The amount is significantly higher than previously known. Four women — all formerly associated with WWE — signed agreements with McMahon, 76, barring them from discussing their relationships with him, the Journal reported Friday, citing people familiar with the agreements and documents it reviewed. McMahon stepped down as WWE CEO and chairman in mid-June amid an investigation into alleged misconduct, and the newspaper reported at the time that he had agreed to pay $3 million to a former lawyer who said the sexually harassed at work. McMahon will continue to oversee WWE’s creative content during the investigation. WWE named McMahon’s daughter Stephanie interim CEO and president during the investigation into his alleged misconduct, though she continued to oversee the creative side of the company. The organization said at the time that it would not comment further until the investigation is complete. McMahon has been the leader and most recognizable face in WWE for decades. When he bought the then World Wrestling Federation from his father in 1982, wrestling matches were held in small venues and shown on local cable channels. WWE matches are now held in professional sports arenas and the event has a large following overseas. It works with the Saudi media company MBC Group. The organization underwent a seismic transformation under McMahon with events such as WrestleMania, a premium live production that draws millions of die-hard viewers. Revenue last year topped $1 billion for the first time, and the company has television deals with Fox and NBCUniversal. Last month it announced a multi-year extension of its original programming partnership with A&E. WWE stars have become crossover sensations, including Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and John Cena. Shares of Stamford, Connecticut-based World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. fell 2% on Friday.
