August 1, 2022 Observer Newsletter: Vince McMahon resigns from WWE

At 77, time for me to retire. Thank you, WWE Universe. Then. Now. Forever. Together #WWE #thankful

Vince McMahon at 1:05 p.m. Eastern time on July 22, 2002, marking the end of an era in this business and 53 years working in the pro wrestling industry

Vincent Kennedy McMahon, the single most important figure in the history of pro wrestling, perhaps the most important figure there will ever be in this business, was forced out of the world he heavily shaped due to allegations of sexual misconduct.

The allegations have led to the Securities and Exchange Commission and federal prosecutors launching inquiries into $14.6 million in payments to a number of women dating back to 2006.

McMahon had shaped the modern wrestling landscape for the last 39 years, turning WWE into a company that grossed in excess of $1 billion and making it a television and entertainment powerhouse. He had battles with various competitors in wrestling over the years, losing some battles, but prevailing in every war. He had been a controversial and polarizing figure. He ruffled feathers everywhere with how he changed the industry. He was at times the most hated person in wrestling, but on the flip side, he changed so many lives for the better.

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