Shane McMahon is stepping out of the World Wrestling Entertainment ring, tendering his resignation to the company Friday.
Shane, the son of WWE chairman Vince McMahon and the company's executive vice president of global media, will leave the company effective Jan. 1 2010 to pursue other interests, according to WWE officials. While working mostly behind the scenes at the WWE, Shane did appear on screen in several storylines over the years.
"It has been an incredible experience to help build WWE into a global phenomenon," McMahon said in a statement. "However, having been associated with this organization for the majority of my life, I feel this is the opportune time in my career to pursue outside ventures."
Vince McMahon added, "even though I am personally saddened by Shane's decision to leave the company, I am proud of the enormous contributions he has made. He will unquestionably bring passion, commitment and extensive business experience to any endeavor he pursues."
Shane is the second McMahon to leave the organization in as many months: his mother Linda McMahon stepped down as WWE CEO last month to run for the Connecticut U.S. Senate seat currently held by Christopher Dodd.
