An old person on an electric scooter chair is not generally an intimidating thing. They can’t sneek up on you because of the incessant beeping. And if you maintain a brisk pace, they’ll never catch you. Their battery will eventually run out or they will have to stop to let “Lady” climb down from their lap to pee.
But things change when the geezer has a knife and an attitude. Police in Rockledge, Florida say that’s what happened there this week, when a verbal agreement turned into an extremely low-speed chase. Investigators say 74-year-old Daniel Zarelli went into his home following a heated conversation and came back with an 8-inch knife. They say he then followed a woman around for several minutes as the woman tried to get away from him. During the chase, Zarelli allegedly threatened to kill the woman, prompting her to leave the home and call police to the scene. Investigators say Zarelli then went outside the home and chased another man around a parked car on the scooter, still holding the knife. The police report goes on to say that Zarelli slashed a tire on the car.
When police arrived on the scene, they observed Zarelli actively chasing the woman up his driveway on his scooter. He was still holding the knife. During their investigation, officers smelled alcohol on Zarelli’s breath. They also heard Zarelli threaten the man he had been chasing, saying he would kill him “while he had the chance”. Zarelli was apprehended, arrested and placed in the Brevard County Jail. He now faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was also on felony probation. He remains in custody and will appear before the judge next month. Source: ClickOrlando.com
A Rock God Is Honored
Jeff Beck: Tributes Pour in Honoring Iconic Guitarist
Jeff Beck suddenly died yesterday (January 10) at the age of 78. His family confirmed in a statement that his cause of death was the result of bacterial meningitis.
Beck’s influence on guitar playing cannot be overstated. He is widely regarded as one of the best guitarists of all time. He is respected by legions of fans, as well as his peers. The love and respect for Beck is evident in how many music legends took to social media to pay tribute to him.
Below are just some of the notable tributes to Beck.
Jimmy Page
“The six stringed Warrior is no longer here for us to admire the spell he could weave around our mortal emotions. Jeff could channel music from the ethereal. His technique unique. His imaginations apparently limitless. Jeff I will miss you along with your millions of fans. Jeff Beck Rest in Peace.”
Rod Stewart
“Jeff Beck was on another planet. He took me and Ronnie Wood to the USA in the late 60s in his band the Jeff Beck Group and we haven’t looked back since. He was one of the few guitarists that when playing live would actually listen to me sing and respond. Jeff, you were the greatest, my man. Thank you for everything. RIP.”
2/2
— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) January 11, 2023
He was one of the few guitarists that when playing live would actually listen to me sing and respond .
Jeff, you were the greatest, my man . Thank you for everything . RIPRonnie Wood
“Now Jeff has gone, I feel like one of my band of brothers has left this world, and I’m going to dearly miss him. I’m sending much sympathy to Sandra, his family, and all who loved him. I want to thank him for all our early days together in Jeff Beck Group, conquering America.”
🙏Now Jeff has gone, I feel like one of my band of brothers has left this world, and I’m going to dearly miss him. I’m sending much sympathy to Sandra, his family, and all who loved him. I want to thank him for all our early days together in Jeff Beck Group, conquering America. pic.twitter.com/UareDAdtZ9
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) January 11, 2023Ozzy Osbourne
“I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of @JeffBeckMusic’s passing. What a terrible loss for his family, friends & his many fans. It was such an honor to have known Jeff & an incredible honor to have had him play on my most recent album, #PatientNumber9. Long live #JeffBeck“
I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of @JeffBeckMusic’s passing. What a terrible loss for his family, friends & his many fans. It was such an honor to have known Jeff & an incredible honor to have had him play on my most recent album, #PatientNumber9.
