After a so-so Payback PPV, it was evident that the spotlight still falls on the McMahon family. We have famous families from all generations causing controversy, families like the Kardashians, the Osbournes and more. However none has caused more problems for themselves like Vince McMahon has.
With his arrogance ever showing, Vince last night told the world what we already know. He told the world that he doesn’t care about the fans, the media or anyone else for that matter. What Vince cares about is himself. Well this piece is dedicated to showing the most shocking controversies that almost killed Vince and therefore the WWE.
Adulterer
I know this isn’t exactly news but Vince McMahon is one of the most serial adulterers in the history of the world. So much so that it is completely ignored by the industry because of the power he has. In a 2002 interview with the infamous Howard Stern, the DJ brought up the topic of adultery with Vince. Vince was actually surprisingly open and said he would sleep with “anything with a skirt” but eventually realised there was more to life than getting his rocks off.
The DJ continued to press, asking just how he got away with it for so many years. Vince stated that Linda knew all about it for years and the couple worked together through their problems. This showed the arrogance that Vince McMahon has. Not only does he publicly state this to the world, he actually states that Linda knew about it and therefore made her look weak. It is a sad play on his part and one of the biggest talking points of the attitude era.
The Montreal Screwjob
During the late nineties, Bret Hart was ready to leave the WWE for WCW. After failing to get him to sign a long term deal Bret announced his intentions to leave whilst still being WWE Champion. Vince didn’t want that as it would practically hand WCW the power over the Monday Night Wars. After a night of brainstorming ideas, it was decided they would simply legitimately end the match early and crown Michaels the champion whether Bret liked it or not, and when Shawn Michaels locked in Bret’s signature Sharpshooter the referee called for the bell, naming the Heartbreak Kid the new WWE Champion.
Bret knew McMahon was to blame, and went on a tear, trashing the ringside area, spitting in McMahon’s face and writing the words WCW in the air with his finger. The talk that he also knocked out Vince in the dressing room was an added special touch. Either way it is undoubtedly one of the most controversial booking decisions in wrestling history.
Steriod Trial
During the nineteen-eighties, the WWE was known for its absolutely beat of larger than life characters. It was built on ripped superstars like Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior. It wasn’t even a secret but Vince McMahon ensured that his talent would fit the certain image of what a “wrestler” is. How did he ensure this? Well he “encouraged” his talent to take steriods.
This all came to a head when McMahon was indicted in federal court for conspiring with convicted steriod distributor Dr. George Zahorian. The case actually went to trial in 1994 after Vince had to sign over the WWE to Linda amid the controversy so that it wouldn’t be impacted on. This happened after Hulk Hogan was due to testify against Vince, however McMahon was acquitted of all charges shortly after. Whilst he was found innocent it was evident that it changed the landscape. Vince started to rely on smaller talents such as Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart. This was none more evident than when Hulk Hogan made his appearance in WCW looking much smaller than his appearance in the WWE.
Whilst controversy will always surround Vince there is one thing I think we can all agree on. That is it doesn’t matter how much he does wrong he’ll always survive.
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