Why did Shane McMahon leave WWE in 2009? Vince McMahon’s son reveals reason during Netflix docuseries

Shane McMahon made the controversial decision to leave WWE in 2009, which was discussed during Vince McMahon's Netflix documentary.

Why did Shane McMahon leave WWE in 2009? Vince McMahon’s son reveals reason during Netflix docuseries

Shane McMahon (via WWE)

Shane McMahon has always been a well-known figure within WWE. His ties with the company have always been questioned, and continues to be. However, in 2009, Shane-O Mac made the polemical decision of leaving WWE, where the reason behind it was unanswered until now.

In the recently released documentary of Vince McMahon on Netflix titled ‘Mr. McMahon’, Shane McMahon answered this question. The 54-year-old said that during that time his father was ruling the company. It led to major personal differences between the two. Therefore, he felt that it was the right time for him to step back from the business.

It was a really hard decision for me to leave the only thing that I love and the only business I ever want to work in my life, but my dad, especially then, was strong at the helm.

Shane McMahon via Mr. McMahon (Netflix)
YouTube video

Moreover, when Mr. McMahon was asked about this question, he said that he and Shane were on opposite ends of every decision. They were growing apart because Shane-O Mac wanted to take over his position in the company. The 79-year-old said that it wasn’t possible, which eventually led to his son’s departure from the company in 2009.

In 2016, the Crown Prince of WWE came back to help his father. It turned into a tumultuous stint for Shane, including several highs and lows. In fact, Vince fired the former Hardcore Champion following the 2022 Royal Rumble. However, as of now, he is rumored to be heading to AEW after his recent picture with The Young Bucks went viral.

How the return of Shane McMahon transpired in 2016?

Shane McMahon’s return to WWE in 2016 was one of the most genuine shocking moments in wrestling history. Many felt that his exit from the company in 2009 left no scope for the comeback, as McMahon told the media that he would be focusing on his personal business. With that said, the real reason behind Shane-O Mac’s return has been unveiled.

Shane McMahon
Shane McMahon [via- WWE]

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that McMahon was brought back because John Cena sustained a crucial injury earlier. As a matter of fact, many of the top stars were out, including names such as Seth Rollins and Randy Orton. Therefore, desperate measures led to WWE and Vince approaching Shane to make his return.

So you had John Cena, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, and Bray Wyatt all got hurt at the same time so desperation leads to desperate measures and that was the opening for Shane McMahon to return to the company as an active performer.

Dave Meltzer via WOR

Moreover, his comeback garnered a lot of attention from the WWE Universe, as the company had planned. He went on to face The Undertaker later that year at WrestleMania. However, the original plan was for Cena to face The Phenom at the show, with the Crown Prince of WWE replacing The Franchise Player.