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 11, 2023
Long live #JeffBeck pic.twitter.com/hG6O9tzfijTony Iommi
“I was totally shocked to hear the very sad news of Jeff Beck’s passing. Jeff was such a nice person and an outstanding iconic, genius guitar player – there will never be another Jeff Beck. His playing was very special & distinctively brilliant! He will be missed. RIP Jeff -Tony”
I was totally shocked to hear the very sad news of Jeff Beck’s passing. Jeff was such a nice person and an outstanding iconic, genius guitar player - there will never be another Jeff Beck. His playing was very special & distinctively brilliant! He will be missed. RIP Jeff -Tony pic.twitter.com/i6BGdqTUKU
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) January 11, 2023Geezer Butler
“Shocked to hear of the sudden death of Jeff Beck. Truly one of the greats. First time I saw him was in 1966 with the Yardbirds. Brilliant, unique guitarist. RIP.”
Shocked to hear of the sudden death of Jeff Beck. Truly one of the greats. First time I saw him was in 1966 with the Yardbirds. Brilliant, unique guitarist. RIP pic.twitter.com/qaeJHGJymM
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) January 11, 2023Mick Jagger
“With the death of Jeff Beck we have lost a wonderful man and one of the greatest guitar players in the world. We will all miss him so much.”
With the death of Jeff Beck we have lost a wonderful man and one of the greatest guitar players in the world. We will all miss him so much. pic.twitter.com/u8DYQrLNB7
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) January 11, 2023Dave Davies
“I’m heartbroken. He looked in fine shape to me. Playing great, he was in great shape. I’m shocked and bewildered. Deepest sympathy to his wife, friends, close ones. I’m bewildered. Jeff Beck, it don’t make sense. I don’t get it. He was a good friend and a great guitar player.”
I’m heartbroken he looked in fine shape to me. Playing great he was in great shape. I’m shocked and bewilderedDeepest sympathy to his wife friends close ones I’m bewildered Jeff Beck it don’t make sense I don’t get it. He was a good friend and a great guitar player
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) January 11, 2023Brian May
“Gutted, so sad, to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was the Guv’nor. He was inimitable, irreplaceable – the absolute pinnacle of guitar playing. And a damn fine human being. I’m sure I will have a lot to say, but right now …. Just lost for words. Bri. #jeffbeck”
Steve Vai
“In the pantheons of guitar players, @jeffbeckofficial was the chosen one. He left us with so much beauty and light in our music world. I can’t imagine the landscape of contemporary guitar playing if he had never been here, but as everything comes and goes in this world, his contribution reshaped our imagination of what the guitar can do forever. Thank you master. You really did it and we so much appreciate you.”
Sammy Hagar
“Absolutely one of my favorite guitarist of all time! The ‘Truth’ album changed my life. As a singer and guitarist, I wanted to be Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart rolled into one— we all did. What a loss. We will all miss Jeff. My love and condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Absolutely one of my favorite guitarist of all time! The "Truth" album changed my life. As a singer and guitarist, I wanted to be Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart rolled into one— we all did. What a loss. We will all miss Jeff. My love and condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/0AgQsCHN76
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) January 11, 2023Michael Anthony
“o sad to hear of the passing of Jeff Beck, he was definitely one of a kind. The Truth and Blow by Blow albums are two of my favorites, and definitely influenced me growing up playing music. I was fortunate to jam with Jeff a few times, here is one charity event we played with Billy F Gibbons, and Jimmy Vaughn, what a great night!! RIP, Jeff, you will be greatly missed…”
Brian Wilson
“I’m so sad to hear about Jeff Beck passing. Jeff was a genius guitar player, and me and my band got to see it close up when we toured with him in 2013. One of the highlights we did was ‘Danny Boy’ – we both loved that song. Love & Mercy to Jeff’s family.”
I’m so sad to hear about Jeff Beck passing. Jeff was a genius guitar player, and me and my band got to see it close up when we toured with him in 2013. One of the highlights we did was “Danny Boy” – we both loved that song. Love & Mercy to Jeff’s family. pic.twitter.com/eZFHpHgiKt
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) January 11, 2023David Gilmour
“I am devastated to hear the news of the death of my friend and hero Jeff Beck, whose music has thrilled and inspired me and countless others for so many years.
