WWE spent $19.4 million on Vince McMahon sex payoff probe

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WWE scolds have taken the path of countless Canadian royal commissions.

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The grappling giant spent a staggering $19.4 million to investigate former CEO Vince McMahon who stepped down over allegations he shelled out $3 million in quiet money to an employee he had sex with.

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Now run by his former wrestler daughter, Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan, the company said it spent an eye-watering $17.7 million in the third quarter of 2022 alone.

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Vince McMahon — whose grandfather founded the company — remains its controlling shareholder. But in its quarterly earnings report, the WWE says the probe is complete and the panel “disbanded.”

The WWE said: “Management is working with the Board to implement the recommendations of the Special Committee related to the investigation.”

For the 77-year-old McMahon, who obliterated his competition during four decades at the helm, a Securities and Exchange Commission probe into his payments was the beginning of the end.

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The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that McMahon was being investigated by the board for shady deals to shell out $12 million over the past 16 years to keep claims of sexual impropriety and infidelity on the down low.

A former WWE referee also claimed that she was raped in McMahon’s limo.

He announced his retirement in July.

McMahon tweeted: “Time for me to retire. Thank you, WWE Universe.”

McMahon was long a controversial figure in the wrestling world, starting with shattering the old territory system and poaching the stars of rival promotions. Many wrestlers, like Bret “The Hitman” Hart, hated McMahon while others like Ric “Nature Boy” Flair adored him.

Flair told CCV Clips: “He loved the business. He made us all who we are.”

So far, McMahon has not spoken publicly about the allegations. At one point he sued the referee and TV host Geraldo Rivera over a kiss-and-tell program about the situation.

The ring king claimed his enemies were behind the allegations. The lawsuit was eventually discontinued without either side winning.

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