Featured Image Credit: Alamy/WWE.com
Topics: WWE, Wrestling, Vince McMahon
Ryan Sidle
WWE owner Vince McMahon wants as much as $9 billion if he's going to sell the World Wrestling Entertainment Inc, after returning to the company in order to facilitate the sale.
In June last year, McMahon stepped down as chairman and CEO of WWE, in the midst of an investigation into the 77-year-old, over allegations from a former employee.
The following month, McMahon, known on screen for his portrayal of the 'Mr McMahon' character who was central to the Attitude Era, retired completely after 40 years.
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With son-in-law Paul Levesque, Triple H, in charge of the creative side of the company, they've had one of their best spells in recent years.
There was some worry from fans when Vince returned at the beginning of the year, with his daughter Stephanie quitting the company in the wake of his latest decision.
However, the former boss was merely returning to take his place on the board, and as executive chairman, in order to facilitate the company's sale.
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There were initially reports that they had accepted a bid from Saudi Arabia but that has not happened, and the company remains for sale.
According to Bloomberg, McMahon wants 'as much as $9 billion' in order to sell up, adding that they have received multiple offers, although no confirmation from whom.
As well as the bid from the Middle East, UFC owners Endeavour have been linked with a potential bid, as have Disney and a number of other streaming services.
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Whoever buys the company will be purchasing an incredible library of content. WWE has many years of past coverage as well as at least seven hours of live action on television per week and monthly Premier Live Events.
Vince bought WWE from his father, Vince McMahon Sr, in 1982 and set about buying up regional wrestling promotions to bring them together.
He ran the first WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden in 1985, and it soon became the biggest annual event in the industry.
McMahon featured heavily on television from late in the 90s, and was part of feuds with Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Rock, Triple H and The Undertaker over the years.
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He fought Bret Hart at WrestleMania XXVI back in 2010, and it looked like it would be his last time competing in the ring.
But at last year's event, 'Mania' 38, he appeared on night two to take on Pat McAfee in a surprise match, and was reunited with Stone Cold, who hit him with a Stunner.