SHANE MCMAHON TO DEPART WWE

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SHANE MCMAHON TO DEPART WWE

October 16, 2009 STAMFORD, CT – October 16, 2009 – 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.

ABOUT WWE

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at corporate.wwe.com.

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The following letter from Shane McMahon is appearing on WWE.com regarding the announcement of his resignation from WWE effective January 1, 2010:

"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"

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- Very little is known officially why Shane McMahon quit the family business but top wrestling sources PWinder.com and PWTorch.com have weighed in some interesting facts.

- Perhaps Shane McMahon sees an opportunity elsewhere to innovate or bring something new to the entertainment industry. Vince McMahon had the same vision to revolutionize the pro wrestling industry when he was Shane's age. Shane and WWE have been vague on Shane's next venture, but it's apparent there is a better opportunity to contribute innovation elsewhere rather than in WWE. (PWTouch)

- Nearing that mid-life crisis point of 40-years-old, it's apparent Shane has a desire to branch out on his own. He said in a statement he never envisioned leaving WWE, but he's a McMahon. He apparently found a new avenue to fulfill his need for creativity and innovation that wasn't being filled in WWE. (PWTouch)

- Shane has wanted to move into martial arts for years now, only to be rebuked by his father. It would not shock me to see him make a move in that direction now. If he were to do so, he would have no choice but to cut ties with the "it's fake" WWE because the MMA community would never accept a WWE-backed company as being legitimate. (PWInsider)