Stephanie McMahon Explains Her WWE Absence

Stephanie McMahon has outlined the reasons why she took a leave of absence from WWE, before she was soon brought back as interim CEO.

On 19th May 2022, Stephanie McMahon posted a short statement on social media confirming that she would be stepping away from the majority of her responsibilities within WWE to spend some time with her family.

As of tomorrow, I am taking a leave of absence from the majority of my responsibilities at WWE. WWE is a lifelong legacy for me and I look forward to returning to the company that I love after taking this time to focus on my family.

That break away from the wrestling business lasted only three weeks, before she was brought back to take the place of her father Vince McMahon whilst he was under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct and hush money payments.

Speaking on a quarterly earnings call, Stephanie McMahon opened up on why she felt she needed the break, and how she wasn’t forced in to returning when she did.

I have worked in WWE since I was about eight years old, modelling merchandise for our then-catalogue, in any variety of capacities. My parents couldn’t afford a nanny when we were bringing up the business, so on weekends, I would sit in with our receptionist at headquarters.

I’ve worked my entire life for this business, I love this business. I took a leave of absence, realizing that I needed a little bit of time with my family given the gruelling schedule and nature [of the business]. I got about three weeks, which is more than a lot of other folks get.

I was not forced into returning as CEO and Chairman in the interim position. I offered. That was an opportunity for me to come back and be part of this company that I love and have the opportunity to lead this company. This business is something I believe in to my core. I believe in the impact we make on people’s lives, not only in growing the business, which I believe we have so many opportunities to do as has been laid out by all of us but because of the impact we make.

We truly bring people together for generations from all over the world with all different backgrounds. We give them relief, entertainment, and an opportunity to come together that is very rare, unusual, and special. Whatever we can do to continue to deliver on that promise is what we want to do.

Stephanie McMahon has also been joined back at the helm of WWE by her husband Triple H, who has taken on the roles of Head Of Talent Relations and Head Of Creative.

With thanks to Inside The Ropes for the transcription.