Stephanie McMahon says she struggled with her sense of identity after resigning from her executive roles with WWE in January 2023.
On the latest episode of her What’s Your Story? podcast, featuring Charlotte Flair, Stephanie said the change left her questioning her own self-worth.
“I struggled a lot with coming home because — I mean, I’m still doing a lot of stuff, obviously. But I was an executive, a working executive. And now it’s like, am I less of someone now because I’m not? And do I have to still prove it — to who? To myself? No, I don’t,” Stephanie said. “And it’s okay for me to enjoy my life and still, of course, work hard and give back. And I get to pour my love into my family and be there. And that’s what matters the most to me, is what I’ve realized. And of course, I love the business, always will. I pour my love into the business no matter what, and all the people in it.” (via f4wonline)
Stephanie took a leave of absence from the majority of her WWE responsibilities in May 2022 to focus on her family. Less than a month later, in June, she was named interim CEO and Chairwoman after Vince McMahon stepped back amid the board’s investigation. In July, after Vince announced his retirement, she became Chairwoman and co-CEO alongside Nick Khan.
That arrangement lasted until January 10, 2023, when she resigned from both roles.
She has not returned to an executive role since. WWE now presents Stephanie as a media personality and brand ambassador, including through What’s Your Story? and Stephanie’s Places.
Stephanie went into the WWE Hall of Fame in April, inducted by her mother, Linda McMahon, and her three daughters, Aurora, Murphy and Vaughn Levesque.