Movies

Vince McMahon nearly ruined professional wrestling

BBG News

Vince McMahon nearly ruined professional wrestling

As someone who grew up watching the WWE during the Attitude Era and beyond, I can say that Vince McMahon’s influence on the industry is undeniable. However, my personal perspective has always been shaped by more than just his business acumen or innovative television moments.

As an industry, professional wrestling is booming. WWE continues to break various records as the promotion brings in massive amounts of revenue and profits. All Elite Wrestling is expected to announce a new television deal worth millions of dollars that will set the tone for its future. TNA Wrestling is even experiencing a surge as the partnership with WWE NXT continues. There’s a lot to be excited about in professional wrestling, but this week will also highlight a dark element that needs to be revealed. The Netflix documentary on Vince McMahon is set to release on September 25 and it’s time to have a conversation about how he nearly ruined the entire professional wrestling and sports entertainment industries.

First off, let’s take a moment to discuss McMahon’s role in the WWE before people start rallying to his defense (which may not be necessary). It’s true that McMahon was instrumental in establishing the WWE; he acquired the organization from his father in 1982 and propelled it into a major player in the entertainment industry. His keen business sense and knack for capitalizing on opportunities led to the creation of legendary figures such as Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, Becky Lynch, among others.

Absolutely, Vince McMahon’s leadership with WWE catapulted professional wrestling into a global entertainment powerhouse, spawning numerous other promotions worldwide. While there are older promotions like CMLL out there, none can match the scale, influence, and prosperity that WWE has achieved over time. In this world where trends are often chased instead of being pioneered, WWE’s success paved the way for numerous spin-offs that are still striving to replicate even a fraction of its success. As a gamer, I can appreciate the impact WWE has had on the entertainment industry!

It’s crucial to acknowledge that McMahon significantly contributed to the progress of the global-loved industry, a fact likely to be highlighted in the Netflix documentary. However, it’s now appropriate to discuss the numerous questionable aspects, both within the ring and beyond, which McMahon’s involvement may have impacted across the industry.

The January news about Janel Grant’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE was stunning. And in some ways surprising, but also not surprising in others. Stories about allegations against McMahon were told over the years, but it was a different situation to see them laid out in such a fashion within the legal documentation of this lawsuit. As this matter continues through the legal process, there’s no telling exactly how or when things will play out. This started as a civil lawsuit, but there are developments that are leading many to believe this will eventually become a criminal proceeding with the possibility of massive implications.

McMahon and Laurinaitis being named in the lawsuit is one big issue, but the fact that the WWE is named as well shines light on another major issue that McMahon fostered. Grant’s lawsuit names WWE as it claims the company as a whole systematically made it possible for McMahon to treat Grant in the way stated in the legal proceedings. The biggest promotion in professional wrestling is directly named in a matter alleging its former CEO and Chairman allowed and encouraged disturbing treatment of employees. If the biggest company in space is said to be behaving in such a fashion, there’s no reason to think smaller organizations and the people who work within them would not be susceptible to similar behaviors.

In a dominant position within the top tier of the entertainment industry, this influential figure was often dismissive of accountability regarding multiple accusations, both privately and publicly. It’s hard to demand change from smaller companies when even the biggest players set a questionable example. This is why many individuals under fire for misconduct can continue working instead of being shunned. While Vince McMahon isn’t solely responsible for this issue, it’s challenging to improve the situation when industry leaders don’t lead by example.

McMahon held a significant amount of power behind the scenes, instilling fear in everyone associated with the company, both inside and outside of it. Yet, his influence was not limited to this private sphere; he also had a noticeable impact when in the public eye. It’s been said that the entirety of WWE was essentially tailored to cater to McMahon’s preferences. Those who ascended to the top were handpicked by him, and the types of matches and their outcomes were decided by his choice. The way talent was utilized, everything was directly orchestrated by McMahon, with his perspective always in focus.

The consequences were apparent for the business as these choices were seen as setting the norm. If WWE opted for such individuals and presented them in this manner to achieve these outcomes, then it seemed like this was the only correct approach, which led to following trends. In terms of booking women, they were often portrayed based on their appearance and McMahon’s preference. People of color were frequently typecast in stereotypical roles, and despite the fact that such practices were deemed inappropriate on TV, they continued for a long time.

Today, the impact of McMahon’s bookings can still be seen shaping wrestling, sports entertainment, and audience preferences in both fields. If you observe online conversations about potential stars or successful entertainment styles, you’ll notice that many arguments stem from the values promoted during Monday Night Raw, SmackDown, and their expansions. McMahon’s influence taught us that there’s room for diversity within wrestling. In fact, it can be likened to a variety show, where the top performers don’t have to be exclusively white men or blonde, white women. The industry should welcome a broader range of individuals from various ethnicities, body types, and identities. McMahon demonstrated that he had unique views, and his influence has significantly shaped wrestling for years.

Online communities have fostered a strong loyalty towards McMahon, stemming from his role in shaping the Attitude Era. Yet, this devotion has often hindered progress and growth within the industry. As he grew older, his inflexibility in thought resulted in significant declines in popularity not just for WWE, but also professional wrestling at large.

WWE emerged victorious in the Monday Night Wars, dominating the wrestling scene for years. This dominance led to a decline in TV ratings as fans felt disrespected by WWE’s jokes and frequent disrespect. The quality of shows reached an all-time low, but Vince McMahon remained in charge, often booking shows that were hard to watch. AEW’s early success showed that wrestling fans craved an alternative, a desire that remains today. However, it was evident that if McMahon continued to be in control, there would be no significant changes within the biggest promotion in the business.

Vince McMahon initially stepped down for retirement in July 2022 following an investigation by the WWE board. Fans reacted positively to this change, but McMahon returned in early 2023, aiming to sell the company. This sale eventually led to Endeavor, owners of UFC and other properties, purchasing the WWE and appointing McMahon as TKO executive chairman. Triple H took over creative duties, but there was a worry that McMahon was still exerting influence on the show. Then, in January 2023, allegations against McMahon emerged, leading to a lawsuit on January 25. The next day, he resigned again.

As a devoted fan, I’ve been amazed by the surge WWE has been experiencing without Vince McMahon around. Sellout shows are at an all-time high, and WWE just sealed a deal with Netflix. Critics are raving about international shows, and television ratings remain robust even as we approach the NFL and College Football seasons. It’s fascinating to consider how much more the business could have grown had McMahon stepped aside years ago. Of course, it’s impossible to say for certain, but many have pondered this question over time. The industry is finally moving past McMahon, and bit by bit, we’re getting a glimpse of what the WWE landscape might look like without him.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on the profound impact Vince McMahon has had on the world of professional wrestling. The upcoming documentary on September 25 is merely the beginning of a much-needed dialogue that goes beyond his acclaimed business strategies and captivating wrestling productions. It’s crucial we delve into the untold stories, the experiences of those who may have suffered, or been impacted negatively by events over the years. The question of whether McMahon came close to destroying the very industry he built is a conversation worth engaging in, as it sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced in this unique realm.

Read More

2024-09-24 18:15

Previous post Tekken 8 Gameplay Trailer Heralds the Return of Heihachi Mishima in October