Vince McMahon built WWE into a worldwide powerhouse. His legacy remains strong even though he no longer works for the company. Many fans believe a new era has begun under TKO Group Holdings. However, former WWE Intercontinental Champion and ECW icon Shane Douglas disagrees. He offers a different view on the company's creative direction.
Shane Douglas Questions WWE's Creative Independence
Shane Douglas recently shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel. He stated that WWE has not fully moved away from Vince McMahon's creative control. Douglas highlighted the roles of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Triple H serves as WWE's Chief Content Officer. Stephanie McMahon is also involved in the business. Both learned directly from Vince McMahon.
"The problem I think is that even though Vince is supposedly gone, who did Hunter learn from? Vince," Douglas said. "Who did Stephanie learn from? Vince. So them still being involved in it, they're probably going to keep getting Vince." This suggests that McMahon's methods and ideas continue to influence WWE's storytelling.
Vince McMahon's Journey and Exit from WWE
Vince McMahon took over WWE from his father. He transformed it from a regional promotion into a global sports entertainment giant. McMahon briefly retired in 2022. He returned later to oversee the sale of WWE. In 2023, Endeavor purchased WWE and merged it with UFC. This created TKO Group Holdings. McMahon held a senior position in the new company.
Everything changed in 2024. Former WWE employee Janel Grant accused McMahon of serious misconduct. These allegations became public. McMahon resigned from TKO shortly after. He severed all connections with WWE, the company he founded. TKO also distanced itself from McMahon. They removed references to his past involvement.
WWE now operates under new leadership. Triple H and President Nick Khan lead the company. They have guided WWE to record success in recent months. Their corporate team has achieved impressive results.
What Lies Ahead for Vince McMahon?
Vince McMahon has started a new venture called '14 & I'. This company focuses on investments and entertainment. Public details about its activities remain scarce. McMahon's future plans are unclear at this moment. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see what he does next.
Shane Douglas's comments spark an important debate. Has WWE truly entered a new creative era? Or does Vince McMahon's shadow still loom large over the product? Only time will provide a definitive answer.
