Challenges Faced by Vince McMahon: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Vince McMahon. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Vincent Kennedy McMahon is an American businessman and former professional wrestling promoter best known as the co-founder (with his then-wife Linda) of WWE, the world's largest professional wrestling promotion. Beyond wrestling, McMahon has pursued ventures in other sports, including the World Bodybuilding Federation and the XFL football league, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit across the sports and entertainment landscape.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

July 16, 1986: Alleged sexual assault by Rita Chatterton

On July 16, 1986, Rita Chatterton alleged that Vince McMahon tried to force her to perform oral sex on him in his limousine and then raped her.

April 3, 1992: Rita Chatterton's allegations on 'Now It Can Be Told'

On April 3, 1992, Rita Chatterton appeared on Geraldo Rivera's show 'Now It Can Be Told' and alleged that on July 16, 1986, Vince McMahon sexually assaulted her.

1992: Nailz Files Lawsuit Against McMahon

In 1992, wrestler Kevin Patrick Wacholz, known as Nailz, filed a lawsuit alleging Vince McMahon sexually assaulted him. McMahon then filed a counter-lawsuit against Nailz the same year.

November 1993: Indictment in federal court

In November 1993, Vince McMahon was indicted in federal court due to a steroid controversy within the WWF, leading him to temporarily cede control to his wife, Linda.

1993: Start of the New Generation Era

In 1993, the company entered the New Generation Era, a challenging period for Vince McMahon.

2000: Interview Reflecting on Abuse

In a 2000 interview, Vince McMahon reflected on the abuse he endured at the hands of one of his stepfathers.

February 1, 2006: Accusation of sexual harassment in Boca Raton

On February 1, 2006, Vince McMahon was accused of sexual harassment by a worker at a tanning bar in Boca Raton, Florida. He was accused of showing nude photos of himself and groping/attempting to kiss her. No charges were filed.

2006: Misconduct claims

Between 2006 and 2022, Vince McMahon made unrecorded payments to settle sexual misconduct claims.

2011: Alleged Sexual Assault in California

In 2011, Vince McMahon allegedly sexually assaulted a tanning spa worker in California.

2013: Assault by Brock Lesnar

In 2013, during a performance review of Paul Heyman, Vince McMahon was attacked by Brock Lesnar, who used the F-5 move on him. McMahon reportedly broke his pelvis and required surgery.

October 2, 2019: Wednesday Night Wars Begin

On October 2, 2019, WWE NXT and AEW Dynamite competed in the Wednesday Night Wars.

2019: Janel Grant Lawsuit allegations

Between 2019 and 2022, Janel Grant worked at WWE global headquarters.

2019: Hush money payments

Between 2019 and 2022, Vince McMahon made undisclosed hush money payments to two women while he was with the WWE.

2019: Jon Moxley criticizes McMahon

In 2019, Jon Moxley (Dean Ambrose) left WWE for AEW, citing WWE's creative process and singling out Vince McMahon as the problem.

2019: Car Crash in 2019

In 2019, Vince McMahon was involved in a car crash.

April 13, 2020: XFL Files for Bankruptcy

After only five weeks of play in its inaugural 2020 season, the XFL abruptly ceased play due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and filed for bankruptcy on April 13, 2020.

2020: Sexual Assaults

During 2020–2021, Janel Grant alleged that she was subjected to "extreme cruelty and degradation" by McMahon, including being defecated upon during a sexual encounter.

April 7, 2021: End of Wednesday Night Wars

On April 7, 2021, the Wednesday Night Wars ended, with AEW Dynamite emerging victorious and NXT moving to Tuesday nights.

July 29, 2021: McMahon on AEW Competition

During a conference call on July 29, 2021, Vince McMahon stated that he doesn't consider AEW competition and that he was "not so sure what their investments are as far as their talent is concerned".

September 14, 2021: NXT Revamped to NXT 2.0

On September 14, 2021, WWE revamped NXT with major changes, starting with the "NXT 2.0" episode.

2021: Sexual Assaults

During 2020–2021, Janel Grant alleged that she was subjected to "extreme cruelty and degradation" by McMahon, including being defecated upon during a sexual encounter.

April 2022: Investigation of $3 million hush-money settlement

In April 2022, the WWE board began investigating a $3 million hush-money settlement that Vince McMahon paid over an alleged affair with a former employee.

October 2022: Disclosure of unrecorded payments

By October 2022, WWE disclosed $19.6 million in unrecorded payments Vince McMahon made to settle sexual misconduct claims between 2006 and 2022.

December 2022: Settlement of Chatterton's lawsuit

In December 2022, Vince McMahon settled the sexual abuse lawsuit filed by Rita Chatterton, with his attorney stating that he maintains his innocence but settled to avoid the cost of litigation. It was reported that McMahon agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement.

December 2022: Lawsuit by tanning spa worker

In December 2022, a lawsuit was filed against Vince McMahon by a tanning spa worker alleging sexual assault in California in 2011.

2022: Hush money payments

Between 2019 and 2022, Vince McMahon made undisclosed hush money payments to two women while he was with the WWE.

2022: Wrestling popularity decline

In 2022, Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Newsletter commented that wrestling had declined in popularity due to the dwindling viewership since McMahon purchased WCW.

2022: Alleged NDA Agreement with Janel Grant

In 2022, Vince McMahon allegedly agreed to pay Janel Grant $3 million in exchange for a NDA, but stopped payments after $1 million was paid.

2022: Leonard Inzitari corroborates Chatterton's allegation

In 2022, former wrestler Leonard Inzitari corroborated Chatterton's 1986 allegation of sexual assault in an interview.

January 2024: Janel Grant Lawsuit and Resignation from TKO

In January 2024, a lawsuit was filed by Janel Grant alleging sexual coercion, trafficking, and assault by Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and a WWE wrestler between 2019 and 2022. Following the report, McMahon resigned from TKO.

February 1, 2024: Laurinaitis Accusations Against McMahon

On February 1, 2024, John Laurinaitis accused Vince McMahon of sexual misconduct, claiming McMahon held "power" and "control" over him and made "dictatorial sexual demands."

February 2, 2024: Federal Investigation into Sexual Assault Allegations

On February 2, 2024, it was reported that federal authorities in New York had launched an investigation into sexual assault and sex trafficking allegations made against Vince McMahon, including a search warrant for his phone and a subpoena for documents.

January 10, 2025: SEC Fine

On January 10, 2025, it was announced that Vince McMahon was fined over $1.7 million by the Securities and Exchange Commission from undisclosed hush money payments from 2019 to 2022.

July 24, 2025: Car Crash in Connecticut

On July 24, 2025, Vince McMahon was speeding and crashed his Bentley in Connecticut. The crash involved three vehicles, but there were no serious injuries.