LOS ANGELES, CA – World Wrestling Entertainment is preparing for a major shift in its operations as it plans to move its flagship weekly live program “Raw” to Netflix next year. However, this change comes as the professional wrestling organization faces the absence of its founder, Vince McMahon Jr.
McMahon, 78, resigned as executive chairman of WWE’s board amid allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking filed against him and former wrestler-turned-executive John Laurinaitis. While McMahon has denied the allegations, the controversy has overshadowed the company’s recent achievements, including a $5 billion Netflix deal announcement and a record-setting crowd at the WWE’s “Royal Rumble” event.
The absence of all four McMahons — Vince, his wife Linda, and their children, Stephanie and Shane — from the company’s leadership poses unfamiliar territory for the wrestling business. Despite the challenges posed by the leadership change and renewed scrutiny of sexism within the WWE, some industry insiders see this as an opportunity for the company to test more mature themes and reach new international audiences.
The WWE has long faced criticism for its portrayal of female characters and for its treatment of female talent. While the organization has made efforts to evolve and expand its women’s division, McMahon’s departure may provide an opportunity for the WWE to become more progressive, according to some observers.
However, McMahon’s departure also presents obstacles for the company, with a prominent Wall Street analyst firm warning of potential brand and legal risks due to the allegations against McMahon. The company has stated that it takes the allegations seriously and is addressing the matter internally.
The absence of McMahon from WWE leadership may not have a significant impact on the fanbase, according to some industry veterans. They believe that the company has the potential to move forward with new leadership and to address the demands of younger fans for better representation.
Overall, McMahon’s departure from the company presents both opportunities and challenges for the WWE as it navigates a pivotal moment in its history. The way in which the organization responds to these changes will likely shape the future of professional wrestling.