RSPCA
The McMahon family has maintained a low profile regarding their personal life with pets following charges brought against them by the RSPCA.
In a significant legal development in September 2021, Shane McMahon and Leichelle McMahon were cleared of most charges in an RSPCA case. The case involved 50 allegations accusing the couple of neglecting the welfare of various animals, including cats, dogs, turtles, and lizards. The RSPCA, having invested a substantial sum in the prosecution, ultimately saw the McMahons acquitted on all but three charges related to turtle care.
These allegations were connected to incidents at the McMahons’ Pet Supersavers and Vet Supersavers stores in Kallangur, spanning 2017 to 2019. A notable portion of the accusations emerged following a fire that significantly damaged the store in November 2018.
Leichelle McMahon, a veterinary nurse with a background in operating a pet rescue group for rehoming animals, disclosed that the defense against these charges had cost them over $100,000[1].
WWE Banned Pets
In addition to the RSPCA incident involving the McMahon family, WWE implemented a policy prohibiting superstars from bringing their pets backstage. This decision resulted in a noticeable decrease in social media photos featuring wrestlers with their pets, a trend previously enjoyed by fans.
The ban on animals at WWE events was instigated due to several incidents where the backstage area was left in unsanitary conditions. Reports of animal waste in the locker rooms led to complaints. The situation was likened to a zoo, with multiple female wrestlers and at least one male wrestler regularly bringing their pets to events. In response to these issues, WWE enforced a strict no-pets policy backstage, emphasizing the professional nature of the work environment and the need for cleanliness and order. This policy change explains the absence of WWE athletes’ pets in backstage photographs, a practice that was once common but ceased due to the aforementioned reasons[2].
Shane McMahon
Shane McMahon, an American businessman and professional wrestler, is widely recognized for his work in WWE. As the son of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, Shane is a fourth-generation wrestling promoter and has been a significant figure in the wrestling world. He began his career in WWE at age 15, working in their warehouse and eventually ascending to the role of WWE’s Executive Vice President of Global Media. As a wrestler, Shane McMahon is known for his high-risk moves and has held titles such as the European Championship, the Hardcore Championship, and the SmackDown Tag Team Championship.
Shane McMahon’s career in WWE has been multifaceted, involving various roles such as referee, producer, announcer, and wrestler. His on-screen presence was marked by memorable feuds and storylines, particularly during the Attitude Era. McMahon’s in-ring style, characterized by daredevil antics and a willingness to take significant risks, has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting figures in professional wrestling. His achievements in the ring include winning the WWE World Cup in 2018.
Collaborations with other wrestlers and personalities have been a hallmark of Shane McMahon’s career. He has worked closely with industry icons like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Triple H, contributing to some of WWE’s most memorable moments. His alliances and rivalries, both as a member of The Corporation and in individual feuds, have significantly impacted WWE’s storylines and its overall entertainment value.
Shane McMahon’s contributions to the wrestling industry extend beyond his in-ring performances. He founded Seven Stars Cloud Group, later known as Ideanomics, where he serves as executive chairman. In 2010, he announced his resignation from WWE and later became CEO of YOU On Demand, stepping down as CEO in 2013 but remaining as the company’s principal executive officer and Vice Chairman of the Board. In 2016, he made a notable return to WWE, appearing as a prominent figure for the next four years. Since 2020, McMahon has been wrestling part-time, with his most recent appearance at WrestleMania 39 in 2023.
