As noted before, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit this past January against TKO Group Executive Chairman Vince McMahon accusing McMahon of committing sex trafficking and sexual abuse towards her during her time in the company. McMahon officially resigned from TKO Group and WWE on January 26th over the fallout from this lawsuit.
The Hollywood Reporter reported that their sources stated that McMahon’s decision to resign was influenced by TKO CEO Ari Emanuel and TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro. It was reported that Emanuel and Shapiro had told McMahon on the evening of January 26th that it would be in the best interest of the company for him to resign. McMahon reportedly agreed and submitted his resignation notice to the company.
In regards to the decision, it was reported that Slim Jim putting their sponsorship deal with WWE on hold over McMahon’s allegations was the tipping point for TKO.
It was also reported that one source spoken to stated that had Grant’s lawsuit been filed a week earlier, it would have put WWE’s $5 billion deal with Netflix in serious jeopardy.
Brian Pillman’s Estate Signs Legends Deal with WWE
Brittany Pillman-Evans, daughter of the late Brian Pillman, announced on Instagram that her family recently signed a Legends contract with WWE.
“I never thought I would see this day but after 27 long years, my siblings and I finally own the rights to our fathers legacy!
I just want to say thank you to all the fans for keeping my father’s name alive, this is all because of YOU, and thanks to WWE for making this happen!
Stay tuned for new merch coming soon.”
Liv Morgan Marijuana Arrest Update – Case Officially Closed
As noted before, Liv Morgan was arrested this past December in Florida for marijuana possession following an erratic driving incident.
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that the criminal case against Morgan was officially closed on January 31st based on court records. Johnson reported that Morgan’s attorney had entered a plea of Nolo-Contendere, which under legal terms means that a defendant accepts a conviction as though a guilty plea had been entered against them but they do not officially admit guilt to the charges against them
Johnson reported that the court had fined Morgan $543 but handed down no other punishments.