The new Netflix series on Vince McMahon promises an intimate look into the world of the former WWE boss. Yet, questions remain as to whether it delivers on its promises.
Titled ‘Mr. McMahon’, the series delves into the life, career, and controversies of the 79-year-old, spotlighting interviews with McMahon himself and those close to him.
The allegations against Vince McMahon
McMahon wasted no time in reviewing the series, labelling it ‘misleading’ and criticising the conflation of his on-screen ‘Mr. McMahon’ persona with his real self, Vince. He resigned from the WWE’s parent company after Janel Grant accused him of sex trafficking, which he dismisses as ‘lies’ and a ‘vindictive distortion of the truth’.
While the documentary glosses over this lawsuit, it revisits past allegations, including Rita Chatterton’s rape accusation that McMahon vehemently denies, asserting it was ‘consensual’. Reports suggest he settled with Chatterton for a multimillion-dollar sum. McMahon also rebukes the US government, which unsuccessfully tried him for illegal steroid distribution, calling them the ‘biggest bullies’.
‘Women were like a toy’
The documentary critiques WWE’s portrayal of women, especially during its ‘Attitude Era’ from 1997 to 2002. Matches became increasingly explicit, featuring female competitors in ‘bra and panties’ bouts. Former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus reflects on women being ‘overly sexualised’ and recounts being forced to bark like a dog and strip.
She states, ‘Women were not considered wrestlers… Eye candy, that’s kind of what they were at the time.’ Anthony White, known as Tony Atlas, concurs, admitting, ‘We abused the hell out of women. They were like a toy for us.’ McMahon’s daughter, Stephanie, who participated in her father’s storylines, admits it was a ‘different time’ in the business, while Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque questions how they ‘ever got away with that stuff’.
McMahon defends the era’s content, saying the trend mirrored broader entertainment trends, with women’s segments often being highly rated.
‘Nothing I wouldn’t do for business’
The documentary also covers McMahon’s reputation as a ruthless businessman. Notably, it recounts the infamous ‘screwjob’ involving Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart in 1997. Amid tensions over Hart’s move to WCW, McMahon colluded to change the match’s scripted outcome, causing Hart to lose his championship title to Shawn Michaels in his hometown.
McMahon recounts a similar ‘screwjob’ in 1985 with former women’s champion Wendi Richter, describing it as ‘show business… nothing personal’. He firmly states, ‘there is nothing I wouldn’t do for business.’ McMahon expresses no regrets over the incidents, saying he wanted Hart to do the ‘right thing’ for the business.
Vince McMahon vs Mr. McMahon
The series delves into McMahon’s past, revealing abuse by his step-father and meeting his biological father at age 12. Despite acknowledging that abused children often become abusers, McMahon dismisses this as a ‘cop-out’. He admits he was ‘tough’ on his own children, Shane and Stephanie.
The documentary frequently revisits his role as a father figure. McMahon admits, ‘I still haven’t quite figured out who I am.’ He poses the question of whether he is playing a character, though viewers get no definitive answer.
Critics argue that McMahon blurs the lines between reality and fiction, often attributing blame to his fictional persona. He himself suggests there might be a blend, with one character being exaggerated. While his son Shane sees Mr. McMahon as an ‘extension of Vince McMahon blown out of proportion’, others, like Bruce Prichard, suggest his on-screen and boardroom personas are quite similar.
A Polarising Figure
Multiple perspectives are presented in the series, but ultimately, it leaves viewers to decide for themselves. McMahon’s polarising nature is clear from the varying opinions of those who know him.
Former superstar Hulk Hogan’s blunt assessment might be the most telling: ‘Exactly the same person, not a far stretch,’ he says.
The ongoing controversy
The Netflix series arrives amid ongoing controversies surrounding McMahon. While it provides insight into his complex character, it stops short of delivering any groundbreaking revelations.
The case with Janel Grant remains a significant chapter, yet it is barely touched upon in the series. This omission leaves viewers with a sense of incompleteness.
The Netflix series on Vince McMahon offers a comprehensive yet contested look into the life of a wrestling mogul. It explores the blurred lines between his real self and his on-screen character.
However, the documentary falls short of fully unmasking the man behind the ‘Mr. McMahon’ persona, leaving many questions unanswered.
