| Revision as of 20:06, 8 June 2010 view source98.67.96.158 (talk)No edit summary← Previous edit | Revision as of 20:23, 8 June 2010 view source 65.3.164.56 (talk)No edit summaryTag: repeating charactersNext edit → | ||
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| Several other gimmicks have become integral parts of McMahon's on-camera persona, such as his throaty exclamation of ], and his "power walk"—an over-exaggerated strut toward the ring, swinging his arms and bobbing his head from side to side in a cocky manner. This is usually accompanied by a comment from ], such as "There's only one man I know that walks like that." The power walk is used to get a reaction out of the audience (especially when he's a heel), but it also provides comic relief as well. WWE Superstar ] had joked on the ''WWE Exposed'' special that aired before ''WWE Homecoming'', that McMahon "somehow walks like he's got a broomstick shoved up in his ass". According to ], the power walk was inspired by one of Vince McMahon's favorite wrestlers as a child, ]. ], however, claims in her autobiography that ] was the inspiration for the walk.<ref>{{cite book|author=Ellison, Lillian|title=The Fabulous Moolah: First Goddess of the Squared Circle|year=2003|isbn=9780060012588|publisher=ReaganBooks|page=60}}</ref> | Several other gimmicks have become integral parts of McMahon's on-camera persona, such as his throaty exclamation of ], and his "power walk"—an over-exaggerated strut toward the ring, swinging his arms and bobbing his head from side to side in a cocky manner. This is usually accompanied by a comment from ], such as "There's only one man I know that walks like that." The power walk is used to get a reaction out of the audience (especially when he's a heel), but it also provides comic relief as well. WWE Superstar ] had joked on the ''WWE Exposed'' special that aired before ''WWE Homecoming'', that McMahon "somehow walks like he's got a broomstick shoved up in his ass". According to ], the power walk was inspired by one of Vince McMahon's favorite wrestlers as a child, ]. ], however, claims in her autobiography that ] was the inspiration for the walk.<ref>{{cite book|author=Ellison, Lillian|title=The Fabulous Moolah: First Goddess of the Squared Circle|year=2003|isbn=9780060012588|publisher=ReaganBooks|page=60}}</ref> | ||
| McMahon has occasionally dropped his character performance upon real-life events affecting WWE, such as the death of Owen Hart at ] in 1999, the ] on the World Trade Center and the death of |
McMahon has occasionally dropped his character performance upon real-life events affecting WWE, such as the death of Owen Hart at ] in 1999, the ] on the World Trade Center and the death of ]. wade bareeeettttttttttttt | ||
| ===United States Wrestling Association (1993)=== | |||
| While the Mr. McMahon character marked the first time that McMahon had been portrayed as a heel in WWF, in 1993, McMahon was engaged in a feud with ] as part of a cross-promotion between the World Wrestling Federation and the ]. In ] (where the USWA was produced), Lawler was seen as a major babyface character (as opposed to his WWF persona which was seen as a cowardly heel), whereas McMahon was seen as a smug heel (similar to the "Mr. McMahon" character) to the Memphis audience, hell-bent on dethroning Lawler as the "king of professional wrestling." As part of the angle, McMahon sent various WWF wrestlers to Memphis in order to achieve such a goal. This angle also proved to be the first time that McMahon would physically interject himself into matches, as he would occasionally trip Lawler or throw punches at him while seated at ringside. During the angle, McMahon was never directly acknowledged as the owner of the WWF (back in 1993, McMahon was only portrayed as the head announcer on television) and the feud between Lawler and McMahon was not acknowledged on WWF television, as the two continued to provide commentary together (along with Savage) for the television show '']''. The feud between Lawler and McMahon would also help build towards Lawler's match against Hart at ] in 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1993/|title=SummerSlam 1993 official results|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The peak of the angle came with Tatanka defeating Lawler to win the ] with McMahon gloating at Lawler while wearing the championship belt.<ref name="tatankabio">{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Chavis|url=http://www.nativetatanka.com/bio2.html|title=Tatanka's Biography (Page 2)|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=Native Tatanka}}</ref> This storyline came to an abrupt end when Lawler was accused of raping a young girl in Memphis, and he was dropped from the WWF. He returned shortly afterward, however, as the girl later stated that the rape accusations were lies.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestleview.com/faq/?article=jerrylawler | title=Jerry Lawler - FAQ | publisher=Wrestleview}}</ref> | |||
| ===Montreal Screwjob (1997)=== | |||
| {{Main|Montreal Screwjob}} | |||
| At ] in 1997, ] defended his WWF Championship against long-time rival ] in the main event. McMahon, who was the owner of the WWF, previously opted to be a play-by-play announcer instead of acting as the owner on-screen. In the weeks heading into Survivor Series, McMahon had entered into a rivalry with the heel Hart. During the match, Michaels applied Hart's own signature ] ] on Hart. Hart refused to submit. McMahon, however, got up and ordered the ] to ring the bell thus ] Hart out of the title and making Michaels the champion. This incident was subsequently dubbed the "Montreal Screwjob".<ref name="Survivor Series - Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart" /> | |||
| ===Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Mr. McMahon (1997–1999)=== | |||
| {{Main|The Corporation (professional wrestling)|l1=The Corporation}} | |||
| In December 1997 on '']'', the night after ], Vince McMahon talked about the behavior and attitude of Stone Cold Steve Austin. Such as Austin having assaulted WWF Official Commissioner Slaughter, and how he has attacked WWF announcers such as Jim Ross and McMamhon himself . Mr. McMahon demanded that Stone Cold Steve Austin defend his intercontinental championship against The Rock in a rematch. As in the previous match Stone Cold used his pickup truck as a weapon against The Rock and the Nation of Domination gang. Austin decided to forfeited the title to The Rock but however Austin gave The Rock a Stone Cold Stunner and knocked Vince McMahon off the ring ropes. After Raw went off the air Mr. McMahon was furious at Austin and he got a steel chair and it looked like they were going to fight Austin, but the referee's and WWF officials restrained both men. This was the beginning of the Austin-McMahon rivalry. Several months later after he introduced Mike Tyson to the WWF, Austin and Tyson got into a fight and it embarrassed Mr. McMahon. When being asked by Kevin Kelly if he wanted Stone Cold Steve Austin as the WWF champion, he said it would be a public relations corporate nightmare. When asked again yes or no he replied "It's not just a No, it's a Oh hell no and Austin that's the bottom line because Vince McMahon said so, thank you very much." | |||
| On the March 30th episode of RAW IS WAR, the night after Austin won the WWF Title at ], Vince McMahon presented him with a new title belt and warned Austin that he did not approve of his rebellious nature and that things could be done "the easy way or the hard way." Austin gave his answer in the form of another Stunner and told the crowd "What you've just seen is how to do the things the hard way. If you want Stone Cold to continue to do things the hard way give me a hell yeah!" The crowd responded to that exactly. This led to a segment a week later where Austin had pledged a few days prior in a meeting to "play ball" with McMahon, appearing in a suit and tie, with a beaming McMahon taking a picture of himself and his new corporate champion. The entire thing was a ruse by Austin who in the course of the segment proceeded to tear off the suit, tell McMahon it was the last time he would see Austin dressed like this, punch his boss in the "corporate grapefruits," and take another picture of the two of them while McMahon was doubled over in pain. In April 1998, it appeared Austin and McMahon were going to battle out their differences in an actual match, but the match was declared a no contest when ] made an appearance. This led to a match between Love and Austin at Unforgiven, where Mr. McMahon would sit at ringside during the title match. Austin commented on this, saying Vince McMahon has only done that one other time and that was at Survivor Series. When someone else got screwed out of the title(a reference the Montreal screwjob). Dude Love won the match by disqualification when Austin hit McMahon with a chair. In a rematch at Over the Edge: In Your House for the WWF Championship, Austin managed to retain the title despite McMahon acting as the referee and his "Corporate Stooges" (Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson) as timekeeper and ring announcer, respectively. | |||
