Shane McMahon Out at WWE

Shane McMahon, executive vice president of global media for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) will resign from the company at the end of the year, he announced on Friday.

The son of Vince McMahon, the company's chairman and CEO, and a part-time professional wrestler, McMahon was credited with expanding the business' global reach through agreements that ensured WWE programs would be aired in over 20 additional countries. That included a widely publicized 2007 deal in Brazil that allowed that country's TV stations to carry "Raw" and "Smackdown."

McMahon is the fourth generation to be involved in a business that his great-grandfather, Jess McMahon, founded.

"I have never even considered a future outside the walls of the WWE," McMahon said in a statement. "However, sometimes life takes an unexpected turn and while it is the most difficult decision I have ever made, it is time for me to move on."

His father 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."

This marks the second time in a just over a month that a member of the McMahon clan has resigned from WWE. Vince McMahon's wife, Linda, stepped down as the company's CEO in September to seek the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Connecticut.

It has been rumored that Stephanie McMahon, Shane's sister and WWE's head of creative writing, is next in line to take over the company from her father.