Vince McMahon Changed Finish Of Big WrestleMania 39 Match
Vince McMahon was the leading influence in the change of a major WrestleMania 39 bout.
The wrestling world was thrown into a state of shock when the former WWE Chairman and CEO announced his sudden retirement from the company in July 2022 following an investigation into accusations of misconduct that included reported hush money payments of $12 million paid to four separate women over a 16-year period.
McMahon sprung another surprise in January 2023 when he issued a statement declaring his return to the company in order to help facilitate a sale. Daughter Stephanie McMahon would soon resign from her post as Chairwoman and Co-CEO, with Vince McMahon swiftly installed as Executive Chairman of the Board.
Despite releasing a statement announcing that his return would not have any impact on the roles, duties, or responsibilities of current WWE management, including the creative team, it would appear that McMahon did indeed have a hand in WWE creative during his 12 month-long return to the company.
McMahon eventually resigned as Executive Chairman of TKO Group on 26th January 2024 amidst a host of allegations, bringing to an end his day to day control over WWE.
Vince McMahon Influenced Result Of Hell In A Cell Bout
Despite long-standing speculation that McMahon had played a part in Roman Reigns’ unexpected victory over Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39, it has emerged that it was a different bout that ‘The Genetic Jackhammer’ had influenced.
Fightul Select’s Sean Ross Sapp has reported that McMahon played a huge role in Edge defeating Finn Balor in a Hell In A Cell bout on Night Two of the event that emanated from Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium.
Sapp noted that Balor had originally been scheduled to win the bout having returned as the Demon character, a result that was fully supported by opponent Edge.
It was a move that left many wondering what the long term plan would be as the result appeared to benefit neither competitor. Edge would ultimately compete in just three more bouts for WWE before departing at the end of his contract in August 2023.