With Netflix gearing up for the release of its highly anticipated docuseries on Vince McMahon, the former WWE chairman is not staying silent.
The series, titled Mr. McMahon, is set to air on September 25, promising a deep dive into McMahon’s controversial career and the scandals that have surrounded him.
Ahead of the release, McMahon has voiced his concerns about the portrayal, accusing Netflix of being misleading and using questionable editing tactics.
McMahon’s Career Under the Spotlight
The Netflix docuseries, produced by Chris Smith (Tiger King) and Bill Simmons, focuses on McMahon’s journey from acquiring the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1982 to building it into the global phenomenon that is now WWE.
Over the decades, McMahon has been both a backstage powerhouse and a front-facing character in the wrestling world.
However, his legacy has been marred by multiple scandals, including allegations of sexual misconduct and hush-money payments totaling nearly $15 million, which led to his resignation from WWE in 2022.
The docuseries promises to delve into the many controversies surrounding McMahon, including more recent allegations of sex trafficking, which have continued to unfold.
A trailer for the series suggests it will unveil the darker side of McMahon’s reign at WWE, potentially leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
McMahon Responds to Netflix’s “Misleading” Editing
In response to the upcoming release, McMahon issued a statement criticizing Netflix for manipulating the narrative.
He emphasized that while he doesn’t regret participating in the project, he feels the final cut is far from objective.
According to McMahon, the series conflates his larger-than-life WWE persona, Mr. McMahon, with his personal life.
“A lot has been misinterpreted or left out entirely in an effort to leave viewers intentionally confused,” McMahon stated.
He also accused the producers of using out-of-context footage and old soundbites to support a distorted and sensationalized version of events.
McMahon further expressed frustration with the way the series frames certain aspects of his life, particularly a lawsuit involving an affair, which he says is being unfairly tied to his wrestling persona.
He urged viewers to keep an open mind, reminding them that there are always two sides to every story.
The Rise and Fall of a Wrestling Titan
Despite the controversy, McMahon’s role in transforming WWE into an international entertainment juggernaut is undeniable.
After acquiring the WWF from his father in 1982, he revolutionized the wrestling business, bringing in new audiences and expanding the brand’s global reach.
McMahon also famously bought out rival wrestling promotions, ECW and WCW, solidifying WWE’s dominance in the early 2000s.
While McMahon has long been a central figure in WWE both behind the scenes and in front of the camera, his time at the top has been turbulent. In 2022, he stepped down as Executive Chairman following sexual misconduct allegations.
However, he returned a year later after WWE and UFC formed TKO, a new combat sports powerhouse. McMahon resumed his role as Executive Chairman of WWE.
What’s Next for McMahon?
In January 2024, McMahon once again stepped away from his executive position, following allegations of involvement in a sex-trafficking scheme.
This case, led by former WWE employee Janel Grant, is still under investigation.
As the legal battles continue, McMahon’s future remains uncertain, though his legacy in the world of professional wrestling is already firmly established.
With the Netflix docuseries set to shine a spotlight on the most controversial moments of McMahon’s career, viewers will soon get to see how the narrative unfolds.
But as McMahon himself has warned, there may be more to the story than meets the eye.