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 driving force behind WWE, the world's largest professional wrestling promotion, which he co-founded with his wife, Linda. Besides wrestling, McMahon has also dabbled in promoting other sports such as bodybuilding with the World Bodybuilding Federation and football with the XFL.
1964: Graduation from Fishburne Military School
In 1964, McMahon graduated from Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, Virginia. During his time there, he reportedly struggled due to dyslexia.
July 16, 1986: Alleged Sexual Assault by McMahon
On July 16, 1986, Rita Chatterton alleged that Vince McMahon sexually assaulted her in his limousine.
April 3, 1992: Rita Chatterton's Allegations on Geraldo Rivera's Show
On April 3, 1992, Rita Chatterton appeared on Geraldo Rivera's show and alleged that Vince McMahon sexually assaulted her on July 16, 1986.
November 1993: Indictment in Steroid Controversy
In November 1993, Vince McMahon was indicted in federal court due to a steroid controversy, which led him to temporarily cede control of the WWF to his wife, Linda McMahon.
July 1994: Acquittal in Steroid Trial
In July 1994, Vince McMahon was acquitted of charges related to steroid distribution to his wrestlers, following a trial.
February 1, 2006: Accusation of Sexual Harassment at Tanning Bar
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 and groping the worker. No charges were filed.
2006: Start of Unrecorded Sexual Misconduct Claims
In 2006, unrecorded sexual misconduct claims began against Vince McMahon, eventually leading to $19.6 million in payments between 2006 and 2022.
2011: Alleged Sexual Assault in California
In 2011, Vince McMahon allegedly sexually assaulted a tanning spa worker in California, leading to a lawsuit filed in December 2022.
2013: McMahon breaks his pelvis after an attack by Brock Lesnar
In 2013, during a performance review on Paul Heyman, Vince McMahon was assaulted by Brock Lesnar, who attacked him with the F-5, breaking his pelvis and requiring surgery.
2019: Janel Grant's Employment at WWE
Between 2019 and 2022, Janel Grant worked at WWE global headquarters.
2019: Jon Moxley Criticizes McMahon's Creative Control
In 2019, Jon Moxley, formerly Dean Ambrose, left WWE for AEW, citing WWE's creative process and singling out Vince McMahon as the problem.
2019: Start of Hush Money Payments
In 2019, Vince McMahon began making undisclosed hush money payments to two women, which continued until 2022.
2020: Alleged Sexual Assaults by McMahon
Between 2020 and 2021, Janel Grant alleged that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted and trafficked by McMahon.
April 7, 2021: AEW Dynamite defeats WWE NXT in the Wednesday Night Wars
On April 7, 2021, AEW Dynamite emerged victorious against WWE NXT in the Wednesday Night Wars, leading to NXT moving to Tuesday nights.
2021: Alleged Sexual Assaults by McMahon
Between 2020 and 2021, Janel Grant alleged that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted and trafficked by McMahon.
April 2022: Investigation of Hush-Money Settlement
In April 2022, the WWE board began investigating a $3 million hush-money settlement paid by Vince McMahon over an alleged affair with a former employee.
June 2022: Stepped Down as CEO and Chairman of WWE
In June 2022, McMahon stepped down as CEO and chairman of WWE. This decision came in light of claims of hush-money agreements related to affairs with former WWE employees.
October 2022: Disclosure of Unrecorded Payments for Misconduct Claims
By October 2022, WWE disclosed $19.6 million in unrecorded payments made by Vince McMahon 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. He maintained his innocence but settled to avoid litigation costs, reportedly agreeing to a multimillion-dollar settlement.
December 2022: Lawsuit Filed by Tanning Spa Worker
In December 2022, a tanning spa worker filed a lawsuit against Vince McMahon alleging sexual assault that occurred in California in 2011.
2022: Criticism of McMahon's Impact on Wrestling Popularity
In 2022, Bryan Alvarez and Variety criticized Vince McMahon for the declining viewership and overall decrease in wrestling popularity since he purchased WCW.
2022: Corroboration of Chatterton's Allegations
In 2022, Leonard Inzitari corroborated Rita Chatterton's allegations of sexual assault against Vince McMahon in a New York Magazine interview.
2022: Alleged NDA Agreement
In 2022, Vince McMahon allegedly agreed to pay Janel Grant $3 million in return for an NDA, but stopped paying after $1 million had been paid.
2022: End of Hush Money Payments
In 2022, Vince McMahon stopped making undisclosed hush money payments to two women.
January 2024: Lawsuit Filed by Janel Grant and McMahon Resigns
In January 2024, Janel Grant filed a lawsuit alleging sexual coercion, trafficking, and assault by Vince McMahon. Following the report, McMahon resigned from TKO.
January 2024: Resignation from TKO
In January 2024, McMahon resigned from TKO after allegations of sex trafficking and sexual assault. This marked a significant and controversial end to his involvement with the company.
February 1, 2024: Laurinaitis Accuses McMahon of Sexual Misconduct
On February 1, 2024, John Laurinaitis accused Vince McMahon of sexual misconduct through his attorney, claiming McMahon exerted power and control over him.
February 2, 2024: Federal Investigation Launched into McMahon
On February 2, 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that federal authorities in New York had launched an investigation into sexual assault and sex trafficking allegations made against Vince McMahon.
January 10, 2025: McMahon Fined by SEC for Hush Money Payments
On January 10, 2025, Vince McMahon was fined over $1.7 million by the SEC for undisclosed hush money payments dating back from 2019 to 2022.
