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 co-founder (with his then-wife Linda) of WWE, the world's largest professional wrestling promotion. Beyond wrestling, McMahon has promoted other sports ventures, including the World Bodybuilding Federation and the XFL football league.

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 tried to force her to perform oral sex and then raped her in his limousine.

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', alleging that Vince McMahon sexually assaulted her on July 16, 1986.

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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 filed a counter-lawsuit the same year.

November 1993: McMahon Indicted in Steroid Controversy

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

1993: Feud with Jerry Lawler

In 1993, Vince McMahon engaged in a feud with Jerry Lawler as part of a cross-promotion between the WWF and the United States Wrestling Association (USWA). McMahon sent WWF wrestlers to Memphis to challenge Lawler and physically interjected himself into a match.

July 1994: McMahon Acquitted of Steroid Charges

In July 1994, Vince McMahon was acquitted of charges related to steroid distribution to his wrestlers, following a trial where Kevin Wacholz testified against him.

September 22, 1997: Austin Attacks Owen Hart and Vince McMahon

On September 22, 1997, during a Raw broadcast from Madison Square Garden, Stone Cold Steve Austin interrupted Owen Hart's speech and assaulted him. When Vince McMahon intervened, Austin attacked McMahon with a Stone Cold Stunner, leading to Austin's arrest and marking the beginning of the Austin-McMahon rivalry.

1997: Montreal Screwjob

In 1997, at Survivor Series, Vince McMahon ordered the referee to ring the bell while Shawn Michaels had Bret Hart in the Sharpshooter submission hold, even though Hart hadn't submitted. This event, known as the Montreal Screwjob, cost Hart the WWF Championship and led to McMahon becoming a heel character.

February 1, 2006: Sexual Harassment Accusation 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, involving nude photos and unwanted physical contact. No charges were ultimately filed.

2006: Unrecorded payments disclosed

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

2011: Alleged Sexual Assault in California

In 2011, a tanning spa worker alleged that Vince McMahon sexually assaulted her in California. A lawsuit was filed in December 2022.

December 2015: McMahon took control of The Authority

In December 2015, Vince McMahon took control of The Authority and began a feud with Roman Reigns.

September 5, 2017: Kevin Owens attacks Vince McMahon

On September 5, 2017, Kevin Owens attacked Vince McMahon during Owens' feud with Shane McMahon on the SmackDown episode.

2019: Janel Grant worked at WWE global headquarters

From 2019 to 2022, Janel Grant worked at WWE global headquarters.

2019: Hush money payments dated back from 2019

Hush money payments dated back from 2019 to 2022 made by McMahon to two women while he was with the WWE.

2019: Jon Moxley criticizes McMahon's creative process

In 2019, Jon Moxley, formerly known as Dean Ambrose in WWE, left the company for AEW, citing WWE's creative process and singling out Vince McMahon as the primary issue.

September 2020: Eric Bischoff Reveals McMahon's Actions During Monday Night War

In September 2020, Eric Bischoff revealed that McMahon tried to embarrass Ted Turner and criticize WCW during the Monday Night War.

2020: Sexual assault allegations during 2020

During 2020–2021 Janel Grant alleged that McMahon had coerced her into a sexual relationship and, along with the WWE executive John Laurinaitis and a WWE wrestler who was also a former UFC fighter, sexually trafficked her, and repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

2021: Sexual assault allegations during 2021

April 2022: WWE Board Investigates 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 WWE Chairman and CEO

In June 2022, McMahon stepped down as chairman and CEO of WWE due to claims of hush-money agreements.

June 17, 2022: Vince McMahon Steps Down as WWE Chairman and CEO

On June 17, 2022, Vince McMahon voluntarily stepped down as chairman and CEO of WWE pending an internal investigation, with Stephanie McMahon named interim CEO and chairwoman. McMahon continued to oversee WWE creative and content development.

October 2022: WWE Discloses Unrecorded Payments

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

December 2022: McMahon Settles Lawsuit with Rita Chatterton

In December 2022, Vince McMahon settled a sexual abuse lawsuit with Rita Chatterton, with reports indicating 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: Hush money payments dated back from 2022

Hush money payments dated back from 2019 to 2022 made by McMahon to two women while he was with the WWE.

2022: Decline in wrestling popularity blamed on McMahon

In 2022, Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Newsletter commented that wrestling had declined in popularity due to the dwindling viewership since Vince McMahon purchased WCW. An article in Variety also blamed McMahon for the continuous decrease in ratings over the years.

2022: McMahon agreed to pay Janel Grant $3 million

In 2022, McMahon agreed to pay Janel Grant $3 million in return for a NDA.

2022: Leonard Inzitari Corroborates Chatterton's Allegations

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

January 2024: Lawsuit Filed by Janel Grant

In January 2024, Janel Grant filed a lawsuit alleging sexual coercion, trafficking, and assault by Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and a WWE wrestler.

January 2024: Resignation from TKO Group Holdings

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

January 2024: McMahon Resigns from TKO

In January 2024, after reports on the sexual assault accusations by Janel Grant, Vince McMahon resigned from TKO.

January 26, 2024: Vince McMahon Resigns from TKO

On January 26, 2024, one day after The Wall Street Journal published a report about alleged sexual assaults committed by McMahon, McMahon resigned from TKO, citing respect for the WWE Universe, TKO, shareholders, and business partners as his reason.

February 1, 2024: Laurinaitis Accuses McMahon of Sexual Misconduct

On February 1, 2024, John Laurinaitis, former WWE executive, accused Vince McMahon of sexual misconduct, alleging McMahon held "power" and made "dictatorial sexual demands".

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 against Vince McMahon. Federal agents executed a search warrant for McMahon's phone and delivered a subpoena for documents.

March 2024: Vince McMahon Sells $411.95 Million Worth of TKO Stock

In March 2024, Vince McMahon filed to sell $411.95 million worth of TKO stock amidst allegations of sexual assault, following a previous sale of shares worth $670.3 million in November, leaving him with approximately 8 million shares of TKO Group's Class A shares.

September 25, 2024: Release of 'Mr. McMahon' Documentary

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

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January 10, 2025: McMahon Fined by SEC

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

January 2025: Settled charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission

In January 2025, McMahon settled charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission for over $1.7 million for undisclosed hush money payments.

October 2025: Sentenced to Accelerated Rehabilitation Program

In October 2025, Vince McMahon was sentenced to one year of Connecticut's Accelerated Rehabilitation program and required to make a $1,000 charitable donation; charges would be dismissed after a year if completed.