| McMahon continued to do everything he could to ruin Austin, and he finally scored a big victory for his side at the 1998 King of the Ring tournament. There, Austin lost the WWF Championship to Kane in a First Blood match. Austin further infuriated McMahon by winning back the championship the next night on RAW IS WAR. Austin also emerged victorious against The Undertaker at SummerSlam. In response, McMahon set up a Triple Threat match at Breakdown: In Your House where he made the rule that the Undertaker and Kane were prohibited from attacking/pinning each other. At the event The Undertaker and Kane pinned Austin at the same time. On the September 28th Edition of RAW IS WAR, Austin drove a Zamboni into the arena and attacked McMahon but he got arrested. McMahon not pleased with the Undertaker or Kane for their lack of protection decided to vacate the WWF Championship and award it based on a match between the Undertaker and Kane this promoted the Undertaker and Kane to break his leg after he gave the middle finger to both of them, While in Hospital he got a unpleasant visit from Mankind and was attacked by Austin. He also got his priced Corvette destroyed with Cement by Austin. So McMamhon made the Undertaker vs Kane match at Judgement Day 1998 in which Austin was the guest referee. Austin refused to count for either man and attacked both towards the end of the match. McMahon later fired him, although Austin got revenge by kidnapping McMahon and dragging him to the middle of the ring at "gunpoint," which ended up being a toy gun with a scroll that read "Bang! 3:16." The segment was very "embarrassing" to McMahon as it showed he was so scared that he urinated his pants. Stone Cold was later re-signed by Shane McMahon who was mad at his father for never being proud of him. | |||
| McMahon ordered the WWF Championship to be defended in a ] named ] at ] in 1998. McMahon made sure that ] reached the finals because Mankind had visited McMahon in hospital after McMahon was sent to the hospital by the ]. During the tournament Austin reached the Semi finals but when he was going to pin Mankind Vince knocked out the referee but Shane McMahon gave to Austin's aide but however Shane betrayed Austin to impress his dad and count Mankind's fall.<ref name="Survivor Series - The Rock vs Mankind">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1998/1998/|title=Survivor Series 1998 main event|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=WWE}}</ref> He also awarded Mankind the ] due to his status as a ]. During the main event, Vince and Shane McMahon were at the ringside during Mankind debated Steve Austin when Shane McMahon double crossed Austin in the semi finals tournament. In the final match with ] for the WWF Championship. Originally, McMahon was acting as he if he was helping out Mankind during the match. At one point, The Rock turned his attention over McMahon. McMahon ] on Mankind after a ], however, as The Rock had caught Mankind in the ]. Mankind had not submitted but McMahon ordered the referee to ring the bell, thus giving The Rock the WWF Championship. This was an homage to the "]" that occurred one year earlier.<ref name="Survivor Series - The Rock vs Mankind"/> McMahon referred to The Rock as the "Corporate Champion" thus forming the Corporation with his son ] and The Rock.<ref name="corporation">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/corporation.html|title=Corporation Profile|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At ], Mankind defeated The Rock to win the WWF Championship after The Rock passed out to the ]. McMahon, however, screwed Mankind once again by reversing the decision and returning the belt to his chosen champion, The Rock.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#26|title=Rock Bottom results|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> McMahon went on to participate in a "Corporate Rumble" on the January 11, 1999 edition of ''Raw'' as an unscheduled participant, but he was eliminated by ]. | |||
| ] | |||
| McMahon restarted a long-running feud with ] in 1999 when in December 1998 he made Austin face the Undertaker in a buried alive match with the Royal Rumble qualification on the line. Austin defeated the Undertaker with help from Kane. He had put up $100,000 to anyone who was able to eliminate Austin in the Royal Rumble match.<ref name="Royal Rumble - 1999 Rumble match">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881143/mainevent/|title=1999 Royal Rumble match|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At ], with help from the Rock, McMahon won the match and earned a title match at ] against the WWF Champion The Rock. He turned down his spot, however, and WWF Commissioner Shawn Michaels awarded it to Austin.<ref>{{cite web|first=Christopher|second=Robin|last=Zimmerman|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw012599|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080209100552/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw012599|archivedate=2008-02-09|title=RAW is WAR recap|accessdate=2008-01-15|date=1999-01-25|publisher=The Other Arena}}</ref> Austin decided to put his title shot on the line against McMahon so he could get a chance to fight Vince at ] in a ]. During the match, ]—a future member of the Corporation—interrupted, making his WWF debut. He threw Austin through the side of the cage thus giving him the victory.<ref name="corporation"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/stvalentinesdaymassacre.html|title=St. Valentine's Day Massacre results|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> | |||
| The Corporation started a feud with ]'s new faction the "]," which led to a storyline introducing Vince McMahon's daughter ]. Stephanie played an "innocent sweet girl" who was kidnapped by The Ministry twice. The first time she was kidnapped, she was found by ] on behalf of McMahon in a basement of the stadium. The second time she was kidnapped, The Undertaker attempted to marry her whilst she was forcefully tied to the Ministry's crucifix, but she was saved by Stone Cold Steve Austin. This angle saw a brief friendship develop between McMahon and Austin, cooling their long running feud. | |||
| A previously unknown character was developed as a result called the "Higher Power", invented by Shane McMahon and The Undertaker. Vince McMahon, however, was later revealed as the "Higher Power" on the June 7 edition of ''Raw'', reigniting his feud with WWF Champion Austin. McMahon's son Shane merged the Corporation with Undertaker's Ministry of Darkness to form the ]. McMahon would become a member of the stable ] which existed for a brief time, during May 1999. As a result of McMahon being the "Higher Power", Austin was given 50% shares of the WWF by ] and Stephanie McMahon out of their ] disgust at him. | |||
| At ], Vince and Shane McMahon defeated Austin in a ] ] to regain control of the WWF.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html#1999|title=King of the Ring 1999 results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> While CEO, Austin had scheduled a WWF Title match, to be shown on ''Raw'' after King Of The Ring. During the match, Austin defeated the Undertaker once again to become the WWF Champion. At ], Austin was again scheduled for a match against The Undertaker. If Austin lost, he would be banned from wrestling for the WWF Championship again; if he won, Vince McMahon would be banned from appearing on WWF TV. Austin defeated The Undertaker, and McMahon was banned from WWF TV.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/loaded.html#99|title=Fully Loaded 1999 results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> | |||
| McMahon returned as a ] in the fall of 1999 and won the ] in a match against ], thanks to outside interference from Austin on the September 16 episode of '']''. He vacated the title during the following Monday's ''Raw is War''. Over the next few months McMahon and Triple H feuded, with the linchpin of the feud being Triple H's storyline marriage to Stephanie McMahon. The feud culminated at ] in 1999; McMahon faced Triple H in a ] which McMahon lost. Afterward, Stephanie turned on him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/1999/results/|title=Armageddon 1999 official results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
| ===McMahon-Helmsley Era (2000–2001)=== | |||
| {{Main|McMahon-Helmsley Era}} | |||
