The renewed partnership between WWE and Slim Jim might look like a win for brandingbut it turns out Slim Jim was also the reason Vince McMahon was finally forced to resign from WWE and step down from TKO.
On the June 2, 2025 episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed that Slim Jims decision to threaten pulling its sponsorship during the height of Vince McMahons legal scandal was the breaking point that led to his ousting.
Referencing the fallout from the Janel Grant lawsuitwhich accuses McMahon of sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and misconduct during his time running WWEMeltzer didnt mince words.
According to Meltzer, it wasnt just a symbolic gesture. The move sent shockwaves through WWE and TKO headquarters. He explained how the threat prompted a direct conversation between McMahon and Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel.
McMahon officially stepped down in January 2024, just days after Janel Grant filed her explosive lawsuit. While many assumed his exit was simply a legal precaution, Meltzers comments suggest corporate pressurespecifically from Slim Jimplayed a far bigger role than previously believed.
WWE has since re-solidified its partnership with Slim Jim, going as far as to integrate the brand into folding tables used on RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events. Slim Jim will also become the center-ring sponsor once RAW moves to Netflix in 2025.
But the message behind the scenes is louder than any ad campaign: Slim Jims demand for accountability helped force out the man who once ran WWE with an iron grip.
Do you think more sponsors should take a stand like Slim Jim did? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you feel about Vince McMahon finally being forced out.
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