ORLANDO, Fla. – Vince McMahon, the wrestling promoter who made the former World Wrestling Federation, now the WWE, an entertainment powerhouse, is retiring.
McMahon tweeted Friday that, at 77 years of age, it was time for him to retire.
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At 77, time for me to retire.
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 22, 2022
Thank you, WWE Universe.
Then. Now. Forever. Together. #WWE #thankful
McMahon started as a wrestling promoter working for his father’s Worldwide Wrestling Federation, but in the 80s he took over and began expanding the WWF, leading to a boom for wrestling.
WWF became World Wrestling Entertainment in 2002 after losing a copyright lawsuit brought by the World Wildlife Fund.
More than just a promoter and executive though, McMahon was also a persona amid professional wrestling’s raucous storylines, performing with the wrestlers and other celebrities.
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McMahon stepped down in June as CEO and chairman of WWE amid an internal investigation. It was revealed that he had paid millions of dollars to four former WWE employees to cover up allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity.
Orlando has reaped benefits from WWE’s popularity. The WWE training center is in Orlando and the company’s developmental brand, NXT, is also based out of the city. Orlando has also been the site of numerous wrestling matches and events, particularly during the pandemic.
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