| McMahon returned to WWF television on the March 13, 2000 edition of ''Raw is War'' helping ] win his WWF title shot back from the Big Show, He also attacked Shane Mcmahon and Triple H.<ref name="raw2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/2000.html|title=RAW is WAR results, 2000|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Two weeks later, McMahon and The Rock defeated ] and ] in a tag team match with help from special guest referee ].<ref name="raw2000"/> At ], ] defended the WWF Championship in a ] in which each competitor had a McMahon in his corner. Triple H had his wife ] who was also the ] in his corner, The Rock had Vince McMahon in his corner, ] had ] in his corner, and Big Show had Shane in his corner. After Big Show and Foley were eliminated, Triple H and The Rock were left. Although Vince was in The Rock's corner, he ] on The Rock after ], which helped Triple H win the match and retain his title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm16/mainevent/|title=WrestleMania 2000 main event|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> This would officially begin the ]. | |||
| At King of the Ring, McMahon, Shane, and WWF Champion Triple H took on the ] (Undertaker and Kane) and The Rock in a six-man tag team match for the WWF Championship. The stipulation of this match was that whoever made the scoring pinfall would become the WWF Champion. McMahon was pinned by The Rock which gave Rock the WWF Championship and his team, the victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html#2000|title=King of the Ring 2000 results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> On the December 18 edition of ''Raw'', McMahon faced ] in a non-title match which was fought to no contest when Mick Foley interfered and attacked both men. After the match, both men beat Foley and McMahon fired him.<ref name="raw2000"/> McMahon and Stephanie then aligned together against Shane. At ], McMahon lost to Shane after Linda—who had been ] to the point of a ]; the breakdown left her helpless as Vince began a public ] with ]; finally, she was heavily sedated, in the storyline—hit Vince with a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm17/results/|title=WrestleMania XVII official results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref> YouTube video. Retrieved 2010-04-15.</ref> On the same night, McMahon formed an alliance with Stone Cold Steve Austin, helping him defeat The Rock to gain another WWF Championship. The two, along with Triple H, formed an alliance which saw Austin and Triple H hold all three major WWF titles (Austin's WWF Championship, the ] which Triple H won, and the ]) at the same time. The alliance was short lived, due to an injury to Triple H and a business venture by McMahon. | |||
| ===The Invasion and brand extension (2001–2006)=== | |||
| {{Main|The Invasion (professional wrestling)|l1=The Invasion}} | |||
| McMahon purchased long-time rival promotion ] (WCW) in March 2001 from ] ] and signed many wrestlers from the organization. This marked the beginning of the Invasion storyline, in which the former WCW wrestlers regularly fought matches against the WWF wrestlers. On the July 9, 2001 edition of ''Raw'', some ] as well as several former ECW wrestlers on the WWF roster, joined with the WCW wrestlers to form ]. Stone Cold Steve Austin joined the Alliance, along with Shane and Stephanie McMahon. Vince McMahon would join Team WWF. At ], Team WWF defeated Team Alliance in a Survivor Series elimination match to pick up the victory for WWF and end the Invasion storyline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2001/mainevent/|title=Survivor Series 2001 main event|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
| Following the collapse of the ] at ] in 2001, McMahon created the "Vince McMahon Kiss My Ass Club", also known as the "Mr. McMahon Kiss My Ass Club", which consisted of various WWE individuals being ordered to kiss his ] in the middle of the ring, usually with the threat of suspension or firing if they refused. The club was originally proclaimed closed by ] after McMahon was forced to kiss ]'s ass on an episode of ''SmackDown!'';<ref name=assclub02540>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/011206.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results|accessdate=2009-08-09|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> however, the club segment has resurfaced several times over the years. The gimmick has also spawned its own Internet based cartoon entitled "Mr. McMahon's Kiss My Ass Club - The WWE's Most Valuable Asset." The cartoon series, produced by ], debuted on WWE.com on November 22, 2006. The cartoon was later canceled as part of a settlement between WWE and ] due to the show's similarities with Cartoon Network's show '']'' | |||
| ], McMahon, ], and ] on ''SmackDown!'']] | |||
| In November 2001, ] returned to WWF after an eight year hiatus declaring himself the co-owner of the WWF, which infuriated McMahon. The two faced each other at the January 2002 ] in a ] which Flair won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811413/results/|title=Royal Rumble 2002 official results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Due to their status as co-owners, McMahon became the owner of ''SmackDown!'' while Flair became the owner of ''Raw''. However, on the June 10, 2002 edition of ''Raw'', McMahon defeated Flair to end the rivalry and become the sole owner of WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020610.html|title=RAW results - June 10, 2002|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> | |||
| On the February 13, 2003 edition of ''SmackDown!'', McMahon tried to derail the return of ] after a five-month hiatus but was knocked out by Hogan and received an ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030213.html|title=SmackDown! results - February 13, 2003|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At ], McMahon interfered in Hogan's match with The Rock. Hogan had originally won the match as he hit The Rock with an Atomic Legdrop but the lights went out. When the lights came back on, McMahon came to the ringside to distract Hogan. ], the referee, gave The Rock a chair, which he then hit Hogan with. He ended the match with a ] to defeat Hogan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/mainevent/|title=No Way Out 2003 main event|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> This led to McMahon facing Hogan in a match at ], which McMahon lost in a Street Fight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm19/results/|title=WrestleMania XIX official results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> McMahon then banned Hogan from the ring but Hogan returned under the ] of "Mr. America". McMahon tried to prove that Mr. America was Hogan under a mask but failed at these attempts. Hogan later quit WWE and at which point McMahon claimed that he had discovered Mr. America was Hulk Hogan and "fired" him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030703.html|title=SmackDown! results - July 3, 2003|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> | |||
| McMahon asked his daughter Stephanie to resign as SmackDown! ] on the October 2, 2003 edition of ''SmackDown!''. Stephanie, however, refused to resign and this set up an ] between the two.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031002.html|title=SmackDown! results - October 2, 2003|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At ], McMahon defeated Stephanie in an "I Quit" match when Linda threw in the towel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2003/results/|title=No Mercy 2003 official results|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Later that night, he helped ] retain the WWE Championship against The Undertaker in a ].<ref name="No Mercy - Lesnar vs Taker">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2003/mainevent/|title=No Mercy 2003 main event|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=WWE}}</ref> This started a rivalry between McMahon and Undertaker. At ], McMahon defeated Undertaker in a ] with help from Kane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2003/results/|title=Survivor Series 2003 official results|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
| McMahon began a feud with ] in late 2005, when he decided that Bischoff was not doing a good job as General Manager of ''Raw''. He started "The Trial of Eric Bischoff" where McMahon served as the judge. Bischoff ended up losing the trial; McMahon "fired" him, and put him in a garbage truck before it drove away. Bischoff stayed gone for months. Almost a year later on ''Raw'' in late 2006, Bischoff was brought out by McMahon's executive assistant ] so that he could announce the completion of his book '']''. Bischoff began ] at McMahon, saying that he was fired "unceremoniously" as the ''Raw'' General Manager, that there would be no McMahon if not for Bischoff's over-the-top rebellious ideas, and that ] was nothing but a rip off of the ]. | |||
