Vince McMahons 80th birthday bash wasnt just a private get-together it became a discreet reunion of WWE legends, current stars, and longtime allies.
Held last week at Gotham Hall in New York City, the party featured live performances by Kid Rock and AC/DC. While another musical act reportedly performed, their identity hasnt been confirmed. McMahon, who has mostly stayed out of the public eye since resigning from TKO Group Holdings and suffering a car accident in July, appeared at the party with a tightly guarded guest list and security that ensured total privacy.
Photos were discouraged, and some guests who posted online including Jerry Lawler were reportedly asked to take down their uploads after the fact. Lawler posted a group photo featuring himself, The Miz, Maryse, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, and Titus ONeil. A source told Fightful:
The updated report confirms several major names were in attendance among them The Undertaker, John Cena, JBL, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, Maryse, Titus ONeil, and Bruce Prichard. More current WWE talent were also present, though not named directly. Some couldnt make it due to WWEs ongoing international tour, but many were invited and opted not to attend.
Those who showed up werent met with universal approval. Fightful spoke to several wrestlers and insiders who expressed mixed feelings about attending a party for a man currently embroiled in serious legal trouble. McMahon is being sued for sexual assault, harassment, and sex trafficking, along with allegations of violating a non-disclosure agreement. Though John Laurinaitis was also sued, he has since been dropped from the case after agreeing to provide evidence supporting the plaintiff, Janel Grant.
Some attendees admitted there was a moral conflict in even showing up. One source said:
Another WWE talent who chose not to attend told Fightful that some wrestlers are waiting to see how the court case plays out before making decisions about their relationship with McMahon. They explained:
There was no official WWE involvement, and top company executives like Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Nick Khan were not in attendance. A higher-up told some talent it was their personal choice whether to attend or not.
Those who were there said it was the first time many had seen McMahon in years. One person who attended described Vinces current condition bluntly:
Despite the gathering and speculation, theres no sign of Vince returning to WWE in any capacity. Top WWE sources told Fightful:
Vince McMahons 80th birthday party was a private affaircarefully kept under wrapsyet the photos and details that did leak have sparked major conversation across the wrestling world.
Do you think current WWE stars should distance themselves from McMahon while the lawsuit plays out? Or does loyalty to the man who built their careers still matter? Let us know your thoughts below.
