Police Video Exposes Vince McMahon's High-Speed Crash Incident
Newly released police bodycam and dashcam footage has unveiled startling details about a high-speed car crash involving former WWE CEO Vince McMahon in Connecticut last summer. The incident, which occurred on the Merritt Parkway in Westport, saw McMahon, 80, driving his luxury 2024 Bentley Continental GT at speeds exceeding 100 mph (160 kph) while a state trooper attempted to pull him over.
Crash Coincides with Hulk Hogan's Passing
Remarkably, the July crash happened on the same day that WWE legend Hulk Hogan died of a heart attack in Florida. This tragic coincidence adds a layer of sombre context to the events captured on camera. In the footage, State Police Detective Maxwell Robins questions McMahon about his excessive speed, to which McMahon responds, "I got my granddaughter's birthday," explaining he was en route to see her.
Dramatic Footage of the Collision
The dashcam video depicts McMahon driving northbound in the right lane when he approaches a BMW. He appears to hit the brakes abruptly, swerving into the left lane at the last moment. The Bentley clipped the rear of the BMW before smashing into the left lane guardrail and careening back onto the highway, creating a cloud of dirt and car parts. McMahon then stops on the right shoulder.
Fortunately, no one sustained serious injuries in the crash. Besides damage to the BMW, another vehicle driving on the opposite side of the parkway was struck by flying debris. Intriguingly, the driver of that third car happened to be wearing a WWE shirt, adding an unexpected twist to the scene.
Legal Consequences and Police Clarifications
McMahon was cited for reckless driving and following too closely. In October, a state judge permitted him to enter a pretrial probation program. If he successfully completes the program by next October, the charges will be erased from his record. He was also ordered to make a $1,000 charitable contribution.
State police emphasised that Detective Robins was trying to catch up to McMahon to clock his speed before pulling him over, but the incident was not classified as a pursuit. "I'm trying to catch up to you and you keep taking off," Robins says in the video. McMahon replies, "No, no no. I'm not trying to outrun you."
Aftermath and McMahon's Response
The videos, obtained by The Associated Press through a public records request and first reported by The Sun newspaper, show troopers interacting with McMahon on the highway shoulder. McMahon curses at himself and, when Robins comments that his car is fast, McMahon admits, "Yeah, too (expletive) fast."
McMahon also spoke with Barbara Doran, the driver of the BMW he rear-ended. Doran, of New York City, told the AP that McMahon expressed concern for her and was relieved she was okay. She was heading to a ferry to Martha's Vineyard at the time of the crash.
After receiving the traffic summons, McMahon shook hands with Robins and another trooper, who wished him well. His lawyer, Mark Sherman, stated, "Not every car accident is a crime. Vince's primary concern during this case was for the other drivers and is appreciative that the court saw this more of an accident than a crime that needed to be prosecuted."
Background on McMahon's Career and Recent Controversies
McMahon stepped down as WWE's CEO in 2022 amid a company investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. He resigned as executive chairman of the board of directors of TKO Group Holdings, WWE's parent company, in 2024, following a sexual abuse lawsuit filed by a former WWE employee. McMahon has denied these allegations, and the lawsuit remains pending.
McMahon purchased what was then the World Wrestling Federation in 1982, transforming it from a regional wrestling company into a global phenomenon. He ran the company with his wife, Linda, who now serves as the U.S. education secretary, and performed at WWE events as himself.