| ===Feuds with D-Generation X and Donald Trump (2005–2007)=== | |||
| ] in 2007]] | |||
| On the December 26, 2005 edition of ''Raw'', Vince personally reviewed ]. ] came out and he also started talking about Hart. McMahon replied, "I screwed Bret Hart. Shawn, don't make me screw you".<ref name="Survivor Series - Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12262005/|title=Advantage Kane|accessdate=2008-01-15|date=2005-12-26|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At the 2006 ], when Michaels was among the final six remaining participants after eliminating ], McMahon's entrance theme music distracted Michaels, allowing ] to eliminate him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/royalrumble06.html|title=Royal Rumble 2006 results|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On the February 27, 2006 edition of ''Raw'', Michaels was knocked unconscious by Shane. When Michaels' former ] tag team partner ] came to the rescue of Michaels, he was forced to join McMahon's "Kiss My Ass Club".<ref name="jannettymichaels">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02272006/|title=Joining the Club|accessdate=2006-02-27|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> On the ] of '']'', Michaels faced Shane in a Street Fight. McMahon screwed Michaels while Shane had Michaels in the Sharpshooter. Michaels had not submitted, but McMahon ordered the referee to ring the bell, giving Shane the victory (another ] reference).<ref name="Survivor Series - Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart"/><ref name="SNME - Shane vs HBK">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/march182006/matches/2220096/results/|title=Shane McMahon def. Shawn Michaels (Street Fight)|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2006-03-18|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At ], Vince McMahon faced Michaels in a ]. Despite interference from the ] and Shane, McMahon was unable to beat Michaels.<ref name="WrestleMania 22 - Vince vs HBK">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania22/matches/22203221/results/|title=Shawn Michaels def. Mr. McMahon (No Holds Barred match)|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2006-04-02|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At ], Vince McMahon and his son Shane defeated Michaels and "God" (characterized by a spotlight) in a No Holds Barred match.<ref name="Backlash - McMahons vs HBK & God">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2006/matches/22851061/results/|title=Mr. McMahon & Shane McMahon def. Shawn Michaels & "God"|accessdate=2008-01-14|date=2006-04-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
| On the May 15, 2006 edition of ''Raw'', ] hit Shane with a ] meant for Michaels.<ref>{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05152006/|title=Money Shot|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2006-05-15|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The next week on ''Raw'', Triple H had another chance to hit Michaels with the object but he instead whacked the ].<ref>{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05222006/|title=Apology Accepted?|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2006-05-22|publisher=WWE}}</ref> For a few weeks, McMahon ignored Michaels and began a rivalry with Triple H by forcing him to join "Kiss My Ass Club" (Triple H hit McMahon with a ] instead of joining the club) and pitting him in a ] against the Spirit Squad.<ref>{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06052006/|title=Kiss this|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2006-06-05|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="RAW - HHH vs Spirit Squad">{{cite web|first=Ed|last=Williams III|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06122006/|title=An extreme awakening makes Cena snap|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2006-06-12|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Michaels, however, saved Triple H and the two reformed ] (DX). This led to a feud between the McMahons and DX, throughout the following summer.<ref name="owwvince">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/v/vince-mcmahon.html|title=Mr. McMahon's Profile|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At ] in 2006, the McMahons lost to DX in a tag team match despite interference by Umaga, Big Show, ], ], and ].<ref name="SummerSlam - DX vs McMahons">{{cite web|first=Jen|last=Hunt|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2006/matches/29444901/results/|title=DX beats the odds|accessdate=2008-01-18|date=2006-08-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The McMahons also allied themselves with the ] Big Show.<ref name="owwvince"/> At ], the McMahons teamed up with ] in a ] match to take on DX. Despite their 3-on-2 advantage, the McMahons lost again to DX thus ending the rivalry.<ref name="Unforgiven - DX vs McMahons & Big Show">{{cite web|first=Craig|last=Tello|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/2006/matches/28817581/results/|title=Billion-dollar embarr-ASS-ment|accessdate=2008-01-18|date=2006-09-17|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
| In January 2007, McMahon started a feud with ], which was featured on major media outlets. Originally Trump wanted to fight McMahon himself but they came to a deal: both men would pick a representative who would fight at ] in a ]. The man whose representative lost the match would have his head shaved bald. After the contract signing on ''Raw'', Trump pushed McMahon over the table in the ring onto his head after McMahon provoked Trump with several finger pokes to the shoulders. Later at a press conference, McMahon, during a photo opportunity, offered a shake of hands with Trump but retracted his hand as Trump put out his. McMahon went on to fiddle with Trump's tie and flick Trump's nose. This angered Trump as he then slapped McMahon across the face. McMahon was then restrained from retaliating by Trump's bodyguards and ], Trump's representative.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/exclusives/pressconference|title=Billion-dollar breakdown at Trump Tower|author=Louie Dee|accessdate=2007-03-28|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> At WrestleMania 23, McMahon's representative (]) lost the match.<ref name="WrestleMania 23 - Lashley vs Umaga">{{cite web|first=Craig|last=Tello|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/matches/39161842/results/|title=The 'mane' event|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=WWE}}</ref> As a result, McMahon's hair was shaved bald by Trump and Lashley with the help of ], who was the special guest referee of the "Battle of the Billionaires" match.<ref name="WrestleMania 23 - Lashley vs Umaga"/> | |||
| McMahon then began a rivalry with Lashley over his ]. At ], McMahon pinned Lashley in a 3-on-1 ] teaming up with his son ] and ] to win the ECW Championship.<ref name="Backlash - Team McMahon vs Lashley">{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/2007/matches/396065214/results/ |title=Hell freezes over in ECW|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2007-04-29|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship/042907mcmahon|title=Mr. McMahon's first ECW Championship reign|accessdate=2008-01-18|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At ], McMahon defended his ECW Championship against Lashley again in a 3-on-1 handicap match. Lashley won the match as he pinned Shane after a ] but McMahon said that he was still the champion because Lashley could only be champion if he could beat him.<ref name="Judgment Day - Lashley vs Team McMahon">{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2007/matches/41244021/results/ |title=The ecstasy ... and then the agony|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2007-05-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> McMahon finally lost the ECW Championship to Lashley at ] in a ] despite interference by Shane and Umaga.<ref name="One Night Stand - Lashley vs Vince">{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/onenightstand/history/2007/matches/4362508112/results/|title=ECW World Champion once again, demons exorcised|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2007-06-03|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
| ===Numerous incidents (2007–2009)=== | |||
