On May 19, 2022, Stephanie McMahon announced a leave of absence from the company, stating that she wished to spend time with her family. Less than a month later, on June 17, McMahon was announced as the interim CEO after her father Vince McMahon retired after allegations of sexual misconduct.
She announced her resignation in January 2023 when Vince returned to the company. She remained away from WWE until WrestleMania XL, months after Vince resigned as WWE/TKO CEO after a lawsuit was filed by former employee Janel Grant accusing Vince of sexual assault and sex trafficking.
Speaking to Pat McAfee on The Pat McAfee Show, Stephanie commented on her hiatus.
"One of the things I learned when I stepped away is I'll never get away from WWE, ever. It is a part of who I am. It is what I love. I really did grow up in this business. It was not unusual to have shoots done at our house. I was in the first ever Saturday Night's Main Event. I went trick or treating at Rowdy Roddy Piper's house, which was actually our house. He was putting candy, bowling balls, breaking our candy bags. I was on that episode. I did modeling for the catalog and we didn't get paid. We didn't have child models at the time. All of the employees kids, we were just dressed up. I've lived this amazing life with so many opportunities to meet incredible people and be part of something that is so special that connects people all over the world. I feel it everywhere I go, in every arena I go to. It's something so special," she said.
Asked about stepping away, and if she remained proud, she replied, "I never stopped being proud, ever. I do think I wanted to disappear for a little while, and I kind of did. It was good for me. I needed it, and now I'm back."
Stephanie has attended multiple events throughout the last year and been shown on-screen.
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