Pro wrestling's Vince McMahon announced his retirement from the WWE on Friday, a month after stepping back from his leadership role as the company investigates misbehavior claims against him.
In a tweet posted at 4:05 p.m. EDT, McMahon thanked the "WWE Universe" and merely stated it was "time for me to retire" as he nears age 77.
In a statement released through WWE, McMahon credited colleagues, fans and family for his success.
" As I approach 77 years old, I feel it's time for me to retire as Chairman and CEO of WWE," he said.
"Throughout the years, it’s been a privilege to help WWE bring you joy, inspire you, thrill you, surprise you, and always entertain you."
On Friday, it was McMahon's daughter, Stephanie McMahon, who stood in the ring and welcomed the audience to Friday Night SmackDown.
" Earlier tonight, my father, Vince McMahon, retired from WWE," she stated to booing from the crowd.
" This is the business that he created, that he founded, and he wanted to make certain in his retirement that he thanked all of you, he thanked the WWE Universe," she continued, before leading the crowd in chants of "thank you, Vince."
Back on June 17, Vince McMahon had surrendered his CEO role as the WWE board of directors selected Stephanie McMahon as interim CEO and chairwoman of the Stamford, Connecticut-based company until the probe's conclusion.
The WWE board said then it is examining both the senior McMahon and John Laurinaitis, head of talent relations, for "supposed misconduct"-- but did not information any of the accusations.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the WWE board would like to know if McMahon paid a previous staff member $3 million so she 'd keep quiet about an affair the two had.
The ongoing probe is also checking out claims of other nondisclosure contracts involving former female WWE workers and Laurinaitis, the paper reported.
Couple of CEOs are as closely connected with a product as McMahon is to pro wrestling. He had frequently appeared in WWE broadcasts and is stated to have had almost overall control over scripts and storylines.
McMahon stated Friday he's confident co-CEOs Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan will maintain the product's quality.
" Our global audience can bask in understanding WWE will continue to amuse you with the exact same eagerness, devotion, and enthusiasm as constantly," according to the elder McMahon. "I am incredibly confident in the continued success of WWE."
Picture credit:Twitter