Vince McMahon: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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{{short description|American professional wrestling promoter (born 1945)}}

~~{{Mergefrom|McMahon (documentary)|date=September 2008}}~~

{{~~otheruses4~~About|Vincent ~~Kennedy~~K. McMahon~~, current WWE Chairman~~|his father|Vincent J. McMahon}}

{{redirect|Mr. McMahon|the 2024 documentary series|Mr. McMahon (miniseries){{!}}''Mr. McMahon'' (miniseries)|other people with the surname|McMahon (surname)}}

~~{{Infobox Wrestler~~

~~|name= Vince McMahon~~

|names='''Vince McMahon''' '''Mr. McMahon''' Vince McMahon, Jr. Vinnie Mac <ref> [http://www.tv.com/vince-mcmahon/person/49163/summary.html Vince McMahon] at TV.com</ref><ref> [http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/mcmahon-vince.html Vince McMahon] at SLAM! Sports</ref> '''Vincent Kennedy McMahon'''

~~|image=Mrmcmahon092407.jpg~~

{{Infobox person

~~|height={{height|ft=6|in=2}}~~

| name = Vince McMahon

~~|weight={{convert|248|lb|kg|abbr=on}}~~

| image = Vince McMahon 2.jpg

~~|birth_date={{birth date and age|1945|8|24}}<ref name="IGN"/>~~

| caption = McMahon in 2006

~~|birth_place= [[Pinehurst, North Carolina]]<ref name="IGN"/>~~

| birth_name = Vincent Kennedy McMahon

~~|resides= [[Greenwich, Connecticut]]~~

| other_names = Vince McMahon Jr. Vincent K. McMahon

~~|occupation= [[WWE Chairman]]~~

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1945|8|24}}

~~|billed= Greenwich, Connecticut~~

| birth_place = [[Pinehurst, North Carolina]], U.S.

~~|retired=~~

| education = [[East Carolina University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]])

~~|debut=1971<ref name="mcmahonism"/>~~

| occupation = {{hlist|Businessman|media proprietor|professional wrestling executive}}

| spouse = {{marriage|[[Linda McMahon|Linda Edwards]]|August 26, 1966}}

| children = {{hlist|[[Shane McMahon|Shane]]|[[Stephanie McMahon|Stephanie]]}}

| father = [[Vincent J. McMahon]]

| relatives = [[McMahon family]]

| signature = Signature of Vince McMahon.svg

| module = {{Infobox professional wrestler

| child = yes

| names = Mr. McMahon Vince McMahon

|height = 6 ft 2 in<ref name=Encyclopedia>{{cite book |title=WWE Encyclopedia |last1=Shields |first1=Brian |last2=Sullivan |first2=Kevin |page=[https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/330 330] |publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley|DK]] |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-7566-4190-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/330}}</ref>

|weight = 248 lb<ref name=Encyclopedia />

| billed = [[Greenwich, Connecticut]]<ref name="WWEBio">{{cite web |title=Mr. McMahon – WWE Bio |url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/mr-mcmahon |website=[[WWE]] |access-date=December 18, 2018 |archive-date=February 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222144104/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/mr-mcmahon |url-status=live}}</ref>

| debut = 1969 (ring announcer) 1971 (commentator) 1998 (wrestler)

| retired =

}}

'''Vincent Kennedy McMahon''' ({{IPAc-en|m|ə|k|ˈ|m|æ|n}}; born August 24, 1945) is an American businessman and former [[professional wrestling]] promoter. McMahon, along with his wife [[Linda McMahon|Linda]], is a co-founder of the modern [[WWE]],{{efn|name=Higheralpha12|McMahon and his wife [[Linda McMahon|Linda]] co-founded Titan Sports, Inc., which purchased his father's [[List of National Wrestling Alliance territories|regional wrestling promotion]] the World Wrestling Federation (now known as [[WWE]]) in 1982.}} the world's largest [[professional wrestling promotion]]. Outside of professional wrestling McMahon has occasionally ventured into promoting other sports; his projects have included the [[World Bodybuilding Federation]] and the [[XFL (2001)|XFL]] [[American football|football]] league. He is the owner of Alpha Entertainment.

McMahon graduated from [[East Carolina University]] with a degree in business in 1968, and began his tenure in professional wrestling as a commentator for WWE (then called the World Wide Wrestling Federation or WWWF) for most of the 1970s. He bought the company from his father, [[Vincent J. McMahon]], in 1982 and [[1980s professional wrestling boom|almost monopolized the industry]], which previously operated as separate entities across the United States. This led to the development of the annual event [[WrestleMania]], which became one of the world's [[Pay-per-view#PPV home television|most successful professional wrestling events]]. WWE then faced [[Monday Night War|industry competition]] from [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) in the 1990s before purchasing and absorbing WCW in 2001. WWE also purchased the assets of the defunct [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) in 2003.