| On June 11, 2007, WWE aired a segment at the end of ''Raw'' that featured McMahon entering a limousine moments before it exploded. The show went off-air shortly after, and WWE.com reported the ] within minutes as though it were a legitimate occurrence, proclaiming that McMahon was "presumed dead".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/mcmahonexplosionupdate|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070621115331/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/mcmahonexplosionupdate|archivedate=2007-06-21|title=McMahon Explosion Update|publisher=WWE|date=June 11, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-11}}</ref> Although this was the fate of the fictional "Mr. McMahon" character, no harm came to the actual person, the "presumed death" of McMahon was part of a storyline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesleader.com/news/breakingnews/20070612_12wwe_breaking.html|title=Vince McMahon’s hoax goes up in smoke|author=Rory Sweeney|publisher=Timesleader.com|accessdate=2007-07-02|date=June 26, 2007}}</ref> WWE later acknowledged to ] that he was not truly dead.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnbc.com/id/19330600|title=WWE's McMahon "Death": I'm A Murder Suspect|author=Darren Rovell|publisher=CNBC.com|accessdate=2007-07-02|date=June 20, 2007}}</ref> | |||
| The June 25, 2007 edition of ''Raw'' was scheduled to be a three-hour memorial to "Mr. McMahon". However, due to the ] death of ], the show opened with McMahon standing in an empty arena, acknowledging that his reported death was only of his character as part of a storyline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usbenoit0626,0,4246396.story?coll=ny-top-headlines|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070705113805/http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usbenoit0626,0,4246396.story?coll=ny-top-headlines|archivedate=2007-07-05|title=WWE wrestler Chris Benoit and family found dead|author=Alfonso A. Castillo|publisher=Newsday.com|accessdate=2007-07-02|date=June 26, 2007}}</ref> This was followed by a tribute to Benoit that filled the three-hour timeslot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/benoitdead|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080105164617/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/benoitdead|archivedate=2008-01-05|title=Benoit Dead|publisher=WWE.com|accessdate=2007-06-25|date=June 25, 2007}}</ref> His last appearance on WWE television until August 6, 2007 was the next night on ''ECW on Sci Fi'' in which after acknowledging that a tribute to Benoit had aired the previous night, he announced that there would be no further mention of Benoit due to ] becoming apparent, and that the ECW show would be dedicated to those that had been affected by the Benoit murders. On the August 6 show, McMahon said that he faked his death to see what people really thought of him, with Stephanie accused of faking mourning while checking her father's last will and testament to see how it would benefit her. | |||
| ] to join his "Kiss My Ass Club" in 2008]] | |||
| The "Mr. McMahon" character officially returned on the August 6 episode of ''Monday Night Raw''. He talked about many subjects, including an investigation by the ] and owing money to the ]. McMahon also declared a battle royal to determine a new ''Raw'' General Manager, which was won by ]. At the end of ''Raw'', ] informed McMahon of a (]) paternity suit regarding an illegitimate long-lost child,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070806.html|title=RAW results - August 6, 2007|accessdate=2007-09-12|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> who was revealed in the following weeks as being a male member of the WWE roster. On the September 3 episode of ''Raw'', McMahon appeared and was confronted by his family. They were interrupted by ] who claimed to be McMahon's "illegitimate son", but he was also interrupted by a lawyer claiming Kennedy was not McMahon's son and that the real son would be revealed the following week on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070903.html|title=RAW results - September 3, 2007|accessdate=2007-09-12|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> His illegitimate son was finally revealed on September 10 on ''Raw'' to be ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070910.html|title=RAW results - September 10, 2007|accessdate=2007-09-12|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> In February 2008, after months of "tough love" antics towards Hornswoggle, ] revealed that Hornswoggle was not McMahon's son and that he was actually ]'s son. It turned out that the scam was thought up by Shane, Stephanie and Linda McMahon, along with Finlay. | |||
| ].]] | |||
| On the June 2 episode of ''Raw'', McMahon announced that starting the following week, he would give away ]1,000,000 live on ''Raw''. Fans were able to register online, and each week, randomly selected fans would receive a part of the $1,000,000. McMahon's Million Dollar Mania lasted just three weeks and was suspended after the 3-hour Draft episode of ''Raw'' on June 23. After giving away $500,000, explosions tore apart the ''Raw'' stage, which fell and collapsed on top of McMahon. On June 30, Shane addressed the WWE audience before ''Raw'', informing the fans that his family had chosen to keep his father’s condition private. In addition, he also urged the WWE to stand together during what he described as a "turbulent time". The McMahons made several requests to the wrestlers for solidarity, before finally appointing ] as the new general manager of ''Raw'' in order to restore order to the brand. | |||
| ===Return, feuding with Randy Orton & Face turn (2009)=== | |||
| On January 5, 2009, ] speaking to Stephanie McMahon, announced that Vince would return to ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01052009/|title=Big Night In The Big Easy|accessdate=2009-01-05|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> The following week, Jericho was fired from WWE in a storyline. On January 19, 2009, Vince returned, as a face, and supported his daughter's decision on Jericho. Stephanie, however, rehired Jericho. ] then came out and claimed that Stephanie owed him an apology, but Vince stated that Orton owed him an apology. As Vince was about to fire Orton, Orton slapped, kicked, and punted Vince in the head, causing the return of Shane McMahon. On March 30, 2009, McMahon made a surprise return on ''Raw'' with his son, Shane, and son-in-law Triple H to confront Orton. The night following WrestleMania, McMahon appeared on ''Raw'' to announce Orton would not be receiving another championship opportunity at Backlash but would instead team with his fellow ] members to face Triple H, his son Shane, and himself (this was altered, by the Raw General Manager Vickie Guerrero, later in the night to become a 6-Man Tag Team WWE Championship contest). Orton challenged McMahon to a match that night, which saw Legacy assault him, with Orton also hitting the RKO. After being assisted by Triple H, Shane and a returning Batista, McMahon announced that Batista would replace him in the Backlash 6-Man Tag Team Match; at Backlash Orton pinned Triple H to become the WWE Champion. After placing different celebrity guest hosts each week on Raw, Vince would make his main appearances on ] thus placing ] in probation for his actions on Smackdown. On August 24, episode on Raw, Vince had a birthday bash which was later interrupted by The Legacy, and competed in a six-man tag team match with his long-time rival team ], in which they won after the interference of John Cena. He continued to appear on Smackdown! making occasional matches and reminding Long that he is still on probation. On the November 16th edition of Raw he appeared on the show for the first time in 3 months which took place in ] to have an in ring segment with guest host ] in which McMahon announced his "retirement" from in ring action.<ref name="us.wwe.com">http://us.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/</ref> | |||
| ===Feuding with Bret Hart(2010)=== | |||
| On the January 4, 2010 episode of RAW, McMahon confronted ''RAW'' special guest host Bret "The Hitman" Hart for the (televised) first time since the Montreal Screwjob at ''Survivor Series 1997'', with the intention of burying the hatchet from the above mentioned Montreal Screwjob. The two appeared to finally bury the hatchet, but after shaking hands, Vince kicked Hart in the groin and left the arena to a loud chorus of boos and the crowd chanting "You screwed Bret! You screwed Bret!".<ref name="us.wwe.com"/> A match was then booked between the two at ], which saw Hart defeat McMahon in a No Holds Barred Lumberjack Match. Prior to the match, Bret Hart announced that the traditional ''Bret Screwed Bret'' would be reversed to a ''Bret Screwed Vince!'' scenario after their commencing confrontation. Vince McMahon then announced that it indeed was Vince that screwed Bret, and that history was going to be repeated by the conclusion of their match. | |||
