Predicted heir to World Wrestling Entertainment Shane McMahonhas announced he will leave the company on January 1st, 2010.McMahon is the son of current owner Vincent K. McMahon and thecurrent Executive Vice President of Global Media for the company.With the departure of Shane, it will be the first time that a maleheir will not take over the company when Vince retires.

Shane announced his resignation on WWE.com earlier today saying,”It is with great sadness that I announce my resignation from theWWE, effective January 1, 2010.” He mentioned how he “never evenconsidered a future outside the walls of the WWE.” He continued tothank his father and superstars of today and the past. According toShane, he resigned because it was his “to pursue outsideventures.”

World Wrestling Entertainment released an official statementresponding to Shane’s announcement. Current owner and Shane’sfather Vince McMahon said, “Even though I am personally saddened byShane’s decision to leave the company, I am proud of the enormouscontributions he has made. He will unquestionably bring passion,commitment and extensive business experience to any endeavour hepursues.”

Shane was the fourth generation to World WrestlingEntertainment. He is the son of Vincent K. McMahon, the grandson ofVincent J. McMahon and the great-grandson of Jess McMahon. He hastwo sons who are considered the fifth generation.