State police have released dashcam footage capturing the moment former WWE executive Vince McMahon slammed his high-end sports car into another vehicle on a Connecticut interstate last summer while a trooper was attempting to catch up with him.
The 80-year-old McMahon was behind the wheel of his 2024 Bentley Continental GT, traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph on the Merritt Parkway in Westport when the collision occurred, state police reported.
Dashcam footage from the trooper’s vehicle captures McMahon speeding up, then failing to brake in time to prevent striking a BMW from behind. The expensive Bentley then veers into a guardrail before spinning back across the roadway, sending debris and dust flying.
“Why were you driving all over 100 mph?” state police Detective Maxwell Robins questioned McMahon when he reached the damaged Bentley, which carries a price tag of more than $300,000.
“I got my granddaughter’s birthday,” McMahon responded, telling the officer he was heading to celebrate with her. This exchange was captured on police body camera footage.
The July 24 incident resulted in no serious injuries, occurring on the same date that wrestling icon Hulk Hogan passed away from a heart attack in Florida.
In addition to damaging the BMW’s rear end, a third vehicle traveling in the opposite direction was hit by flying wreckage. Coincidentally, the driver of that vehicle was wearing WWE merchandise, the police video shows.
Authorities issued McMahon citations for reckless driving and following too closely. An October court appearance resulted in McMahon being accepted into a pretrial probation program that will clear the charges from his record next October upon successful completion. The court also required him to donate $1,000 to charity.
Defense attorney Mark Sherman characterized the incident as an unfortunate accident.
“Not every car accident is a crime,” Sherman stated. “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.”
According to state police, Detective Robins was attempting to measure McMahon’s speed and conduct a traffic stop when the crash happened. Officials clarified this was not a police chase, which involves officers pursuing someone attempting to evade law enforcement. They noted McMahon didn’t appear to be trying to escape, though the video suggests some confusion.
“I’m trying to catch up to you and you keep taking off,” Robins tells McMahon in the footage.
“No, no no. I’m not trying to outrun you,” McMahon responds.
Initial crash reports released to news outlets shortly after the incident made no reference to police involvement.
The Associated Press secured the video recordings Wednesday via public records request. The Sun newspaper had previously obtained the footage.
Body camera video also captures the trooper asking McMahon if he was using his phone during the crash. McMahon denied this and mentioned he hadn’t operated his vehicle in quite some time.
When Robins comments on the car’s speed capabilities, McMahon agrees, saying “Yeah, too (expletive) fast.”
The footage includes McMahon speaking with the driver he struck from behind. Barbara Doran of New York City previously told the AP that McMahon showed concern for her wellbeing and expressed relief she wasn’t hurt. She was traveling to catch a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard when the collision occurred.
Following the issuance of traffic citations, McMahon exchanged handshakes with Robins and another officer, who offered him well wishes.
McMahon resigned from his WWE CEO position in 2022 during a company probe into sexual misconduct claims. He also stepped down as executive chairman of TKO Group Holdings’ board of directors in 2024, one day after a former WWE staff member filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against him. McMahon has disputed these allegations, and the legal case continues.
McMahon purchased what was then called the World Wrestling Federation in 1982, building it from a regional operation into a global entertainment empire. He managed the company alongside his wife Linda, who currently serves as U.S. education secretary, while also making personal appearances at WWE events.
