeing a purchase of the WWE, with some "sources" even seeming to indicate that the deal was already done. [Deadspin](https://deadspin.com/wwe-sold-saudi-arabia-vince-mcmahon-sportswashing-1849973522) and wrestling outlet [BodySlam.net](https://www.bodyslam.net/2023/01/11/vince-mcmahon-has-been-working-on-saudi-arabia-wwe-deal-since-his-retirement/). The world of the WWE this week has proven to be more chaotic than a Friday Night SmackDown show as rumors swirl that the company may soon be (or secretly has been) sold to a Saudi Arabian company amid the departure of current Co-CEO and Chairwoman Stephanie McMahon.