| Mr McMahon then went on to say that the match had been changed to a Lumberjack Match, with the Lumberjacks being none other than the Hart Family, in an attempt to humiliate Bret. Before the match could get underway however, Bret announced that it had all been a ploy put in place to allow Bret to gain the advantage by creating an heir of overconfidence in McMahon that Bret could exploit, as well as ensuring McMahon did not use his authority to try to avoid the situation. During the match, members of the Hart family, including ], attacked McMahon as he left the ring, allowing Hart to gain the advantage. During the match, Hart hit McMahon with eighteen chair shots and followed with his famous sharpshooter, ironically the move that was applied to Hart in the Montreal screwjob, to obtain the submission victory over McMahon. After Wrestlemania it was announced that Vince will no longer appear on WWE television as his character Mr. McMahon, making official his retirement from in-ring competition.<ref></ref> However he returned to television on the May 31st edition of Monday Night Raw, to congratulate Bret Hart in Hart's role as the General Manager of Raw hinting a reignition of their feud. | |||
| ==Personal life== | |||
| McMahon was born on August 24, 1945 in ]. McMahon's father, ], had left the family while McMahon was still a baby. McMahon did not meet his father until age 12. Vince spent the majority of his childhood living with his mother and a string of stepfathers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/mcmahon-vince.html|title=Vince McMahon Biography|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> In an interview with '']'', McMahon claimed that one of his stepfathers, Leo Lupton, used to beat his mother and would attack him as well when he tried to protect her.<ref name=guide>{{cite web|url= http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20010429/ai_n14526973|title=The parent's guide to WWF|publisher=Sunday Mirror| accessdate=2007-07-04|date=April 29, 2001}}</ref> He said, "It is unfortunate that he died before I could kill him. I would have enjoyed that."<ref name=guide/> In his early life, McMahon also overcame ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dyslexia.tv/freethinkersu/alumni.htm|title=Dyslexia TV Alumni|accessdate=2008-09-15|publisher=Dyslexia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dyslexiamentor.com/famousdyslexics.php|title=Famous Dyslexics|accessdate=2008-09-15|publisher=Dyslexia Mentor}}</ref> | |||
| McMahon married ] on August 26, 1966 in ]. The two met in church when Linda was 13 and Vince was 16. At that time McMahon was known as Vince Lupton, using his stepfather's surname. They were introduced by Vince's mother, Vicky Lupton (now Vicky Askew). They have two children, ] and ], both of whom have spent time in the WWF/E both onscreen and behind the scenes. Shane left the company as of January 1, 2010; while Stephanie continues to be active in a backstage role. | |||
| McMahon has a $12 million penthouse in ]; a $40 million mansion in ]; and a $20 million vacation home in ].<ref>{{cite video|date=2006|title=McMahon|medium=DVD|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Forbes has noted McMahon's wealth at 1.1 billion dollars, backing up the WWE's claim he is a billionaire for the year of 2001,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/finance/lists/54/2000/newattitudes.jhtml?passListId=54&passYear=2000&passListType=Person|title=Scoff If You Wish, But The WWF Is A Real Business|author=Lisa DiCarlo|publisher=Forbes.com|accessdate=2007-07-02}}</ref><ref name="Forbes2">{{cite web|title=Informer|publisher=]|author=S. Fitch, W. P. Barrett, C. Coolidge, M. Rand, and S. Hanke|date=2007-04-23|url=http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2007/0423/028.html|accessdate=2007-04-07}}</ref> though he is reported to have since dropped off the list.<ref name="announcement2" /> | |||
| McMahon has four grandchildren: Declan James and Kenyon Jesse McMahon, sons of Shane and his wife ]; and Aurora Rose and Murphy Claire Levesque, daughters of Stephanie and her husband ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.ign.com/articles/894/894564p1.html|title=Stephanie McMahon Gives Birth|last=Barnwell|first=Bill|work=] Sports|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-07-29}}</ref> McMahon is also said to be an avid fan of Scottish football team ].{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}} | |||
| ===Harassment=== | |||
| Rita Chatterton (ring name: "Rita Marie") was a former ] who is noted for her stint in the World Wrestling Federation in the 1980s. She is known for being the first ever female referee in the WWF, possibly in pro wrestling history.<ref>Shaun Assael & Mike Mooneyham. Sex, Lies and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation (p.116)</ref> Her times there, however, were shrouded in controversy, due to ] charges against owner McMahon. On April 3, 1992, Chatterton made an appearance on ]'s television show ''Now It Can Be Told'' alleging that on July 16, 1986 McMahon tried to force her to perform ] on him in his limousine and, after her rebuttal, subjected her to ].<ref>Shaun Assael & Mike Mooneyham. Sex, Lies and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation (p.115-117)</ref> McMahon was not charged with any offense relating to the alleged incident, the criminal ] having passed. | |||
| On February 1, 2006, McMahon was accused of sexual harassment by a worker at a ] tanning bar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bocaratonnews.com/index.php?src=news&prid=14071&category=Local%20News|title=WWE chief accused of groping Boca tanning salon worker|author=Dale King|publisher=Boca Raton News|accessdate=2007-07-02|date=2006-02-03}}</ref> The worker said that he "groped her and harassed her." At first, the charge appeared to be discredited because McMahon was in Miami for the ] at the time. It was soon clarified that the alleged incident was reported to police on the day of the Rumble, but actually took place the day before.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=15391|title=McMahon situation to get more publicity|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|accessdate=2007-07-02|date=2006-02-02}}</ref> On March 27, a Florida television station reported that no charges would be filed against McMahon as a result of the investigation. | |||
| ===Legal trial=== | |||
| <!-- Deleted image removed: ], and ] outside the courthouse in July 1994.]] --> | |||
| In 1989, McMahon tested the movie producing waters by co-producing the ] vehicle '']''. | |||
| In 1993, he was indicted after a ] controversy engulfed the promotion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/19/sports/wwf-s-mcmahon-indicted.html |title=W.W.F.'s McMahon Indicted |work=] |date=1993-11-19 |accessdate=2009-10-17 }}</ref> McMahon was put on ] in 1994, accused of distributing steroids to his wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/28/nyregion/wrestling-promoter-fights-steroid-charges.html |title=Wrestling Promoter Fights Steroid Charges |work=The New York Times |date=1994-04-28 |accessdate=2009-10-17 }}</ref> One former wrestler, ], was called by the prosecution to testify against McMahon, stating that Vince encouraged him to start using steroids.<ref></ref> As a legal move, his wife ] was made ] of the WWF during the trial. He was ] of all charges though he admitted to taking steroids himself in the 1980s. The prosecution made ] its star witness, and his testimony in the trial severely damaged the two's friendship, even though Hogan's testimony defended McMahon. | |||
| Although he personally escaped jail time, the WWF’s public image took a hit as pro wrestling began a slow descent from its pop-culture perch. | |||
| ===Other media=== | |||
| In 2001, McMahon was interviewed by '']'' and performed an interview with his son Shane for the second issue of the magazine that year. In March 2006, (at age 60) McMahon was featured on the cover of '']'' magazine. In the months after its publication, it could be seen in McMahon's office during backstage segments. A large version of the cover was used as a weapon during McMahon's match with ] at ] and was defaced by D-Generation X (Shawn Michaels and Triple H) upon their reunification during an episode of ''Raw''. | |||
| On August 22, 2006, a two-disc DVD set showcasing McMahon's career was released. The DVD is simply titled ''McMahon''. The box art symbolizes the blurred reality between Vince McMahon the person and Mr. McMahon the character. ''McMahon'' features a profiling of the Mr. McMahon character, such as the rivalries with wrestlers, on-screen firings, and antics. In addition, the DVD features the profiling of Vince's business life, such as acquiring WCW and ECW and the demise of the XFL. McMahon's top nine matches of his professional wrestling career are also included in ''McMahon''. | |||
| ==In wrestling== | |||
| *'''Finishing moves''' | |||
| **''Pedigree'' (]) – adopted from ] | |||
| **''Peoples Elbow / Corporate Elbow'' (] ] transitioned into a high impact ] to the opponent's chest, with theatrics) – adopted from ] | |||
| **] – parodied from ] | |||
| **''McMahon Stunner'' (]) – adopted from ] | |||
| *'''Nicknames''' | |||
