Reactions, News On Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis Investigations

For the sake of context, the original WSJ article is sourced within our Fightful aggregation: https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-wwe-board-investigating-secret-3-million-hush-pact-vince-mcmahon-over-alleged-affair

WWE made their staff aware of the Wall Street Journal article and issued an internal email to many of their staff, saying:

"The Wall Street Journal has published a report about WWE with allegations that we and our Board of Directors take seriously.  

We are cooperating fully with the independent investigation initiated by our Board of Directors."

WWE did not respond to comment when we reached out to numerous reps for inquiries.

Sources that we've spoken to even indicated that the alleged relationship between Vince McMahon and the paralegal was "suspected" by many in the company, and indicated that she was given a substantial promotion around the time of the April 2021 WWE cuts. We're told specifically she was promoted from John Laurinaitis assistant to a "director" role that spring.

There hadn't been as much as a mention regarding this investigation when Fightful would prod WWE sources about Stephanie McMahon's departure, or Nick Khan taking over her duties. 

We also asked for clarity when Nia Jax tweeted on April 30: "It’s a shame, some people deserve to get the opportunity to shine like the star they really are, but unfortunately certain higher ups can never see past their own perverted ways. Too bad, there aren’t the lucky ones who can use blackmail to keep their jobs. *random tweet*" There was no mention of this from WWE reps or higher ups, and Jax was dismissed as "bitter" on background. This would have been after the investigation was underway. 

For those asking if Stephanie McMahon's absence is tied to this or if she had knowledge of the allegation, she's on the company board and would have been made aware of the investigation, as would Triple H and Nick Khan. There was immediate speculation that someone in the company intentionally leaked the information. 

John Laurinaitis was given back the spot as Head of Talent Relations in 2021, and immediately Fightful heard from female talent who expressed frustration and displeasure with the move. Completely separate from his hiring practices, which many of the women we spoke to felt were "archaic," one followed up today on the condition of anonymity and said "I'd rather get all my shit sent to me in a trash bag when I get fired than have to deal with him, and neither are good options." 

Immediately, those that we spoke to in WWE on the condition of anonymity agreed with early assumptions that this is the biggest threat to Vince McMahon's power in WWE since the steroid trial nearly three decades ago. The same sources we spoke with expected John Laurinaitis to be replaced before all is said and done, and one speculated that he's being set up as the "latest fall guy for Vince, his turn in line was coming." Another male wrestler who was active in the 2000s and 2010s said that there had long been rumors of John Laurinatis' alleged misconduct. A former writer said it was an open suspicion in the mid 2000s

One former office employee said they believe this will be a "domino effect" and believes Vince McMahon will fight hard to stay, but doesn't see a situation in which Laurinaitis doesn't resign.

It should be noted that neither McMahon or Laurinaitis have been charged with a crime in this situation, and as of now there's no indication they will.