Blumenthal to McMahon: No, I Am Not Investigating the WWE

 

 During tonight’s debate, Attorney General Dick Blumenthal noted that Linda McMahon’s WWE wrestling empire is under investigation for possible state violations on wages and benefits. McMahon said that both fulltime employees and its independent-contractor wrestlers have full health coverage.

 “I find it a little bit unusual, maybe just a coincidence that in the 20-some years that the WWE has been in Connecticut, it’s never been investigated or fined, relative to its independent contractors and the only time it’s been investigated was just after this campaign got going,” McMahon said, to scattered laughter in the audience.

“So I’m not sure exactly why this might be,” McMahon said, looking at Blumenthal.

 “The only time you’ve ever stopped by WWE was when you came to visit me and we had a cup of tea,” she said. “So I would just like to make sure for those who listening, the men and women of WWE who perform in the ring, perform in that soap opera that is WWE as independent contractors, their health and well-being is so important to WWE.”

 “As you well know, my jurisdiction is exclusively civil,” Blumenthal responded. “The allegations against WWE seem to be criminal in nature, so it’s no coincidence that my investigation has not covered them. I have no investigation, never done an investigation, because allegations about independent contractors are investigated by the Department of Labor and the Department of Revenue Services and I have no knowledge of that investigation that’s being conducted by the state.”

 As the crowd rustled uncomfortably and a couple people laughed loudly, McMahon was asked for a response.

 “I have no comment,” she said.