A new Netflix documentary series, Mr. McMahon, promises to “pull back the curtain” on Vince McMahon, the larger-than-life figure who transformed WWE into a global entertainment phenomenon. The six-part series delves into McMahon’s decades-long career, tracing his journey from wrestling promoter to pop culture icon. With contributions from family members, former wrestlers, and business associates, the documentary aims to give viewers a closer look at the man behind the character. But does it succeed in revealing the real Vince McMahon?

Story of Power and Scandal

The documentary covers key moments in McMahon’s life and career, including some of the scandals that have surrounded him. McMahon’s on-screen persona as “Mr. McMahon” – a ruthless, power-hungry boss – has always blurred the lines between fiction and reality. Yet, it’s the off-screen allegations that cast the longest shadow.

While the series touches on past controversies, such as allegations of rape by WWE’s first female referee, Rita Chatterton, and the US government’s steroid distribution case, one high-profile scandal remains notably absent. The documentary does not address the recent sex trafficking lawsuit filed against McMahon by a former employee. McMahon himself called the series “misleading” for conflating his character with his real self, saying, “That’s not me. Mr. McMahon is a role I played.”

WWE’s Controversial History with Women

The documentary doesn’t shy away from WWE’s problematic past, particularly regarding its portrayal of women. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, WWE’s infamous “Attitude Era” saw female wrestlers often reduced to “eye candy,” as described by former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus. In one of the more infamous segments, Stratus recalls being forced to crawl on all fours and bark like a dog.

“Women were not considered wrestlers,” Stratus reflects in the documentary. “They were more like toys.” Anthony White, better known as Tony Atlas, agrees, stating, “We abused the hell out of women. They were like a toy for us.” McMahon’s daughter, Stephanie, who featured in many of these controversial storylines, admits that some of the segments feel outdated today. WWE’s current chief content officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, questions how they “ever got away with that stuff.” McMahon himself defends the era as “entertainment,” insisting it was in line with broader trends in the entertainment industry at the time.

Ruthless Businessman

One of the most notorious moments in WWE history, the “Montreal Screwjob,” is also covered in the documentary. This incident, which saw McMahon change the outcome of a match without informing one of its participants, Bret “The Hitman” Hart, cemented McMahon’s reputation as a ruthless businessman. McMahon manipulated the match, ensuring that Hart lost his championship in front of his hometown crowd.

McMahon admits in the documentary that the decision wasn’t personal. “It’s just show business,” he says. “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for business.” His willingness to make such bold moves in the name of WWE’s success has always set him apart from others in the industry.

Who is Vince McMahon?

While the documentary provides some insights into McMahon’s personal life, including his difficult childhood and his complex relationship with his children, it leaves viewers questioning how much of the real Vince McMahon is revealed. McMahon himself admits that the lines between his character and his real-life persona have blurred over the years. “Which is the character and which is me? I guess maybe it’s a blend,” he muses. “I’m not so sure which one.”

Many of those close to McMahon seem equally uncertain. His son Shane believes Mr. McMahon is “an extension” of his father, while wrestling legend Stone Cold Steve Austin describes the character as “pretty close to Vince the man, but highly exaggerated.” Former WWE star Hulk Hogan is more direct, stating: “Exactly the same person, not a far stretch.”

Conclusion: A Glimpse, But Not the Full Picture

Mr. McMahon offers a fascinating glimpse into Vince McMahon’s career and character, but it doesn’t entirely succeed in answering the central question: Who is Vince McMahon? While the documentary sheds light on some of his most controversial moments, there remains an element of mystery around the man who revolutionised professional wrestling. Perhaps that’s exactly how McMahon, a master of storytelling and control, wants it.