Vince McMahon opened tonight’s WWE SmackDown from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but did not mention how he’s stepped down as Chairman & CEO while the WWE Board of Directors investigates he and WWE Talent Relations Senior Vice President John Laurinaitis over alleged misconduct, or how Stephanie McMahon has returned from her leave of absence to work as the Interim CEO & Chairwoman.
SmackDown opened with Michael Cole and Pat McAfee welcoming us. Vince came right to the ring as the “No Chance” theme hit, and as fans cheered him on.
Vince said it’s a privilege to stand in front of the WWE Universe and a privilege to stand in Minnesota. He mentioned the ‘Then, Now, Forever, Together’ line, which he called the WWE signature, and said most importantly is the ‘together’ part. He then welcomed everyone to SmackDown to end the brief segment.
Full video can be seen below.
As we’ve noted, it was revealed on Wednesday that WWE’s Board of Directors are investigating Vince over a “secret $3 million settlement” he made to a former WWE paralegal that was hired in 2019. John Laurinaitis is also being investigated for his involvement, and the Board is looking into other instances with former female employees as well. It was then announced today that Stephanie is returning from her leave of absence to act as the Interim CEO & Interim Chairwoman as Vince voluntarily steps away from his Chairman & CEO corporate duties, but still continues his creative responsibilities.