The Rise Of Triple H | Wrestling Timelines

December 31, 2022 - The Comeback

Vince McMahon
TKO

In a deeply ironic hope spot of sorts, Vince McMahon makes his play to return to WWE.

Despite the board unanimously rejecting Vince’s overtures on December 27, Vince insists that he must return to WWE in order to explore/facilitate a sale or merger of the company for maximum shareholder return. As the controlling majority shareholder, such a “strategic alternative”, or even sign-off on a new TV rights deal, is not possible without his approval.

He formally worms his way back on January 5, 2023, electing himself (and former Co-Presidents George Barrios and Michelle Wilson) onto the board. The news is not well-received internally.

He does not immediately resume total control of the creative process - which is what many cynical observers believe is what he actually wants. Ronda Rousey goes further, claiming that he's actually doing it.

In a strange way, in terms of optics at least, this move helps Levesque’s reputation (if not his slippery grasp on full power). Anything deemed bad or worrying is attributed to Vince, who it is reported offers suggestions via Zoom calls.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!