I was a kid in the 80s and grew up watching the World Wrestling Federation with its stars like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant and Randy Macho Man Savage. After taking a break from wrestling, I came back to watch WWF (prior to its World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) name change) during the attitude era, which provided countless over-the-top sports entertainment – ah, the good old days. While I knew the man behind the WWE juggernaut was Vince McMahon, I knew very little about him. So, when I found out Netflix had a documentary called Mr. McMahon, about the life of Vince McMahon, I had to watch it. Mr. McMahon is fascinating and shows that Vince McMahon is a polarizing figure that no one appears to really know.
Mr. McMahon
Vince McMahon is one of the most larger-than-life figures in the world of sports entertainment. A man whose charisma, blind ambition, and vision not only transformed professional wrestling but also pushed the boundaries of what is possible in entertainment. From his audacious expansion of the WWE to the creation of iconic events like WrestleMania, McMahon consistently dared to tread where others feared to go. His ability to blend spectacle with storytelling has captivated audiences, transcending the realm of traditional wrestling to become a cultural phenomenon. Mr. McMahon gives an inside look into Vince McMahon and his win at all costs approach to business and life.
Creative Genius
McMahon transformed wrestling from a regional spectacle into a global entertainment phenomenon. He broke all gentlemen agreements and expanded the WWE, stealing talent and leaving other promoters broke. His ambitious vision helped shape the modern landscape of professional wrestling
Not only a brilliant business man, Vince McMahon is a creative genius. It was astonishing to see the way McMahon created and developed world-wide characters – one after the other – Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. He propelled them all into world-wide fame. During the documentary, you can see clips of him spoon feeding Hulk Hogan what to say in wrestling promos.
Risk Taking
His willingness to bend or break traditional rules has led to some of the most memorable storylines in wrestling history. One of the greatest storylines in WWE history had McMahon playing the rich boss whom everyone hated – he may not have had to act too hard. I have to give him credit, he even stepped into the ring on a regular basis. There was always a sense of joy seeing him get beat down by his employee Stone Cold Steve Austin. He was willing to put his children in the ring.
McMahon has often taken bold risks, whether in mortgaging his house to produce the first WrestleMania, investing heavily in new talent, or experimenting with different programming formats. This willingness to push boundaries can inspire others in business. It seems like there was nothing off limits to Vince McMahon.
Controversial
Vince McMahon is a polarizing figure in the wrestling industry. He changed the way wrestling was viewed and made it mainstream – he did sell the company for 21 billion dollars. What sets McMahon apart is his fearless approach to pushing the envelope, often venturing into controversial and provocative territory that others would never contemplate trying.
Whether through the incorporation of edgy story lines, celebrity involvement, or the unapologetic embrace of the theatrical, Mr. McMahon highlights an uncanny knack for getting away with bold choices that challenge societal norms. This audacity has not only solidified his status as a titan in the industry but also ensured that the WWE remains a topic of conversation long after the credits roll. As a master of reinvention, Vince McMahon’s relentless pursuit of innovation and his unparalleled ability to captivate and shock audiences exemplify a legacy that is as complex as it is compelling, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in modern entertainment.