Defiant Vince McMahon Speaks Live On WWE SmackDown

With the wrestling world still reeling from the news that Vince McMahon is to step back as WWE Chairman, the 76-year-old addressed the world on SmackDown.

The Wall Street Journal first broke the news that McMahon was being investigated by WWE’s Board of Directors amid claims he had paid a former employee $3 million as part of a cover-up of an intimate affair.

The report went on to say that WWE’s Board had become aware of historical payments made relating to other NDAs signed by ex-female employees that relate to misconduct allegations made against Vince McMahon and WWE’s Head of Talent Relations, John Laurinaitis.

WWE announced on the 17th of June that Vince McMahon was to take a step back from his roles as WWE’s Chairman and CEO while the investigation is carried out with Stephanie McMahon being named as the company’s interim Chairwoman and CEO.

To the surprise of many, just hours after that announcement came the bombshell that Vince McMahon was to appear live in Minneapolis on SmackDown.

The defiant WWE Chairman opened the show, relating his remarks to the company’s signature opening as he said:

“It is a privilege as always to stand before you here tonight, the WWE Universe. Especially a privilege to stand here in this ring in Minnesota. I’m here simply to remind you of the four words we just saw in the, what we call, WWE signature. Those four words are then, now, forever, and the most important word is together.”

“Welcome to SmackDown!”

Those in attendance for SmackDown were in for another shock later in the night as Minnesota’s own Brock Lesnar made a surprise return to WWE, taking out WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.