Shane McMahon Leaving WWE - October 16, 2009

Wow, big news out of WWE today. Shane McMahon is leaving WWE. Yes, you read that right!! WWE released this statement earlier today: STAMFORD, CT – Shane McMahon, Executive Vice President of Global Media, announced today he has tendered his resignation effective January 1, 2010.
Shane stated, “It has been an incredible experience to help build WWE® into a global phenomenon. However, having been associated with this organization for the majority of my life, I feel this is the opportune time in my career to pursue outside ventures.”
“Even though I am personally saddened by Shane’s decision to leave the company, I am proud of the enormous contributions he has made. He will unquestionably bring passion, commitment and extensive business experience to any endeavor he pursues,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman and CEO.
http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/shanemcmahontodepartWWE

Now, Shane McMahon has since released this personal statement about his leaving the company.
It is with great sadness that I announce my resignation from the WWE, effective January 1, 2010.

I have never even considered a future outside the walls of the WWE. However, sometimes life takes an unexpected turn and while it is the most difficult decision I have ever made, it is time for me to move on.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my father for the incredible education working with him has provided and for giving me the opportunity to play a role in building WWE into the global phenomenon that it is today. I am extremely proud to have been the 4th generation in this business, and I am grateful for everyday I was able to work along side not only my own, but the entire WWE family.

Thank you to all of the WWE Superstars both past and present for your passion, pride and dedication. You are truly the engine of the organization and it has been a pleasure to work with, learn from and get to know all of you. Thank you for the privilege of sharing the stage with you and for allowing me to become but a momentary member of your elite brotherhood. I have so much appreciation for the many sacrifices you endure, both physically and personally, to make this business the success that it is. The respect I have for each of you is immeasurable.

Finally, there are no words to express my gratitude to WWE fans the world over for supporting this company through good times and bad and for your unbridled passion that fuels the Superstars’ performances. I am profoundly grateful to have been able to entertain you both in front of the camera and from behind the scenes. You are the greatest fans in the world.

I will always love this business and will remain a fan forever.
Shane
http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/shanemcmahonresigns

My reaction to this? Umm, WOW!!!! What can you say to this news? I am completely shocked and, like everyone else, wondering what the reasoning is behind this move. Keep in mind that Linda McMahon recently stepped down as CEO to pursue politics in Connecticut. So, that leaves Vince and Stephanie. I'm curious to see what Shane's next move is cause I just really have this gut feeling that he is going to try something business wise. I, of course, know nothing other than the press release and his comments with what has been put out there so far.

Ok, now I just have to speculate and let my imagination run wild. This is all just me being hopeful. How awesome would it be for Shane to go start his own promotion and be a competitor? I just really feel like Shane may try to do something but I don't know what. If not wrestling, maybe it will be something else. He is into the MMA stuff too and has often wanted to tie MMA into WWE but that got shot down too as he saw a long time ago how MMA was taking off in popularity. It will be interesting to follow this story and see what happens. Wouldn't it be funny if the storyline of 2001 came true in real life where Shane steps up as a competitor to WWE cause he didn't like the current product of WWE? Again, this is all just me talking, speculating, and hoping. It is fun to just let your imagination run wild though on a story. This story could be something simple on why he is leaving or there could be more to it. We'll just have to wait and see.