Hours after the shocking news that he would be voluntarily stepping aside as WWE Chairman and CEO while the Board of Directors investigates him on allegations of misconduct, Vince McMahon appeared on tonight’s SmackDown.
Below are the brief comments that McMahon made in the center of the ring:
“It is a privilege as always to stand before you, the WWE Universe, especially a privilege to stand before you in this ring in Minnesota. I’m here simply to remind you of the four words we just saw in what we call the WWE Signature. Those four words are ‘Then, now, forever,’ and the most important word is ‘together.’ Welcome to SmackDown!”
McMahon was mostly cheered, but there was a smattering of boos for the embattled former Chairman and CEO. McMahon smiled and shook hands with fans as he walked to the back.
There was no mention of the allegations made against him or stepping down as Chairman and CEO of WWE.
Please follow along all night with Roy Nemer’s live recap of SmackDown.