Shaquille O’Neal, the former NBA superstar and current media personality, is known for his active presence on social media platforms like Instagram. He often shares various content with his followers, including recent news and announcements.
In a recent Instagram story, Shaquille O’Neal posted an announcement from WWE regarding the final episode of Monday Night Raw under the McMahon family era. This announcement is significant because it marks the end of an era in WWE’s history.
The WWE was founded by Vince and Jess McMahon in January 1953. However, it was recently acquired by Endeavor Group Holdings, the parent company of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). The acquisition involved a substantial deal, with the WWE being purchased for $9.3 billion. The official merger date was set for September 12, 2023.
As a result of this merger, the UFC and WWE will come together to form a publicly traded company named TKO Group Holdings. This new entity is set to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on September 12, 2023.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Instagram post serves as a reflection of the significant changes happening within the world of professional wrestling and combat sports due to the acquisition and merger of these two major organizations.
In January 2023, Vince returned to the board of directors. As a result of his return, Stephanie announced her resignation.
Speaking to Bill Simmons on the Bill Simmons podcast, WWE President Nick Khan was asked about Stephanie’s decision.
“She decided to step away. Initially, she was on leave of absence, some of the Vince stuff started to happen, he stepped out for a moment. She was asked by Vince, by myself, by the board, to come back. She came back, which we were extremely gracious for her in doing so. Ultimately, when Vince came back, she decided she was ready to go and step out. I respected the decision, I wish she hadn’t done that, and she knows that from me personally, she’s a terrific executive and a terrific person. That’s her decision, her relationship with Vince is theirs and when she made it, I have full respect for the decision,” he said.
I don’t know what the future holds, but with Vince as the Chairman of the company, Paul [Stephanie’s husband Paul Levesque aka Triple H] the head of creative, me in the role that I’m in, if Stephanie wanted to do something with WWE, WWE would embrace that, the WWE Universe would embrace that. I think she’s enjoying some time off. After grinding hard, as she grinded hard, take a few months off. She still has school-aged children, she and Paul do, I think she’s enjoying herself.”