| **The Boss | |||
| **The Genetic Jackhammer | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **"No Chance in Hell" by ] vocals by Peter Bursuker ('']''; '']''; '']'') | |||
| ==Championships and accomplishments== | |||
| ].]] | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship/|title=ECW Championship official title history|accessdate=2007-07-18|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> | |||
| **] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/|title=WWE Championship official title history|accessdate=2007-07-18|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> | |||
| **] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/january/1999.htm|title=Royal Rumble 1999 Results|accessdate=2007-08-22|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> | |||
| **Former Raw Play-by-play Commentator | |||
| **WWE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer | |||
| **WWE Co-Founder with father Vince McMahon Sr. | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **] (1996) <small>vs. ]</small><ref name="Feud of the Year">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwifoty.htm|title=Wrestling Information Archive - Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Feud of the Year|accessdate=2007-07-18|publisher=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}}</ref> | |||
| **] (1998, 1999) <small>vs. ]</small><ref name="Feud of the Year"/> | |||
| **] (2001) <small>vs. ]</small><ref name="Feud of the Year"/> | |||
| **] (2006) <small>vs. ] in a ] at ]</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimoty.htm|title=Wrestling Information Archive - Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Match of the Year|accessdate=2007-07-26|publisher=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}}</ref> | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **] (1987, 1998, 1999) | |||
| **] (1999, 2000) | |||
| **] (1988, 1998–2000) | |||
| **] (1998, 1999) <small>vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin</small> | |||
| **] (2006) <small>with Shane McMahon vs. ] (Shawn Michaels and ])</small> | |||
| **] (]) | |||
| ].]] | |||
| *'''Other accomplishments and honors''' | |||
| **] Walk of Fame | |||
| **Sport's Illustrated 'Sportsman of the Year' 2006 Nominee | |||
| **Created WrestleMania | |||
| **The cover of "]" (2006) | |||
| **On May 13, 2007, Vince McMahon served as the commencement speaker at ], receiving the honorary ] degree.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-mcmahon7may14,0,7480442.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines | title = WWE chief pumps up graduates | author = Jamie DeLoma | dateformat = mdy | accessdate = May 14, 2007 | date= May 14, 2007}}</ref><ref name=doctor>{{cite web | url = http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/drmcmahon | title = Mr. McMahon becomes Dr. McMahon | author = Anrdrew Rote | dateformat = mdy | accessdate = May 14, 2007 | date= May 13, 2007}}</ref> | |||
| **He has a star on the ]; he is the first person to hold a professional wrestling title to receive one<ref>http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/news/articlephotos/hollywoodwalkoffamegallery/</ref> | |||
| ==Notes== | |||
| {{Reflist|2}} | |||
| ==References== | |||
| * {{cite book|author=Shaun Assael & Mike Mooneyham|title=Sex, Lies and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation|publisher=Crown Publishers|year=2002|isbn=0609606905}} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{Portal|Professional wrestling}} | |||
| {{Wikiquote}}{{Commons category|Vince McMahon}} | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| {{Navboxes| | |||
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| {{World Wrestling Entertainment employees}} | |||
| {{WWE Championship}} | |||
| {{ECW Championship}} | |||
| {{Royal Rumble winners}} | |||
| {{McMahonFamily}} | |||
| }} | |||
| {{Persondata | |||
| |NAME = McMahon, Vincent Kennedy | |||
| |ALTERNATIVE NAMES = McMahon, Vince Jr.;McMahon, Vincent K. | |||
| |SHORT DESCRIPTION = Wrestling promotor | |||
| |DATE OF BIRTH = August 24, 1945 | |||
| |PLACE OF BIRTH = Pinehurst, North Carolina | |||
| |DATE OF DEATH = | |||
| |PLACE OF DEATH = | |||
| }} | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Macmahon, Vince}} | |||
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Revision as of 20:23, 8 June 2010
This article is about Vincent Kennedy McMahon, was former WWE Chairman and CEO. For his father, see Vincent J. McMahon.| Vince McMahon | |
|---|---|
 Vince McMahon. | |
| Born | Vincent Kennedy McMahon, Jr. (1945-08-24) August 24, 1945 (age 79) Template:City-state United States |
| Alma mater | East Carolina University |
| Occupation(s) | Professional wrestling promoter Chairman and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment |
| Spouse | Linda McMahon (1966-present) |
| Children | Shane McMahon (b.1970) Stephanie McMahon-Levesque (b.1976) |
| Parent(s) | Vincent James McMahon Vicky Askew |
| Website | World Wrestling Entertainment |
Vincent Kennedy "Vince" McMahon Jr. (born August 24, 1945-June 8th 2010) was an American professional wrestling promoter, announcer, commentator, film producer and a retired professional wrestler. McMahon currently serves as the chairman and CEO of professional wrestling promotion World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and is the majority shareholder of the company. After acquiring WCW and ECW, McMahon's WWE became the sole remaining major American professional wrestling promotion (prior to the national expansion of TNA and ROH).
As an on-camera character (from 1997–present), he appears on all WWE brands (though the majority of the time, he appears on Raw). McMahon plays a character known by the ring name Mr. McMahon, based on himself in the world of the WWE, and is a former WWE Champion as well as a former ECW World Champion. He was also the winner of the 1999 Royal Rumble.
Vince was the husband of Linda McMahon, with whom he ran WWE from its establishment in 1980 until she resigned as CEO in September, 2009. Linda was also active in the wrestling ring from 1999-2001. In 2010, she is running a self-financed campaign for the US Senate as a Republican.
Business career
World Wide Wrestling Federation (1971–1979)
McMahon first met the promoter for Capitol Wrestling Corporation, his father Vincent J. McMahon's company, at the age of 12. At that point, McMahon became interested in following his father's professional wrestling footsteps and often accompanied him on trips to Madison Square Garden. McMahon also wanted to be a wrestler but his father would not let him, explaining that promoters did not appear on the show and should stay apart from their wrestlers.
In 1968, McMahon graduated from East Carolina University with a business degree and after a nondescript career as a traveling salesman, he was eager to assume a managerial role in his father’s World Wide Wrestling Federation promotion (although Vince Sr. was not thrilled with the idea of his son entering the business). In 1969, McMahon made his debut as an in-ring announcer, announcing matches for the WWWF's All-Star Wrestling. In 1971, he was assigned to a small territory in Maine, where he promoted his first card. He later became the play-by-play announcer for television matches after he replaced Ray Morgan in 1971, a role he would regularly maintain until November 1997.
Throughout the 1970s, McMahon became the prominent force in his father's company, and over the next decade, Vince assisted his father in tripling TV syndication. He pushed for the renaming of the company to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). The young McMahon was also behind the Muhammad Ali versus Antonio Inoki match of 1976. In 1979, Vince purchased the Cape Cod Coliseum, where he promoted hockey games and concerts in addition to pro wrestling, as he began to prove that he was capable of running the WWF after his father’s retirement. By 1980, McMahon had become chairman of the company, and Titan Sports was incorporated; in 1982, a 37-year old McMahon led Titan’s acquisition of the Capitol Wrestling Co. from his ailing father (who died in May 1984), as he and his wife Linda McMahon took control of the World Wrestling Federation.
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (1982–present)
1980s wrestling boom
Main article: 1980s professional wrestling boomAt the time of his purchase of the World Wrestling Federation, professional wrestling was a business run by regional offices. The various promoters shared an understanding that they would not invade each other’s territories, as this practice had gone on undeterred for decades. McMahon had a different vision of what the industry could become. In 1963, the WWWF split from the National Wrestling Alliance, which was the governing body for all the regional territories across the country and as far away as Japan.