Polly‘s and my thoughts go out to his lovely wife Sandra. He will be forever in our hearts.”I am devastated to hear the news of the death of my friend and hero Jeff Beck, whose music has thrilled and inspired me and countless others for so many years.
— David Gilmour (@davidgilmour) January 11, 2023
Polly‘s and my thoughts go out to his lovely wife Sandra.
He will be forever in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/369rHU7BCXDef Leppard (Joe Elliott and Rick Savage)
“I just heard the news about the passing of one of the greatest guitarists to ever walk the earth … Jeff Beck had it all from his early work with The Yardbirds & Rod Stewart in the Jeff Beck Group right up to his recent work with Johnny Depp & Ozzy … I had the amazing opportunity in 2016 to see him perform with Phil at the Classic Rock awards in Tokyo & share a few sherbets with him afterwards …Much love to his family & fans … I hate January!” – Joe Elliott
“I’m in absolute shock at the passing of guitar god Jeff Beck. A true legend who inspired so many of us. I loved spending time with him whilst recording in Holland. We were doing Hysteria and he was recording with Mick Jagger on Mick’s first solo album. One of the true originals has departed and will never, ever be replaced.” – Rick Savage
Bernie Marsden
“It’s with great sadness I post this photo. I first saw Jeff when my band opened for the Jeff Beck Group in 1968. After that I soon realised his sheer genius, a genius that continued for all his life. Now he’s gone, the best of the best. I’m devastated.
I was fortunate that we became quite close, especially when the great drummer Jimmy Copley died in 2017. Jeff produced & played with Jim’s band Upp. We were regular hospital visitors & bonded in our anxieties over our dear friend. Tonight I’m raising a glass to him, Jimmy & Cozy.
He always warmly welcomed me at his gigs over the years, as interested in my car as he was guitars, he was very funny to hang out with and easy to be around, which is perhaps different to what his image suggested – he loved that. My deep condolences to his wife Sandra.”
It’s with great sadness I post this photo. I first saw Jeff when my band opened for the Jeff Beck Group in 1968. After that I soon realised his sheer genius, a genius that continued for all his life. Now he’s gone, the best of the best. I’m devastated. ❤️🎸❤️🎸 pic.twitter.com/FbGgCsPDji
— Bernie Marsden (@Bernie_Marsden) January 11, 2023He always warmly welcomed me at his gigs over the years, as interested in my car as he was guitars, he was very funny to hang out with and easy to be around, which is perhaps different to what his image suggested - he loved that. My deep condolences to his wife Sandra.
— Bernie Marsden (@Bernie_Marsden) January 11, 2023
❤️🎸🙏🏼David Bowie
“Sad to hear about the passing of guitarist Jeff Beck who died aged 78 on Tuesday after suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis. Our thoughts are with his family who have asked for privacy during this sad time. Jeff is pictured here with David at Les Paul’s 95th Birthday in 2010”
Sad to hear about the passing of guitarist Jeff Beck who died aged 78 on Tuesday after suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis. Our thoughts are with his family who have asked for privacy during this sad time. Jeff is pictured here with David at Les Paul’s 95th Birthday in 2010 pic.twitter.com/Rh3kepEynE
— David Bowie Official (@DavidBowieReal) January 11, 2023Paul Stanley
“WOW. What awful news. Jeff Beck, one of the all time guitar masters has died. From The Yardbirds and The Jeff Beck Group on, he blazed a trail impossible to follow. Play on now and forever.”
WOW. What awful news. Jeff Beck, one of the all time guitar masters has died. From The Yardbirds and The Jeff Beck Group on, he blazed a trail impossible to follow. Play on now and forever. @jeffbeckmusic pic.twitter.com/8LVeq47wxx
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) January 11, 2023Gene Simmons
“Heartbreaking news to report the late, great Jeff Back has sadly passed. No one played guitar like Jeff. Please get ahold of the first two Jeff Beck Group albums and behold greatness. RIP.”
