Shane McMahon resigns from WWE

[$heriff Tom]

Let the speculation begin. This pretty much cements a transition to Stephanie / HHH once Vince moves on his merry way. Wonder if there is more to this story.

WWE.com:

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

[MSBNYY]

I wonder why this happened.

[cactusjames]

I read on ProWrestling.Net one guys guess is that Shane will have some spot on Linda's campaign team.

[MSBNYY]

My first thought was something to do with the campaign. Like Linda really has a shot.

[$heriff Tom]

James, he did not need to resign over that. Linda is not going to get the nod, her campaign is already spitting money and flailing. And if he WAS leaving for that, he could simply take a leave of absence, and not even hide the reasons.

Much more to the story, and the other stuff I am reading has people pretty cryptic about if from all sides.

[thecaptain15]

Ugh there goes the product for good now once HHH/Steph has full contrl. Pretty much cements what has been true for the last little bit..TNA is a much better/entertaining product.....

[$heriff Tom]

Thing is, for what its worth, Shane never had any creative control. He was working in the marketing division, his last big "score" was getting the PPVs shown in Mexico. From most things I read, he had no imput into storylines / direction. One of the rumors for his leaving is his realization that he will never get the "keys to the castle" as it were, but the split does not seem acrimonious, as he is staying through the end of the year.

[thecaptain15]

True Tom but now there is officially no hope...LOL

[$heriff Tom]

Read on Figure Four online tonight that Shane McMahon recently had a meeting in the UFC offices. Dana White was asked about it, and gave the old "no comment."

[MSBNYY]

It's not like he'd be a fighter. I wonder if he'd be looking to buy a chunk of the company.

[$heriff Tom]

Well, duh on the not going there to fight.

Shane has always been an MMA fan and advocate, and had pushed for Vince to buy into UFC way back when. Some of the early speculation I heard when he left WWE was to get involved in an MMA venture.