The Netflix docuseries "Mr. McMahon," which premiered on Wednesday, dives deep into the life of Vince McMahon, the iconic yet controversial former CEO and chairman of WWE. Over six episodes, it traces McMahon's rise to the top of professional wrestling and his eventual downfall amid multiple legal and personal scandals. While McMahon's character as "Mr. McMahon" on TV is legendary, many argue it mirrors his real-life persona—a ruthless, power-hungry businessman.
The docuseries offers a comprehensive look at McMahon’s career, controversies, and personal life, including interviews with McMahon himself, WWE legends, critics, and his family. Notably, McMahon canceled his final interviews when former WWE employee Janel Grant’s lawsuit became public during filming.
Here’s a breakdown of what we learned from the series:
What Did You Discover?
Chris Vannini : For casual fans, the series sheds light on McMahon's life and controversies, from the well-known 1990s steroid trial to lesser-known scandals like the Ring Boy scandal and harassment accusations against WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson. The docuseries also revisits serious allegations, including the rape accusation by Rita Chatterton and Janel Grant’s lawsuit that accuses McMahon of sex trafficking and other abuses.
What stood out most were McMahon's candid interviews. This was one of the few times we saw him get introspective, especially when discussing his abusive childhood. This glimpse into his past provides insight into his motivations, relationships, and desire for power. Longtime manager Paul Heyman describes McMahon as someone who spent his entire life seeking control—until he lost it.
For hardcore wrestling fans, much of the docuseries covers familiar ground: Hulkamania, the Montreal Screwjob, the Monday Night Wars between WWE and WCW. However, these elements help contextualize McMahon’s career for a broader audience.
Jason Jones: As someone who grew up during WWE’s peak, I didn’t fully grasp some of the earlier scandals at the time. WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas’s honesty about Pat Patterson and WWE’s treatment of women was eye-opening but necessary.
McMahon’s reflections on his relationships, particularly with his father and son Shane, were fascinating. Shane’s risk-taking in the ring and his ambition to run WWE were driven by a desire for his father’s approval. Shane’s failed attempts to buy UFC to impress Vince and their complicated dynamic add depth to their story.
Most Surprising Part?
Vannini : The most surprising aspect was how deeply the series explored Shane McMahon's relationship with his father. There’s a touching moment from WrestleMania 32 where Shane hugs his sons after a match, followed by a rare hug from Vince. It’s clear that Shane worked hard to break the cycle of strained father-son relationships in the McMahon family.
The series also digs into WWE’s succession plan—or lack thereof. Shane’s departure, his feelings about not being chosen to succeed Vince, and the idea that Shane was "too nice" to be the boss are intriguing. Perhaps that perceived kindness was the real issue.
Jones : I was shocked to see Chris Benoit mentioned. Benoit’s name has been all but erased from WWE history since his 2007 double murder-suicide. Yet, this docuseries openly discusses his tragic story, which I didn’t expect given WWE’s efforts to distance itself from him.
Most Disappointing Aspect?
Vannini : While the docuseries touches on McMahon's recent controversies, I wish we had more reactions from wrestling stars regarding the latest accusations, including Grant’s lawsuit. Most interviews were filmed before the lawsuit became public, and it feels like people were holding back their true thoughts out of fear of McMahon’s influence. With McMahon now out of WWE, it would have been fascinating to hear more candid opinions.
The focus is primarily on McMahon, but the lawsuit also involves other figures, like former WWE executive John Laurinaitis. McMahon’s personal scandals are at the forefront, but the legal saga involving the company is far from over.
Jones : I was disappointed by the lack of discussion around Chyna (Joanie Lauer). She was integral to WWE’s history, and her relationship with Paul “Triple H” Levesque—who later married Stephanie McMahon—played a significant role in shaping WWE’s future. Given the series’ focus on women in wrestling, more attention to Chyna’s impact would have been fitting.
Additionally, McMahon was described as a father figure to many WWE stars. While some of that sentiment is explored, I wanted to understand more about why so many people remain loyal to him despite his controversies.
Would You Recommend?
Vannini : Absolutely. McMahon seemed to think this would be his opportunity to craft his narrative, but the series doesn’t shy away from showing his darker side. It’s a balanced portrayal that captures both his business success and personal failings, which are forever intertwined in his legacy.
Jones : Yes. Even though it doesn’t delve as deeply into some recent lawsuits, there’s still plenty to learn. The family dynamics, particularly between Vince and Shane, are compelling. This may be the last time we hear from McMahon outside of courtrooms, making it a must-watch for wrestling fans and those interested in complex personalities.
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