Heartbreaking news to report the late, great Jeff Back has sadly passed. No one played guitar like Jeff. Please get ahold of the first two Jeff Beck Group albums and behold greatness. RIP. pic.twitter.com/3qnPOCyhUj
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) January 11, 2023Glenn Hughes
“Farewell to the King #goat I’m shocked & saddened. There will never be another like you, my old friend. RIP Jeff.”
Ann Wilson
“Travel on, Master Jeff! Find new harmonics. We’ll miss you.”
Steve Hackett
“Devastating news about the loss of much loved, influential guitar legend Jeff Beck. He made the electric guitar sing… a powerful influence on myself and many others.”
Devastating news about the loss of much loved, influential guitar legend Jeff Beck. He made the electric guitar sing… a powerful influence on myself and many others.
— Steve Hackett (@HackettOfficial) January 11, 2023Mike McCready
“Saddened to hear Jeff Beck has passed away. I was lucky to see him once and I stood in awe of his genius. Thank you, Jeff, for being amazing to us guitar players…”
Saddened to hear Jeff Beck has passed away. I was lucky to see him once and I stood in awe of his genius. Thank you, Jeff, for being amazing to us guitar players… pic.twitter.com/f680ldCgQ5
— Mike McCready (@MikeMcCreadyPJ) January 11, 2023David Coverdale
“Oh, My Heart…RIP, Jeff…I miss you already…”
Oh, My Heart…RIP, Jeff…I miss you already…💔💔💔💔💔
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) January 11, 2023
Jeff Beck, Guitar Virtuoso and Blues-Rock Innovator, Dead at 78 – Rolling Stone https://t.co/oJ2O1vqbDkJohnny Marr
“RIP Jeff Beck. A pioneer and one of the all time greats.”
RIP Jeff Beck. A pioneer and one of the all time greats. #jeffbeck pic.twitter.com/h7bTL3ZaxA
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) January 11, 2023William DuVall
“Just learned of the passing of the great Jeff Beck. One of the brightest and boldest innovators on the electric guitar to ever live. A timeless inspiration. May he rest in peace.”
Just learned of the passing of the great Jeff Beck. One of the brightest and boldest innovators on the electric guitar to ever live. A timeless inspiration. May be rest in peace. #jeffbeck #truth #beckola #blowbyblow #wired #thereandback #yardbirds #beckbogertappice #toomanymore pic.twitter.com/BwuXMHq7Sy
— William DuVall (@WilliamDuvall) January 11, 2023Kathy Valentine
“OMG this is just horrible. I’m stunned. I’ve been obsessed with Jeff Beck since I was a young teenager”
OMG this is just horrible. I’m stunned. I’ve been obsessed with Jeff Beck since I was a young teenager https://t.co/FR1oPP4fxO
— Kathy Valentine (@Kathy_Valentine) January 11, 2023Michael McKean
“Jeff Beck was like no one else. It wasn’t just skills and soul, he had his own vocabulary. A great musician like this leaves such a void. RIP JB”
Jeff Beck was like no one else. It wasn’t just skills and soul, he had his own vocabulary. A great musician like this leaves such a void. RIP JB
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) January 11, 2023Bret Michaels
“My condolences to the family & friends of #JeffBeck. His album ‘Wired’ was a guitar soundtrack of my youth.”
My condolences to the family & friends of #JeffBeck. His album “Wired” was a guitar soundtrack of my youth.
— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) January 11, 2023Gibson Guitars
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Jeff Beck’s passing. He was and always will be an inspiration. Our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Rest easy, Jeff. Thank you for the music.”
