Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Vince McMahon

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Vince McMahon.

Vincent Kennedy McMahon is an American businessman and former professional wrestling promoter, best known as the chairman and CEO of WWE. He transformed the company from a regional wrestling promotion into a global entertainment empire. Beyond wrestling, McMahon launched ventures like the World Bodybuilding Federation and the XFL football league, though with mixed success. He's a controversial figure known for his ambitious vision, aggressive business tactics, and influence on the landscape of professional wrestling and sports entertainment.

Sections (5)

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

July 16, 1986: Alleged sexual assault of Rita Chatterton

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, a former WWF referee, appeared on Geraldo Rivera's show 'Now It Can Be Told' alleging that Vince McMahon sexually assaulted her on July 16, 1986.

1992: Nailz files lawsuit alleging sexual assault

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

November 1993: Indictment in steroid trial

In November 1993, Vince McMahon was indicted in federal court over a steroid controversy, temporarily ceding control of the WWF to his wife Linda.

July 1994: Acquittal in steroid trial

In July 1994, Vince McMahon was acquitted of charges related to steroid distribution to his wrestlers, ending a high-profile trial.

September 22, 1997: Austin attacks McMahon with a "Stone Cold Stunner"

On September 22, 1997, during a Raw broadcast from Madison Square Garden, Steve Austin assaulted Owen Hart and was confronted by Vince McMahon. Austin then attacked McMahon with a "Stone Cold Stunner", leading to Austin's arrest and marking the beginning of the Austin-McMahon rivalry.

February 26, 2001: McMahon and Stephanie humiliate Trish Stratus

On February 26, 2001, episode of Raw, Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon humiliated Trish Stratus by dumping sewage on her. Vince declared that Stephanie will always be "daddy's little girl" and Trish was only "daddy's little toy".

February 13, 2003: McMahon gets knocked out by Hulk Hogan

On the February 13, 2003 SmackDown!, Vince McMahon tried to derail the return of Hulk Hogan after a five-month hiatus, but was knocked out by Hogan and received a running leg drop.

December 26, 2005: McMahon Reviews Bret Hart's DVD

On December 26, 2005, Vince McMahon personally reviewed Bret Hart's DVD on Raw. Shawn Michaels appeared, leading McMahon to warn him, "I screwed Bret Hart. Shawn, don't make me screw you."

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January 29, 2006: McMahon distracts Shawn Michaels at the Royal Rumble

On January 29, 2006, at the Royal Rumble, Vince McMahon's entrance theme music distracted Shawn Michaels, who was among the final six, allowing Shane McMahon to eliminate him.

February 1, 2006: Sexual harassment accusation 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. The worker alleged McMahon showed her nude photos and attempted to kiss her, but no charges were filed after an investigation.

2006: Beginning of undisclosed payments for misconduct claims

In 2006, Vince McMahon initiated a series of undisclosed payments to settle sexual misconduct claims, which totaled $19.6 million by 2022.

January 4, 2010: Confrontation with Bret Hart and Heel Turn

On January 4, 2010, Vince McMahon confronted Bret "The Hitman" Hart for the first time since the Montreal Screwjob, seemingly burying the hatchet. However, after shaking hands, McMahon kicked Hart in the groin, turning heel once again.

June 27, 2011: CM Punk's Pipebomb and Suspension

On June 27, 2011, CM Punk delivered a scathing on-air speech criticizing WWE and Vince McMahon. McMahon suspended Punk, but later reinstated him at John Cena's request.

2011: Alleged sexual assault in California

In 2011, an incident of alleged sexual assault took place in California, by McMahon on a tanning spa worker.

2019: Janel Grant at WWE global headquarters

From 2019, Janel Grant was a former employee at WWE global headquarters.

2019: Jon Moxley leaves WWE, 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: Start of hush money payments

In 2019, Vince McMahon began making undisclosed hush money payments to two women, which eventually led to a fine by the SEC in 2025.

