Stephanie McMahon revealed that she was taking time off from WWE Thursday, May 19, noting that she was spending more time with her family.
Around the office, there were plenty of people who were caught off guard by the announcement. Members of WWE's PR team were made aware, as were several members of the media that held off on revealing the personal announcement until Stephanie McMahon made it official.
Those that we spoke to said that while the news was a surprise to many, it "didn't come overnight," and had had been brewing for quite a while. WWE sources had reiterated to us that it wasn't marital issues, and regardless, Fightful doesn't report on the personal relationships of subjects unless they speak on it publicly.
Triple H is back working now, although we're told his duties from before his cardiac event to now are "categorically different." Brandon Thurston revealed that he'd heard WWE President Nick Khan would be assuming some of Stephanie's work. He's received high marks within the company so far.
Last year, much of Stephanie McMahon's team that she worked with directly was dismantled during rounds of office layoffs. Those that we spoke to who worked directly with Stephanie McMahon spoke highly of her and said they enjoyed their time there. One said that they weren't surprised by her decision, but didn't have any reason behind it.
It was reiterated to us from WWE sources that Stephanie remains a part of the WWE family and they expect her back.
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