WWE: Vince McMahon reaches deal after serious violations

Vince McMahon has agreed to “pay a penalty” following the SEC’s (Securities and Exchange Commission) findings of violations under the Securities Exchange Act. The former WWE CEO failed to disclose agreements to the Board of Directors, the company’s legal department, and auditors.

According to the SEC’s statement, McMahon concealed two agreements totaling $10.5 million with two women in 2019 and 2022. This lack of disclosure distorted WWE’s financial reports in 2018 and 2021.

McMahon downplayed the findings in his statement:

The matter is closed. Today marks the end of nearly three years of investigations by various government agencies. These were nothing more than minor accounting errors related to personal payments I made years ago as WWE’s CEO. I’m pleased to put this behind me.

Attorney Ann Callis, representing Janel Grant, responded to McMahon’s remarks:

During his time leading WWE, Vince McMahon acted as though the rules didn’t apply to him. We now have confirmation that he repeatedly broke the law to cover up his horrific behavior, including human trafficking. The SEC’s findings prove that the NDA McMahon coerced Grant into signing violates the law.

It’s important to note that this settlement is unrelated to the ongoing legal case between Vince McMahon and Janel Grant, which remains under investigation.

New Entertainment Venture

McMahon has been working on building a new entertainment company with former WWE executives. Since his departure in January 2024, following Janel Grant’s allegations, he has reportedly had no contact with WWE, according to TKO leadership.

The SEC ordered McMahon to reimburse WWE $1,330,915.90 and pay a $400,000 civil fine.

The former CEO agreed to cease further violations without admitting or denying the findings of the investigation.