Shawn Michaels, a wrestling icon and current NXT personality, has found himself at the center of a controversy surrounding WWE succession. Michaels, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest in-ring performers in WWE history, has been busy running NXT, a brand of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) organization. However, that hasn’t stopped him from browsing social media and engaging with fans. Recently, Michaels liked a tweet that questioned Stephanie McMahon’s ability to inherit WWE, generating a stir in the wrestling community.
Stephanie McMahon, the daughter of WWE’s CEO Vince McMahon, had been on a leave of absence to spend time with family when she returned to work following an investigation into her father’s misconduct in 2022. However, her return was short-lived, as Vince McMahon’s resurgence as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors led to Stephanie’s resignation. Many fans believed that Stephanie, as the daughter of the WWE founder, was the natural choice to inherit the company. However, Michaels’ liking of the tweet suggests that he may not share this view.
Shawn Michaels (Via WWE/Twitter)
The reason behind Michaels’ sentiment is clear. As the founder and creator of WWE, Vince McMahon has built the company from the ground up. He is entitled to make decisions about its future, and Michaels believes that his father’s choice to return to the company should take precedence over any expectations of succession. Additionally, Michaels feels that Stephanie has not demonstrated the skills or leadership qualities necessary to run the company effectively.
Michaels’ criticism of Stephanie McMahon is not unfounded. Fans have long been frustrated with her handling of certain situations, such as her treatment of Dusty Rhodes during a promo and her tendency to take credit for the women’s revolution in WWE. Even Nick Khan, WWE’s Chief Revenue Officer, has stated that he regrets her resignation.
The debate surrounding Stephanie McMahon’s ability to inherit WWE is complex and multifaceted. While some fans believe that she is the natural choice, others argue that Vince McMahon should be given the final say in the matter. Shawn Michaels’ opinion, as expressed through his social media activity, is just one part of the larger conversation surrounding WWE succession. Ultimately, the decision will depend on Vince McMahon’s vision for the company’s future and his assessment of his daughter’s capabilities.