2020: Sexual Assaults on Janel Grant

During 2020, Janel Grant was allegedly subjected to repeated sexual assaults by Vince McMahon and others.

2021: Sexual Assaults on Janel Grant

During 2021, Janel Grant was allegedly subjected to repeated sexual assaults by Vince McMahon and others.

April 2022: WWE board investigates hush-money settlement

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

June 2022: Stepping down as chairman and CEO of WWE

In June 2022, Vince McMahon stepped down as chairman and CEO of WWE amidst claims of hush-money agreements and an internal investigation.

October 2022: WWE discloses unrecorded payments for misconduct claims

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 lawsuit

In December 2022, Vince McMahon settled the sexual abuse lawsuit filed by Rita Chatterton. Though maintaining his innocence, McMahon settled to avoid litigation, reportedly agreeing to a multi-million dollar settlement.

December 2022: Lawsuit filed by tanning spa worker alleging sexual assault

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

2022: Criticism of McMahon's leadership

In 2022, Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Newsletter commented that wrestling declined in popularity due to dwindling viewership since Vince McMahon purchased WCW. Variety also blamed McMahon for decreasing ratings and urged investors to hold him accountable.

2022: NDA agreement with Janel Grant

In 2022, Vince McMahon allegedly agreed to pay Janel Grant $3 million in return for a NDA, but stopped payments after only $1 million had been paid following the initial public emergence of the sexual misconduct allegations.

2022: End of hush money payments

In 2022, Vince McMahon ceased making undisclosed hush money payments to two women, a practice that began in 2019 and resulted in a fine by the SEC in 2025.

2022: Leonard Inzitari Corroborates Chatterton's Allegations

In 2022, former wrestler Leonard Inzitari corroborated Rita Chatterton's allegation against Vince McMahon in an interview in New York Magazine.

January 2024: Janel Grant files lawsuit against McMahon

In January 2024, Janel Grant filed a lawsuit alleging Vince McMahon coerced her into a sexual relationship and, along with John Laurinaitis and a WWE wrestler who was also a former UFC fighter, sexually trafficked and assaulted her. After the report of the claims, Vince McMahon resigned from TKO out of respect for WWE Universe, TKO, shareholders and business partners.

January 2024: Resignation from TKO Group Holdings

In January 2024, Vince McMahon resigned from TKO Group Holdings after allegations of sex trafficking and sexual assault.

January 2024: McMahon resigns from TKO

In January 2024, following reports on sexual assault accusations by Janel Grant, Vince McMahon resigned from WWE parent company TKO.

January 26, 2024: Vince McMahon Resigns from TKO

On January 26, 2024, Vince McMahon resigned from TKO following a report about alleged sexual assaults. He cited respect for the WWE Universe, TKO, shareholders, and business partners as the reason for his decision.

February 1, 2024: Laurinaitis accuses McMahon of sexual misconduct

On February 1, 2024, John Laurinaitis, former WWE executive, accused Vince McMahon of sexual misconduct, stating McMahon held "power" and "control" over him and made "dictatorial sexual demands with repercussions if not met".

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. Federal agents had previously executed a search warrant for McMahon's phone and delivered a subpoena to him for documents related to allegations of sexual misconduct against WWE employees.

September 25, 2024: Release of "Mr. McMahon" documentary series on Netflix

On September 25, 2024, Netflix released a documentary series called "Mr. McMahon" that details aspects of Vince McMahon's legacy, including business impact and controversies.

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January 10, 2025: SEC fines McMahon for hush money payments

On January 10, 2025, Vince McMahon was fined over $1.7 million by the Securities and Exchange Commission for undisclosed hush money payments, dating back from 2019 to 2022, to two women while he was with WWE.

January 2025: Settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission

In January 2025, Vince McMahon settled charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission for over $1.7 million for undisclosed hush money payments, without admitting or denying the findings.