WWE was acquired by Endeavor Group Holdings in 2023, a move that many had assumed would never happen to the McMahon-run family business.
Vince McMahon, who had retired due to scandals a year earlier, returned to WWE in 2023 and led the efforts to sell the wrestling juggernaut.
McMahon reportedly forced his way back to WWE, threatening to use his remaining power to block any sales offers and broadcasting rights deals.
In a leaked voicemail from WWE President Nick Khan, it is revealed that Stephanie McMahon opposed the sale, and her father’s return. He said,
“I remember Stephanie discouraging her dad from coming back as the CEO because we didn’t know what role he was going to come back in, and I remember her expressing that there was no need to sell the company if that’s what he was contemplating.”
Stephanie’s efforts didn’t work as her father returned in January 2023 and quickly saw Endeavor as a favorite to take on WWE. Vince said at the time,
“Very good meeting with Ari and company. And I think and probably the best thing to do is to go forward with the deal with Ari. It solves a lot of problems.
“Together, I think it’s a stronger situation than either one of us on our own. But I’m pretty sure that’s the way I want to go now. It’s easier, faster and all that kind of stuff.”
Stephanie, who had served as co-CEO and Chairwoman of WWE with Khan after her father’s exit, resigned from WWE after her father’s return.
