They say that anything can happen in the world of professional wrestling. Today, I discovered that statement to be truer then ever when I came to learn that this morning, Shane McMahon, son of WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, Jr. – and partial owner of the billion dollar company – tendered his resignation and will leave the company effective January 1, 2010 to pursue outside ventures.

In a statement, the soon-to-be Executive Vice President of Global Media said, “I have never even considered a future outside the walls of the WWE. 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.” He went on to thank his father for, “the incredible education working with him has provided and for giving me the opportunity to play a role in building WWE into the global phenomenon that it is today.” He also thanked the WWE superstars of the past and present. “You are truly the engine of the organization and it has been a pleasure to work with, learn from and get to know all of you,” he said. “I have so much appreciation for the many sacrifices you endure, both physically and personally, to make this business the success that it is. The respect I have for each of you is immeasurable.”

But most importantly, he thanked the WWE fans. “There are no words to express my gratitude to WWE fans the world over for supporting this company through good times and bad and for your unbridled passion that fuels the Superstars’ performances,” said Shane. “I am profoundly grateful to have been able to entertain you both in front of the camera and from behind the scenes. You are the greatest fans in the world.”

In a press release issued by the WWE, Vince McMahon Jr. made the following statement. “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.”

Personally, I don’t get it. I have met Shane half-a-dozen times – and even spent an entire day with him once riding around with him in a limo giving him a tour of my hometown of Brooklyn. That day, we talked a lot about the history of his company and the legacy his father Vince McMahon, Jr. and grandfather Vince McMahon, Sr. created when they built the WWE from a territorial wrestling company to a multi-billion dollar world-wide empire. I remember the passion in his eyes when I asked him what his favorite Wrestlemania (their biggest pay-per-view event) was and he said Wrestlemania III – because there was a record-setting 93,173 people in attendance and Shane said his “pop-pop” as he called his grandfather would have been so proud. I recall Shane putting his body on the line countless times when he wrestled – and the number of times he was carried out of the arena on a stretcher…

…so why would he resign from his own company?

As Executive Vice President of Global Media, Shane was responsible for all the advertising revenue, licensing partnerships – and corporate sponsorships that WWE had. While Vince, or “Mr. McMahon” as his character is called on camera, made tons of money recruiting and creating new talent, Shane made just as much for the company behind the scenes. I can tell you from experience with the family and the organization that whoever replaces him is going to have – pardon the pun – some big wrestling boots to fill.

Although I don’t understand his reasoning for making such a shocking decision, I do wish Shane McMahon all the best in wherever this new journey in his life takes him. He is a powerhouse of an executive, an incredible in-ring talent – and an all around great guy. Whatever company manages to hire him is going to be very lucky – because Shane is a McMahon…

…and the only thing McMahons know how to do – is win.