We are deeply saddened to hear of Jeff Beck’s passing. He was and always will be an inspiration. Our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Rest easy, Jeff. Thank you for the music. pic.twitter.com/XiYVFgwoGt
— Gibson (@gibsonguitar) January 11, 2023Michael Des Barres
“Jeff Beck was the Picasso of Rock & Roll. Unlike every other guitar player, he created music that literally sounded as if he was an alien,following no rules, no clichés,a true master of the instrument. I am shocked and saddened by his passing RIP Jeff Beck.”
@jeffbeckmusic Was the Picasso of Rock & Roll. Unlike every other guitar player, he created music that literally sounded as if he was an alien,following no rules, no clichés,a true master of the instrument. I am shocked and saddened by his passing RIP Jeff Beck. pic.twitter.com/rE4QQ2EspE
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) January 11, 2023LeAnn Rimes
“so sad to hear of the passing of a legend… my sweet, unique, insanely gifted friend @jeffbeckmusic. what an honor it was to share the stage with you, to create with you… there’s no one like you. #ripjeffbeck #RipLegend #jeffbeck”
so sad to hear of the passing of a legend… my sweet, unique, insanely gifted friend @jeffbeckmusic what an honor it was to share the stage with you, to create with you… there’s no one like you. #ripjeffbeck #RipLegend #jeffbeck
— leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) January 11, 2023Rick Springfield
“The great Jeff Beck has taken his genius and gone home. My guitar idol since age 15. For the uninitiated, check out his amazing work on (where do I begin) Roger Waters ‘Amused to Death’. His gift was impossible to copy and won’t be repeated. Thankful for huge legacy. God speed JB.”
The great Jeff Beck has taken his genius and gone home. My guitar idol since age 15. For the uninitiated, check out his amazing work on (where do I begin) Roger Waters ‘Amused to Death’. His gift was impossible to copy and won’t be repeated. Thankful for huge legacy. God speed JB pic.twitter.com/oXiw04jfKu
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) January 11, 2023Jeff Scott Soto
“Truly at a loss for words, another hero/pioneer/trailblazer leaves us….RIP to the true legend, the Guv’nor, Jeff Beck!!”
Truly at a loss for words, another hero/pioneer/trailblazer leaves us....RIP to the true legend, the Guv'nor, Jeff Beck!! @jeffbeckmusic pic.twitter.com/ugnPEQJ3KC
— Jeff Scott Soto (@jeffscottsoto) January 11, 2023
Wait, is this true?
WWE Rumored Sale to Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund: A Timeline
WWE is causing a lot of speculation among its fanbase over the rumored sale of the company to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.
The potential sale of WWE has been a top trending topic on Twitter since last night (January 10), and it continues to be a top trend as of publishing. So far, WWE has yet to comment publicly on these rumors.
WWE has had a relationship with Saudi Arabia for a number of years. The sports entertainment giant began a 10-year partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport in 2018 that involves hosting pay-per-view events in the country.
There are many layers and details in this wild story. Here’s a breakdown of events in WWE for the past six+ months:
June 15, 2022: 'The Wall Street Journal' Reports Vince McMahon was Under Investigation for Alleged Misconduct
Vince McMahon was the prime subject of a blockbuster report from The Wall Street Journal stating the WWE CEO secretly paid a $3 million settlement in January 2022 to a former employee with whom he had an alleged consensual affair.
WSJ reported the WWE board of directors began an investigation into the matter after it received a series of anonymous emails beginning on March 30 from someone who said they were a friend of the former WWE employee who was hired in 2019 as a paralegal.
WSJ said they received a letter regarding this matter from Jerry McDevitt, McMahon’s longtime attorney, that stated the former employee never filed any harassment claims against Mr. McMahon and, “WWE did not pay any monies” to her “on her departure.” However, those familiar with the WWE board inquiry on the matter said Mr. McDevitt negotiated the settlement deal and cited the aforementioned March 30 email which reportedly states, “My friend was so scared so she quit after Vince McMahon and lawyer Jerry paid her millions of dollars to shut up.”
