Feds hit WWE's Vince McMahon with subpoena; executive recovering from spinal surgery
McMahon denies any 'intentional wrongdoing'
A search warrant and federal grand jury subpoena were executed against WWE chairman Vince McMahon last month, according to a regulatory filing on Wednesday.
As government investigations into McMahon are ongoing, the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission said no charges have been brought. WWE said it received voluntary and compulsory legal demands for documents concerning the investigation and related matters.
"WWE has cooperated throughout and fully understands and respects the government’s need for a complete process," the company said.
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WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon at the Connecticut Republican Convention in Hartford, May 21, 2010. (Jessica Hill, File / AP Newsroom)
The WWE launched an investigation into McMahon alleging a $3 million payment from the wrestling executive to a departing female employee following a consensual affair, The Wall Street Journal reported last week. WWE’s probe into the issue was completed last year.
"In 2022, WWE formed a special committee to review allegations of misconduct against me," McMahon said in a statement. "That review was concluded in November 2022 following an extensive investigation. Throughout this experience, I have always denied any intentional wrongdoing and continue to do so.
"I am confident that the government’s investigation will be resolved without any findings of wrongdoing."
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McMahon retired last year amid a sexual misconduct scandal. He came back to the company in January amid the possibility of a sale floating over the company’s head. He was later elected executive chairman.
Vince McMahon speaks at a news conference announcing the WWE Network at the International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on Jan. 8, 2014. (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
His daughter, Stephanie McMahon, had taken over alongside Nick Khan as co-CEO when McMahon retired. Stephanie McMahon has since stepped down as chairwoman and co-CEO.
Back in April, WWE and UFC merged into a multibillion-dollar sports entertainment company and formed a new publicly listed company called TKO Group Holdings.
Additionally, on Wednesday, the WWE filing said McMahon is also taking a medical leave as he recovers from spinal surgery.
Khan said McMahon had major spinal surgery about two weeks ago. He didn’t provide a timetable for his return.
Vince McMahon waves from the ring during the WWE Monday Night Raw show at the Thomas & Mack Center Aug. 24, 2009, in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
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WWE said it earned $410.3 million in the second quarter of the year. The company will hold its premier premium live event, SummerSlam, on Saturday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.