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Effective in the new year, WWE will be short another McMahon. Following the resignation of his mother, Linda McMahon, as WWE CEO to pursue political goals, Shane McMahon announced today that he has tendered his resignation as Executive Vice President of Global Media for the company.
McMahon's resignation will be effective January 1, 2010.
In a press release, Shane McMahon addressed his departure: "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."
No word yet on where the 39-year-old McMahon is headed. He is married to Marissa Mazzola, and they have two sons.
"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 his father Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman and CEO, in a WWE story.
Shane McMahon's sister, Stephanie McMahon-Levesque, continues in her role behind-the-scenes as head of writing.
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The WWE website has a lengthier letter from Shane McMahon to the fans:
It is with great sadness that I announce my resignation from the WWE, effective January 1, 2010.After graduating from Greenwich High School in 1988, Shane McMahon went to Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, and then Boston University. He was expected to learn the business end of WWE the hard way, employed first in the company's TV production, sales, marketing, and international business development divisions. McMahon was then chosen to head up the new Digital Media Department in 1998, leading the way on New Media projects.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
In the ring, McMahon actually worked as a referee (Shane Stevens) for a while. Later, as the McMahon family took a prominent on-screen role following the Montreal Screwjob of 1997, Shane developed into "Shane-O-Mac," and had various feuds against members of his own family and WWE superstars. He held the WWE European title and the Hardcore title.
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Greg Oliver interviewed Shane McMahon just once. It wasn't the smoothest interview ever. Greg can be emailed at goliver845@gmail.com.