June 17, 2022: Vince McMahon Steps Down as WWE CEO During Investigation, Stephanie McMahon Named Interim CEO
This news was announced in a joint statement from WWE and its Board of Directors which said, in part, “…[Mr.] McMahon has voluntarily stepped back from his responsibilities as CEO and Chairman of the Board until the conclusion of the investigation. McMahon will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content during this period and remains committed to cooperating with the review underway. The Special Committee has appointed Stephanie McMahon to serve as interim CEO and interim Chairwoman.”
Mr. McMahon said in a personal statement, “I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the Special Committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.”
Ms. McMahon said in her own personal statement, “I love this company and am committed to working with the Independent Directors to strengthen our culture and our Company; it is extremely important to me that we have a safe and collaborative workplace. I have committed to doing everything in my power to help the Special Committee complete its work, including marshaling the cooperation of the entire company to assist in the completion of the investigation and to implement its findings.”
Furthermore, the joint statement from WWE and its Board of Directors concluded, “WWE and its Board of Directors take all allegations of misconduct very seriously. The Independent Directors of the Board engaged independent legal counsel to assist them with an independent review. In addition, the Special Committee and WWE will work with an independent third-party to conduct a comprehensive review of the company’s compliance program, HR function and overall culture. The Company and the Board do not expect to have further comment until the investigation is concluded.”
July 22, 2022: Vince McMahon Retires from WWE During Misconduct Investigation
WWE confirmed the news in a press release that featured a lengthy statement from McMahon that read, in part:
“As I approach 77 years old, I feel it’s time for me to retire as Chairman and CEO of WWE. Throughout the years, it’s been a privilege to help WWE bring you joy, inspire you, thrill you, surprise you, and always entertain you. I would like to thank my family for mightily contributing to our success, and I would also like to thank all of our past and present Superstars and employees for their dedication and passion for our brand. Most importantly, I would like to thank our fans for allowing us into your homes every week and being your choice of entertainment.”
McMahon concluded his statement with:
“I leave our company in the capable hands of an extraordinary group of Superstars, employees, and executives – in particular, both Chairwoman and Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon and Co-CEO Nick Khan. As the majority shareholder, I will continue to support WWE in any way I can. My personal thanks to our community and business partners, shareholders, and Board of Directors for their guidance and support through the years. Then. Now. Forever. Together.”
January 5, 2023: Vince McMahon submits written consent to WWE Board of Directors to return to help with upcoming media rights negotiations
Vince McMahon issues a lengthy press release that stuns many WWE fans. The press release states, in part, “Vince McMahon, the founder and controlling shareholder of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (“WWE” or the “Company”) (NYSE: WWE), announced today that he has taken necessary actions to position the Company to capitalize on a unique opportunity to maximize long-term value for all WWE shareholders … Mr. McMahon’s new role will enable unified decision making through the Company’s upcoming media rights negotiations and a parallel full review of the Company’s strategic alternatives, which Mr. McMahon believes is the right course of action and in the best interests of WWE and WWE shareholders amidst the current dynamics in the media and entertainment industry. As Mr. McMahon has communicated to the Board, he believes there is a narrow window of opportunity to create significant value for all shareholders and that to do so, the strategic alternatives review must occur in tandem with the media rights negotiations. He also expressed to the Board that he believes these two initiatives require Mr. McMahon’s direct participation, leadership, and support as controlling shareholder.”
January 6, 2023: Vince McMahon Returns to WWE Board of Directors
Chairwoman & Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon, Co-CEO Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque issue the following statement via a press release shared by WWE:
“Today, we announce that the founder of WWE, Vince McMahon, will be returning to the Board. We also welcome back Michelle Wilson and George Barrios to our Board of Directors. Together, we look forward to exploring all strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value.”
The press release notes, “In connection with the change in the composition of the Board of Directors and in cooperation with Vince McMahon as majority shareholder, the Company intends to undertake a review of its strategic alternatives with the goal being to maximize value for all WWE shareholders. There is no assurance that this process will result in a transaction.”
