It's McMahon, Mr. McMahon (or Vince If You're Nasty)
What’s Kayfabe and What’s a Work? This week on the podcast, Brian and Darryl are talking about the new Netflix docuseries Mr. McMahon about WWE founder Vince McMahon. Plus a quick review of the John Wick: Ballerina spinoff. Episode Index Intro: 0:07 John Wick: Ballerina: Mr. McMahon: News Bite From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025) Official Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FSwsrFpkbw Mr. McMahon (Netflix, 2024) Out of 10 Many Many Many Vince Controversies Darryl: 7.75/10 Brian: 6.24/10 Summary The new Netflix miniseries Mr. McMahon explores the tumultuous life and career of Vince McMahon, the legendary yet controversial co-founder of WWE. This six-part documentary delves into how McMahon transformed WWE from a small regional operation into a global powerhouse, while also examining the darker aspects of his reign, including numerous scandals and sexual misconduct allegations that ultimately led to his resignation. Directed by Chris Smith (Tiger King), the series draws on over 100 hours of interviews with McMahon, his family, and key figures in the wrestling world, giving viewers an unfiltered look at his rise and fall. A central theme is the blurring of lines between McMahon’s on-screen persona as the villainous “Mr. McMahon” and his real-life behavior. The series positions him as both a visionary and a figure responsible for perpetuating a toxic culture within professional wrestling. McMahon’s eventual downfall is presented as a self-inflicted tragedy, reinforced by his own statements and the testimonies of those close to him . The show serves as both an exposé and a reflection on McMahon’s complicated legacy, with Netflix positioning it as a major transition for WWE as it moves into a new era under different leadership. Episode Breakdown: Episode 1: “Junior” Covers Vince McMahon’s early years, focusing on his rise to power in WWE after taking over from his father. It touches on his transformation of the company into a global powerhouse, laying the foundation for his eventual on-screen character. Key themes: Vince’s business vision, controversial decisions, and initial family dynamics. Interviews: Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, Linda McMahon, Triple H (Paul Levesque), and Dave Meltzer (Wrestling Observer). Episode 2: “Heat” This episode dives into McMahon’s federal steroid trial in the 1990s and other scandals that began to mar WWE’s image. Interviews: Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Jimmy Hart, and USA Network executives. Commentary from insiders like Bruce Prichard and Eric Bischoff adds depth to the era’s controversies. Episode 3: “Screwjob” Focuses on the infamous Montreal Screwjob, where McMahon’s on-screen and off-screen personas blended, turning him into the villain “Mr. McMahon.” This episode also covers the fallout and the birth of WWE’s Attitude Era. Interviews: Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Bruce Prichard, and others. Episode 4: “Attitude” Covers the peak of the WWE during the “Attitude Era,” highlighting stars like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and D-Generation X. It also touches on darker moments like Owen Hart’s tragic death during a live event. Interviews: The Rock, Steve Austin, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and WWE production crew members. Episode 5: “Family Business” Focuses on Vince’s family dynamic, the public offering of WWE stock, the creation of the XFL, and his children’s increasing roles within the company. The departure of stars like The Rock and Austin is also explored. Interviews: Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Linda McMahon, and Triple H. Episode 6: “The Finish” This episode chronicles McMahon’s fall from grace due to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, leading to his resignation in 2022. It also looks at his attempts to reassert control before finally selling WWE to Endeavor. Interviews: Former WWE employees, media personalities, and legal experts on the misconduct allegations. This documentary paints a compreh
