• “Anyone who believed that was permanent didn’t know him” – Nick Khan On Vince McMahon’s Retirement
During an interview on the Bill Simmons podcast, WWE CEO Nick Khan talked about Vince McMahon’s 2022 retirement and eventual return to the Board & more.
Below are the highlights:
Why Vince McMahon decided to retire:
“I didn’t see it as a force. I think Vince saw sort of the tonnage of things that were coming at him and us. And he thought — one thing he’s always said, and you know this as a long time fan, he’ll do whatever is best for business. And I think at that moment… he saw what was best for business was for him to step away for a while, so he did.”
If Vince interfered with the creative process despite being retired:
“He really did step away. So there was no ‘Hey, why are you doing this?’ or ‘I wouldn’t do it that way.’ It was in my opinion, total freedom to Stephanie, myself, and Triple H on the creative side.
It’s only been a week [since he returned], but he really — I believe what he said publicly about ‘Hey, I’m here to engage in strategic alternatives and the media rights.’
So far the engagement has been that, and other board issues. And zero [on creative]. None.”
If he was surprised that Vince came out of retirement:
“No, no. That’s Vince. Anyone who knows him who thought with a tweet — because I think he tweeted, ‘Hey, I’m 77 now, time for me to call it a day’ or something to that effect. Anyone who believed that was permanent didn’t know him. That was never going to happen.
But I’m appreciative of the fact that he gave it the five, six months, let the dust settle a little bit. And then coming back in the way that he’s come back.”
WATCH: Hot Photoshoot Of Former WWE Diva Kaitlyn:
• ON THIS DAY IN WWF HISTORY (January 23, 2000) – WWF Sunday Night HEAT
On this day in 2000, the World Wrestling Federation aired an episode of their weekly TV show ‘WWF Sunday Night HEAT’.
It was taped at the Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York and featured matches, interviews & storyline segments on the road to the ‘WWF Royal Rumble 2000’ PPV, which this episode was the official Pre-Show for.
The card can be found right here:
Christian vs. Steve Blackman
The Godfather, D’Lo Brown & Prince Albert vs. Big Boss Man & The Headbangers
Edge vs. Al Snow