He began expanding the company nationally by promoting in areas outside of the company's Northeast U.S. stomping grounds and by signing talent from other companies, such as the American Wrestling Association (AWA). In 1984, he recruited Hulk Hogan to be the WWF’s charismatic new megastar, and the two quickly drew the ire of industry peers as the promotion began traveling and broadcasting into rival territories. Nevertheless, McMahon (who still also fronted as the WWF’s squeaky clean babyface announcer) created The Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection by incorporating pop music stars into wrestling storylines. As a result, the WWF was able to expand its fanbase into a national mainstream audience as the promotion was featured heavily on MTV programming. On March 31, 1985, he promoted the first WrestleMania to be held at Madison Square Garden while airing on closed circuit TV throughout the U.S. WrestleMania was an undisputed success. As a result, the WWF thus stood head and shoulders above all its competition, and Hulk Hogan soon became a full-fledged pop-culture icon and child role model.
During the late 1980s, McMahon shaped the WWF into a unique sports entertainment brand that reached out to family audiences while attracting fans who had never before paid attention to pro wrestling. By directing his storylines towards highly-publicized supercards, McMahon initiated a brand-new revenue stream by promoting these events live on PPV television, a concept that would completely revolutionize event programming for all sports while catapulting the WWF into a multi-million dollar empire. In 1987, McMahon reportedly drew 93,173 fans to the Pontiac Silverdome (which was called the "biggest crowd in Sports entertainment history") for WrestleMania III, which featured the blockbuster main event of Hulk Hogan versus André the Giant. The actual attendance number, however, is debatable.
1990s Attitude era
Main article: The Attitude EraAfter several years struggling behind Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling (WCW), McMahon cemented his place as the industry’s preeminent promoter in the late 1990s, when he initiated an entirely new brand strategy that would eventually return the WWF to prominence. Sensing a public shift towards a more hardened and cynical fan base, McMahon redirected storylines towards a more adult-oriented model. The concept became known as WWF Attitude, and McMahon personally commenced the new era when he manipulated the WWF Championship away from Bret Hart at Survivor Series in what is now known as the "Montreal Screwjob." From then on, McMahon, who for years had downplayed his ownership of the WWF and was thus better known as merely an affable announcer and foil to heel color commentators, immersed himself into WWF storylines as the evil “Mr. McMahon,” who later began a feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin, who challenged the boss’ authority. As a result, the WWF suddenly found itself back in the midst of national pop-culture, drawing millions of viewers for its weekly Monday Night Raw broadcasts, which ranked among the highest-rated shows on cable television.
Other business dealings
In the early 1980s, McMahon briefly promoted ice hockey in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts. His Cape Cod Buccaneers played at the Cape Cod Coliseum and were founding members of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League, an AA circuit. Historically, the ACHL is considered a forgotten link between the rough and tumble loops of the 1970s like the NAHL, lampooned in the classic movie Slap Shot, and today's more credible East Coast Hockey League. When all prospective investors, including the NHL's Boston Bruins (who once used the Cape Cod Cubs as a farm team), either balked at the idea of placing a new franchise at a venue with a mediocre track record or simply could not pay the entrance fee, he had to step in to ensure the building (which he owned) would have a main tenant. Amid tensions with other owners, McMahon soon withdrew his support. He folded the franchise in early 1982, before the league's first season had even ended.
In October 1999, McMahon led the WWF in an Initial public offering of company stock. On March 23, 2001, he purchased the fading WCW for a mere $5 million. Three days later, his “victory speech” was simulcast on both WWF Raw and WCW Nitro.
In 2000, McMahon again ventured outside the world of professional wrestling by launching the XFL. The league eventually began in February 2001 with McMahon making an appearance at the first game. The league, however, quickly folded after lack of publicity. In the summer of 2003, McMahon acquired Extreme Championship Wrestling in bankruptcy court, leaving McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation as the only major wrestling promotion left in North America.
In 2009, McMahon indicated interest in starting a brand new cable network.
In 2010, McMahon announced plans to launch the brand new cable network by summer 2011.
Professional wrestling
Mr. McMahon is the on-screen character of Vince McMahon, with the gimmick of being an often egotistical heel boss. The character was spawned from the real-life hatred many wrestling fans had for McMahon following the Montreal Screwjob, at the 1997 Survivor Series.
Several other gimmicks have become integral parts of McMahon's on-camera persona, such as his throaty exclamation of "You're fired!", and his "power walk"—an over-exaggerated strut toward the ring, swinging his arms and bobbing his head from side to side in a cocky manner. This is usually accompanied by a comment from Jim Ross, such as "There's only one man I know that walks like that." The power walk is used to get a reaction out of the audience (especially when he's a heel), but it also provides comic relief as well. WWE Superstar John Cena had joked on the WWE Exposed special that aired before WWE Homecoming, that McMahon "somehow walks like he's got a broomstick shoved up in his ass". According to Jim Cornette, the power walk was inspired by one of Vince McMahon's favorite wrestlers as a child, Dr. Jerry Graham. The Fabulous Moolah, however, claims in her autobiography that "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers was the inspiration for the walk.
McMahon has occasionally dropped his character performance upon real-life events affecting WWE, such as the death of Owen Hart at Over the Edge in 1999, the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the death of ]. wade bareeeettttttttttttt
- "IGN: Vince McMahon Biography". IGN.com. Retrieved 2007-09-14.
- "WWE'S Linda McMahon Resigns to Run for U.S. Senate" (PDF) (Press release). World Wrestling Entertainment. September 16, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-16.
- ^ "WWE Board of Directors". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2009-09-09.
- "WWE says CEO resigns, names chairman as new CEO". Reuters. 2009-09-16. Retrieved 2010-04-15.
- Daniela Altimari (2009-09-16). "WWE's Linda McMahon Seeks GOP Nod For Sen. Chris Dodd's Seat". The Hartford Courant. Retrieved 2010-04-15.
- Linda McMahon (2010-02-28). "Linda McMahon: My first 100 days". Hartford Courant. Retrieved 2010-04-15.
- Kaelberer, Angie Peterson (2003). The McMahons: Vince McMahon and Family. Capstone Press. p. 15. ISBN 0736821430.
- ^ "Vince McMahon's biography". WWE Corporate. Retrieved 2008-01-14.
- "ASK WV (9/27/03): WM III attendance, Hart/HBK, Sting/4 Horsemen, & More". WrestleView. 2003-09-27.
- ^ "Survivor Series 1997 main event (Montreal Screwjob)". WWE. Retrieved 2008-01-14.
- "History of the ACHL". HockeyDB.
- WWE is Showing a Flip Side, Los Angeles Times, August 24, 2009
- McMahon: Let's Imagine a WWE Network, Media Life Magazine, August 25, 2009
- WWE's Vince McMahon to Launch WWE Cable TV Network, Examiner.com, August 25, 2009
- WWE's Vince McMahon Wants to Launch Cable Network, Los Angeles Times, August 24, 2009
- Vince McMahon: WWE Television Network to Launch By 2011, Wrestling, Inc., February 11, 2010
- Details on WWE Network Plans, Inside Pulse Wrestling, February 22, 2010
- New Details on the WWE Cable Network, When It May Launch and More, LordsofPain.net, May 7, 2010
- Ellison, Lillian (2003). The Fabulous Moolah: First Goddess of the Squared Circle. ReaganBooks. p. 60. ISBN 9780060012588.