In a surprising turn of events, it seems the WWE is distancing itself more than ever from its former chairman, Vince McMahon. The man who bought the company from his father 40 years ago and transformed it into a global powerhouse is now barred from stepping foot in WWE’s new headquarters. This development comes in the wake of the Janel Grant lawsuit filed five months ago, and WWE’s efforts to disassociate from McMahon are becoming increasingly evident.
Banned From WWE HQ
According to Tom Carlucci, a longtime WWE employee hired by McMahon in 1988, the former chairman is not allowed inside the new headquarters he helped design. Speaking on “The Insiders,” Carlucci disclosed that McMahon isn’t permitted to enter the building, which features a massive championship belt prominently displayed—a building he had envisioned as the unifying hub for WWE operations.
“He can’t even walk in the building… That’s crazy that you drive by that building [and] you got that big championship belt… He always wanted us under one roof. That was his dream to have us under one roof. The dream came and he’s not even a part of it anymore.”
Carlucci, who has presumably been inside WWE’s new HQ, mentioned that there’s a gym McMahon helped design with his trainer, Mike. However, it’s a gym McMahon will never be able to use.
“He designed the gym with his trainer Mike, who I know really well. He can’t even go in that gym anymore. He can’t step foot anywhere. Every meeting that goes on over there—you’ll never see Vince here again.”
Allegations Against McMahon
The fallout from sexual assault allegations against McMahon has been ongoing for nearly two years. Former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against McMahon alleging severe claims, including sexual assault and trafficking. McMahon, who had been brought back into WWE to oversee its sale to TKO, was subsequently made a member of the newly-formed company’s board. However, following these allegations, he resigned from his position, and TKO has since made considerable efforts to distance itself from him.
In the latest development of the lawsuit at the end of May, Grant agreed to pause the legal proceedings at the request of the Justice Department. Additional allegations have emerged, including claims from former WWE Superstar Missy Hyatt, who said she once had to prevent McMahon from forcing his way into her hotel room. Additionally, Randy Orton, in a recent interview, expressed a preference for the current state of WWE, indicating a shift in sentiment among some wrestlers.
The ongoing efforts to distance the WWE from Vince McMahon highlight a significant shift in the company’s culture and management. While McMahon’s contributions to the company’s growth are undeniable, his association with numerous scandals has necessitated a firm separation. The new WWE headquarters, a testament to McMahon’s vision, now stands as a symbol of the company’s future without its controversial former chairman.
