After taking some time away from the wrestling ring and business spotlight, Stephanie McMahon is making her much-anticipated return to WWE, alongside the announcement of her new show on ESPN+. During her appearance on The Pat McAfee Show aired recently, McMahon expressed her excitement about her upcoming series titled Stephanie’s Places, slated to debut on ESPN+ this coming March.
The wrestling world has always been intertwined with McMahon’s life, and her brief time away made her realize just how intrinsic WWE is to her identity. "One of the things I learned when I stepped away is I’ll never get away from WWE, ever. It is part of who I am. It’s what I love," she shared with McAfee, reminiscing about her unique upbringing within the business.
McMahon mentioned how personal experiences from her childhood shaped her love for wrestling and the WWE family. "I really did grow up in this business. It was not unusual to have shoots done at our house. I was on the first ever Saturday Night’s Main Event and went trick or treating at Rowdy Roddy Piper’s house," she recalled. These glimpses from her early years back her claim: WWE is not just a career but rather part of her life's fabric.
Stepping away from her executive role since May 2022, when she announced her temporary absence from WWE to focus on family, McMahon’s personal hiatus culminated with her departure as CEO after her father, Vince McMahon, returned to the company following several controversies. Despite stepping away, she maintained pride for her work and the company.
"I never stopped being proud, ever. I do think I wanted to disappear for a little, and I kind of did. It was good for me. I needed it, and now I’m back," she expressed, reflecting on the necessity of her time off and feeling renewed about her future endeavors.
With Stephanie’s Places, McMahon aims to discover and reveal the stories behind the biggest WWE stars. The show resembles the format of Peyton’s Places, hosted by former NFL star Peyton Manning, who also serves as the founder of Omaha Productions. Partnering with Omaha Productions and ESPN has allowed McMahon not only to continue her wrestling legacy but to transform her insights and experiences gained throughout her extensive career with the WWE.
McMahon articulated her vision for the series: "[The goal is] to tell the stories... how did they overcome the challenges...". This narrative strategy aims to discuss the struggles faced by some of the industry’s biggest personalities, finding inspiration and wisdom from their journeys. She indicated the show would include interviews with some renowned figures, including Stone Cold Steve Austin, Roman Reigns, and Charlotte Flair.
Her return to the wrestling community through this hosting role is not without its nerves; it's her first step back since her hiatus. ``I was really nervous to do it. Again, it was like my first step back, if you will, and I was really, really worried about it," McMahon stated. Yet, she has embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, relishing every moment spent connecting with WWE talent.
Each episode is anticipated to be distinct, with McMahon highlighting the differences as she interviews individuals from various experiences across wrestling generations. “No one show is the same, and it’s just a lot of fun,” she added, eager to craft engaging conversations showcasing the diverse backgrounds of these wrestlers.
With the impending premiere of Stephanie’s Places on ESPN+, the excitement surrounding McMahon’s return is palpable. The wrestling community not only welcomes her back but also anticipates the rich stories and behind-the-scenes insights she promises to deliver. Her commitment to sharing untold stories about this dynamic industry is set to captivate fans, both old and new.
Stephanie McMahon's latest venture exemplifies the blend of heritage and personal narrative, as she reestablishes her unforgettable bond with WWE, all the more reinforced through her new show. Get ready for this exciting new chapter and tune in for Stephanie’s Places this March!