Top WWE Names REJECT Vince McMahon Return Plans

Vince McMahon's reported plans to return to WWE despite facing two new legal cases stemming from allegations of sexual assault since resigning in disgrace this July have been met by what sounds like a universally negative reaction within the promotion.

Fightful Select spoke to several people within WWE on the matter. "Exhausting," was how one talent hopeful that Vince's tenure was in the rearview described it, even though they had a positive relationship with the 77-year-old before his departure.

Another talent, meanwhile, was fearful of what might happen to the wrestlers rehired following WWE's regime change should Vince return.

One WWE higher-up noted the company's increases in stock price, viewership, and morale since McMahon left. They added:-

"It would be a really selfish move for Vince to come back under any circumstances. The reason he left, how business has done since then -- it'd be really selfish. But selfish activities are what led to him leaving in the first place."

McMahon retained over 80% voting power in WWE despite resigning as Chairman and CEO in July. The above source doesn't believe he will exercise this.

Another long-time WWE employee, meanwhile, said that regardless of whether or not McMahon wants to come back, they don't think it will happen - and believe Vince's family will encourage him to stay retired. They believe that any comeback would deal irreparable damage to the WWE brand.

PWInsider's Dave Scherer reports similar. Having spoken to "at least a dozen" WWE personnel following the WSJ report's release, Scherer noted that none wanted McMahon to come back. WWE has become a happier workplace that people enjoy being part of since McMahon's resignation.

On Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the 77-year-old McMahon was facing two further legal challenges on top of those that prompted his resignation this summer. One comes from Rita Chatterton, the former WWE referee who has accused McMahon of raping her in his limousine in 1986, which Vince has denied. Per a letter dated 3 November 2022, Chatterton seeks $11.75 million in damages from McMahon.

A former spa manager has also alleged McMahon sexually assaulted her in 2011, which had never made it as far as the media until now. The WSJ notes that thus far, McMahon has refused to pay settlements to Chatterton and the former spa manager, with WWE's auditors advising the company that even if the resolutions of those claims were kept confidential, WWE may have to disclose them publically.

The WSJ noted that Vince felt he received bad advice to resign following allegations that he had paid tens of millions of dollars to suppress sexual assault allegations throughout his lengthy tenure. McMahon reportedly believes the allegations and cases would have blown over had he stayed in power, hence his desire to return.