Vince McMahon attends a press conference to announce that WWE Wrestlemania 29 will be held at MetLife Stadium in 2013 at MetLife Stadium on February 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Michael N. Todaro | Getty Images
Vince McMahon is staging a comeback at World Wrestling Entertainment, months after he retired from the company over a sexual misconduct scandal.
Shares of the company jumped more than 10% after hours following McMahon’s Thursday announcement.
McMahon, the company’s controlling shareholder, said he had elected himself executive chairman of the company, and he brought on two former WWE co-presidents and board members, Michelle Wilson and George Barrios.
McMahon said that his return is necessary as the company gears up for negotiations over media rights and strategic alternatives. WWE, which styles itself as a media company, has been mentioned as a potential acquisition target.
“The only way for WWE to fully capitalize on this opportunity is for me to return as Executive Chairman and support the management team in the negotiations for our media rights and to combine that with a review of strategic alternatives,” McMahon said in his announcement. “My return will allow WWE, as well as any transaction counterparties, to engage in these processes knowing they will have the support of the controlling shareholder.”
A WWE spokesman didn’t immediately comment on the matter to CNBC.
McMahon retired last year amid an investigation into payments the former CEO made regarding alleged instances of sexual misconduct. Yet, because McMahon is the company’s largest shareholder, he maintained a lot of power. His daughter, Stephanie McMahon, became co-CEO after he retired.
“Mr. McMahon can effectively exercise control over our affairs,” the company said in a November regulatory filing.
CNBC’s Lillian Rizzo contributed to this report.
This story is developing. Check back here for more updates.
