AEW star and former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho talked about whether he thinks “hush money” allegations will have repercussions for Vince McMahon.
We have received a little more information on more women McMahon had affairs/misconduct with. The original allegations were a “hush money” payout to one woman for $3 million and the latest is a report of $12 million paid out to four women in the last 16 years according to Wrestling Inc.
Someone who has known McMahon for over 20 years and considered himself close with him is Chris Jericho. Jericho was recently on True Geordie podcast and talked about if allegations surprised him.
“Not really,” Jericho said. “I mean is there a surprise in any industry when it happens? And really, when you look at it, it’s not illegal. He had an affair, paid the lady off to not say anything and moved on.
People want to jump on it, but there’s still always an undertone of, ‘It’s wrestling.’ If you look, that story came out with a bang and then you really haven’t heard anything about it since. If this was, you know, Hollywood with Harvey Weinstein, that sort of thing. But the difference between that was he was holding women back from getting gigs, Harvey Weinstein, either bang me or you don’t get the starring role.
This has never been said in Vince’s thing. There was a mutual acknowledgement of this affair and then he paid the lady to say nothing and she took the money so, you know. I really know Vince well and it sucks that it happened and it sucks that he did it but is anything really gonna happen from it? I really don’t think so.”
H/T To Inside the Ropes For Transcription
New Developments Just Make This Worse And Worse
It should be known this statement was before the latest news broke about the additional four women. This is important because one of the allegations conflicts with one of Jericho’s points.
One of the women was a former wrestler who McMahon allegedly “coerced” into performing a “favor” on him. She was demoted and released from the company in 2005 when she refused to engage in further encounters. So very similar to Harvey Weinstein, but in that time period McMahon held a lot more power to end someone’s career.
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As for the nothing illegal part, that is debated and not necessarily true. Eight law firms are investigating WWE for breach of fiduciary responsibilities to investors. Which could include “damaging the goodwill of the company through illegal or wrongful behavior” which “hush money” payments by McMahon would seem to include.
Jericho believes that McMahon’s actions are morally reprehensible, but he also believes they will be forgotten soon and McMahon will not face consequences by WWE or the WWE Universe.
“I think it’ll come and go and, once again, is it morally right? Absolutely not,” Jericho said, “Is it illegal? No. Is it something that’s gonna get him in real trouble? I don’t think so because once again, unfortunately, ‘Oh, it’s just Vince McMahon, it’s just wrestling, of course, he’s going to do that.’
So, those things come and go and they happen and it’s too bad, but I really think it doesn’t really matter in the long run. Six months from now, I’ll either be right or I’ll be wrong.”
Will Vince McMahon Make It Out Of This Unscathed?
McMahon has seemingly made it a point to show up on WWE TV as much as possible. Fans have been cheering him when he comes out. I did too the first week because I had hoped he would take responsibility for his actions. This was not the case nor the other 500 times or maybe less he has shown up on WWE TV in the past few weeks. Fans have been disgusted by his disregard for these allegations and not taking responsibility for his actions.
However, fans have continued to cheer for McMahon this will likely continue. Jericho seems to be right about it not mattering in the long term. I do think the more McMahon comes out on WWE TV the more fans will grow to resent him and the more people will call for him to resign. Which is already something fans have wanted for years. However, this could also be wishful thinking.
Do you think Vince McMahon will face any repercussions from WWE for his actions? What about from the WWE Universe? Do you think in six months everyone will have forgotten about this and McMahon will continue to show up on WWE TV? Let us know if you think WWE should make a public statement on these allegations or if they should continue handling everything behind-the-scenes.
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Sources: Wrestling Inc., Inside the Ropes, Wrestling Inc., True Geordie, Breach of fiduciary responsibilities analysis
