Vince McMahon successfully built WWE into the greatest empire in sports entertainment.

The chairman and CEO is still going strong at 74, but one day it will be time for him to hand the reigns to someone else.

So who will Vince's successor be? That's a topic wrestling fans love to discuss. 

The most favoured candidate is Triple H, but McMahon could always keep the business in the family and pass it down to Stephanie or Shane. 

We just don't know, maybe the man himself hasn't decided yet. 

But that doesn't stop the speculation and even legendary commentator Jim Ross has given his opinion on who will be running WWE when Vince is gone. 

In his opinion, Triple H - real name Paul Levesque - is the most likely heir and he's apparently already being trained for the job. 

Triple H could be in line to take over WWE

"I have an opinion on where the company will go. I will say this - you know, Vince is very healthy," JR told Business Insider back in 2018.

"I think that, if I'm guessing, and it's gonna strictly be a guess - that the money would be on - probably, Paul Levesque to be Vince's successor.

"I think Vince is kind of preparing him for that in a lot of ways."

Ross also explained that Triple H has always been seen as a WWE 'lifer' by those high up. 

Triple H has been described as a WWE 'lifer'

"You always knew that he was different from the other guys because he was very studious, and very under control. He didn’t drink. No drugs.

"He looked to be a lifer early on, and he got a lot of that from being a fan all his life. So, I think he's probably the heir apparent."

But why not Stephanie or Shane? They could certainly be options, but Ross also explained why he doesn't think either would take over. 

Shane or Stephanie probably won't take over WWE

"Stephanie is very involved and, you know, is really more of a face of WWE. She does a lot of charity work. And she's great at that. And you've got to have that in that world," JR said.

"I think Shane seems to be, apparently, content with being a TV character. I don't know where his role's going to be going forward or what he wants it to be.

"But, I think that Paul Levesque is the one that seems to be earmarked to be the next guy, if and when Vince is not in that role." 

Triple H could be in charge of WWE one day

Of course, we just don't know what will happen when Vince steps away from WWE. It could be Triple H, Stephanie or Shane... or it could easily be someone different. 

Let's be honest though, we know Mr McMahon won't be leaving anytime soon anyway.