January 10, 2023: Vince McMahon Unanimously Elected as Executive Chairman of WWE Board of Directors
In a press release shared by WWE, it’s announced Vince McMahon was unanimously elected as Executive Chairman of the WWE Board of Directors.
January 10, 2023: Stephanie McMahon Resigns from WWE
Shortly after news of Vince McMahon being voted Executive Chairman of the WWE Board of Directors was announced, Stephanie McMahon surprises WWE fans by announcing her resignation as Co-CEO and Chairwoman of the Board of WWE.
She issued a statement where she said, in part, “About 8 months ago, I took a leave of absence and within a few weeks, unexpectedly had the opportunity of a lifetime. I had the privilege to return as the Co-CEO and Chairwoman of the Board of WWE…Our Founder, Vince McMahon, has returned as Executive Chair and is leading an exciting process regarding strategic alternatives.”
Then. Now. Forever. Together. pic.twitter.com/8dqr5reIiv
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) January 10, 2023Vince McMahon said in a statement, “First, I’d like to express my full support for Stephanie’s personal decision. I’ll forever be grateful that she offered to step in during my absence and I’m truly proud of the job she did co-leading WWE. Stephanie has always been the ultimate ambassador for our company, and her decades of contributions have left an immeasurable impact on our brand.”
He added, “I’m proud to announce that Nick Khan will serve as WWE CEO. Nick’s business acumen and mastery of the media industry have helped catapult our business to record revenue and profitability. Together, we look forward to working with the Board at this critical moment in time to review our strategic alternatives and maximize value for all WWE shareholders.”
January 10, 2023: Rumors Surface about WWE selling to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
Rumors of WWE’s potential sale to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund began shortly after news of Stephanie McMahon’s resignation. The rumors began when Bodyslam.net’s Cassidy Haynes tweeted, “For what it’s worth, I’m told the Saudi deal is done and they’re taking the company private.”
For what it’s worth, I’m told the Saudi deal is done and they’re taking the company private.
— Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net (@Casshooole) January 11, 2023Haynes followed up in a piece on Bodyslam.net, “Sources have told me that World Wrestling Entertainment has sold the company to the Saudi Investment Fund. Vince McMahon was placed back on the board of directors, with many under the belief that Vince was looking to sell the company. Now, that’s become a reality. Not only that, but the public company is now going private under the new ownership.”
Additionally, DAZN’s Steven Muehlhausen reported the same news in a since-deleted tweet. (H/T WrestlingInc.com.)
January 11, 2023: Multiple Reports State WWE is Not Selling to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
Other notable names that cover wrestling news have since reported rumors of WWE’s sale to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are false. BT Sport’s Ariel Helwani tweeted, “Contrary to reports stating otherwise last night, there is no deal in place at this precise moment for WWE to be sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund or any entity, sources say. The organization is still exploring all options, I’m told. Developing. Worth noting that the original tweet stating it was a done deal has since been deleted.”
Worth noting that the original tweet stating it was a done deal has since been deleted.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 11, 2023Wrestlenomics’ Brandon Thurston also tweeted, ” … I asked someone at WWE, who would know, who said the story that took hold of Twitter last night, about WWE and Saudi Arabia being near a deal to take the company private, is untrue.”
I concur with @RichLightShed. I asked someone at WWE, who would know, who said the story that took hold of Twitter last night, about WWE and Saudi Arabia being near a deal to take the company private, is untrue.
— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) January 11, 2023Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp also noted, “Hey guys, one of hot rumors is that Saudi buyers are interested in WWE. I’ve gained no actual information thus far to indicate this is actually happening, outside of a few vague hinting messages from people outside WWE. WWE contacts claimed to not know what the hints were about.”
Hey guys, one of hot rumors is that Saudi buyers are interested in WWE.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 11, 2023
I've gained no actual information thus far to indicate this is actually happening, outside of a few vague hinting messages from people outside WWE
WWE contacts claimed to not know what the hints were about.