The WWE is a family business. Now, one of the company's most prominent figures in WWE history will be tending to their own and taking a break from their second life. Stephanie McMahon, the daughter of Vince McMahon, announced she is taking a leave of absence from the majority of her responsibilities within WWE.
Why?
Stephanie stated on Twitter that she will be focusing more on spending time with her family.
As of tomorrow, I am taking a leave of absence from the majority of my responsibilities at WWE. WWE is a lifelong legacy for me and I look forward to returning to the company that I love after taking this time to focus on my family.
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) May 19, 2022
Before her departure, Stephanie had an active role as the Chief Brand Officer of the WWE.
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It was reported via PW Insider that many within WWE found out about the news via her tweet. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated there is no timetable on her return, but she will be back. Triple H, her husband, is back working full-time for WWE. This is following a health scare that led to his retirement from in-ring competition. Stephanie was taking care of Triple H during this time, to go along with her other responsibilities.
Stephanie's departure opens the door for a major change in WWE. Shane McMahon was recently let go by WWE despite making his return not long ago. Linda McMahon has been working in politics. WWE President & Chief Revenue Officer Nick Khan has assumed most of Stephanie's responsibilities, per Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics.
Khan joined WWE in 2020 after years at CAA and has been one of the prime figures regarding change within the company, including the new Peacock streaming deal and talent acquisition.
Khan has even admitted he's fielded calls from entities interested in buying WWE. As of now, however, he has stated that WWE is not looking for a new buyer.
With McMahon gone indefinitely, Khan's role and influence in the company has the potential to increase.
Stephanie was not involved in WWE until the 90s. She was an Account Executive as well as a performer. On TV at a young age, she would play a prominent role within the company. Working with her father, Stephanie was a wrestler and a manager. Involved in storylines featuring Triple H, she became the WWE Women's Champion. In 2000, Stephanie became one of the head writers of the company. In 2006, she became Senior VP of Creative Writing.
Working with creative in 2007, Stephanie helped launch major social media initiatives within WWE. In 2013, she became Chief Brand Officer. Over the years, Stephanie has promoted the WWE brand and has worked behind the scenes on business deals.