'''Vincent Kennedy "Vince" McMahon Jr.''' (born August 24, 1945),<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|url=http://stars.ign.com/objects/915/915330_biography.html|title=IGN: Vince McMahon Biography|accessdate=2007-09-14|publisher=IGN.com}}</ref> popularly known by the [[ring name]] '''Mr. McMahon''', is an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], [[promoter]] and [[film producer]]. He is also the [[Chair (official)|Chairman]] of the [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) [[Board of directors]] and majority [[shareholder]] of WWE He is the creator of most [[World Wrestling Entertainment programs|WWE television programs]]. After acquiring [[World Championship Wrestling]] in 2001 and [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] in 2003, two years after its closure, McMahon's WWE became the sole remaining major American professional wrestling promotion (prior to the national expansion of [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]).

McMahon appeared on-screen for WWE from 1969 until 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Anne Victoria |date=2024-02-23 |title=What's Going On With Vince McMahon and the WWE This Time? |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/wwe-vince-mcmahon-allegations-explained.html |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Vulture |language=en}}</ref> initially as a personable play-by-play commentator. In 1997, he adopted the [[gimmick (professional wrestling)|character]] of Mr. McMahon, portrayed as an irascible, villainous, swaggering tyrant who obsessed over maintaining control of his wrestling company and often growled the catchphrase "you're fired!" when dismissing an employee.<ref name="Mick Foley's Hardcore Diaries">{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ClvqQV3BhLYC&pg=PT27 |title=The Hardcore Diaries|access-date=January 29, 2022 |work=World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. |last=Foley |first=Mick |date=January 1, 2007 |location=United States |isbn=978-1-84739-591-7|archive-date=April 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403231659/https://books.google.com/books?id=ClvqQV3BhLYC&pg=PT27|url-status=live}}</ref> Under the villainous Mr. McMahon gimmick, he competed in wrestling matches and became a one-time [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]], a one-time [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW Champion]], a [[Royal Rumble (1999)|Royal Rumble]] winner, and a multi-time [[List of WWE pay-per-view events|pay-per-view]] headliner.<ref name="WWEBio"></ref>

As an on-camera character, he mainly appears on the [[WWE Raw|Raw]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]] but makes appearances on the [[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]] and [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]] brands as well. McMahon plays a character based on himself in the world of the WWE, and is known for participating in occasional in-ring competition, having won two championships (the [[WWF Championship]] in 1999 and the [[ECW Championship]] in 2007) and the [[Royal Rumble (1999)|1999 Royal Rumble]].

Following claims of [[hush-money]] agreements McMahon paid over affairs with former WWE employees,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwe-board-probes-secret-3-million-hush-pact-by-ceo-vince-mcmahon-sources-say-11655322722 |title=WWE Board Probes Secret $3 Million Hush Pact by CEO Vince McMahon, Sources Say |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=June 15, 2022|access-date=June 24, 2022|archive-date=June 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622170839/https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwe-board-probes-secret-3-million-hush-pact-by-ceo-vince-mcmahon-sources-say-11655322722|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon stepped down as CEO and chairman of WWE in June 2022, pending the conclusion of an internal investigation. He was replaced by his daughter, [[Stephanie McMahon]].<ref name="Joint Release">{{cite web |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2022/06-17-2022-120023255 |title=WWE & Board of Directors Joint Release |work=WWE |date=June 17, 2022|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618032554/https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2022/06-17-2022-120023255|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/160037/vince-mcmahon-steps-back-as-wwe-ceo-chairman-of-the-board-stephanie-mcmahon-returns-to-company.html?p=1 |title=Vince Mcmahon Steps Back As Wwe Ceo & Chairman Of The Board, Stephanie Mcmahon Returns To Company |publisher=PWInsider.com |date=June 17, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225165526/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/160037/vince-mcmahon-steps-back-as-wwe-ceo-chairman-of-the-board-stephanie-mcmahon-returns-to-company.html?p=1 |url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, McMahon announced his retirement from WWE,<ref name="Vince McMahon Retires">{{cite web |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2022/07-22-2022a |title=Vince McMahon Retires |work=WWE |date=July 22, 2022|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=October 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018063553/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2022/07-22-2022a|url-status=live}}</ref> but his return to WWE as executive chairman was confirmed in January 2023.<ref name="McMahon EC" /> That April, [[Endeavor (company)|Endeavor Group Holdings]] announced [[Acquisition of WWE by Endeavor|a merger]] between WWE and [[Zuffa]], owner of the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] (UFC) mixed martial arts promotion; McMahon served as the executive chairman of the new merged company, [[TKO Group Holdings]] (TKO).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vince McMahon Agrees to Sell WWE to Endeavor to Form $21B+ Live Sports Brand with UFC |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10061347-vince-mcmahon-agrees-to-sell-wwe-to-endeavor-to-form-21b-live-sports-brand-with-ufc |access-date=April 3, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403165023/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10061347-vince-mcmahon-agrees-to-sell-wwe-to-endeavor-to-form-21b-live-sports-brand-with-ufc |url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon later resigned from TKO in January 2024 after [[Vince McMahon sex trafficking scandal|allegations of sex trafficking and sexual assault]]. McMahon is currently under a federal probe.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2024 |title=WWE founder Vince McMahon is under federal investigation surrounding sex trafficking allegations, sources say |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/wwe-founder-vince-mcmahon-federal-investigation-surrounding-sex-traffi-rcna136941 |access-date=February 7, 2024 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |title=Report: WWE Founder Vince McMahon Under Federal Investigation for Sexual Misconduct |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10107660-report-wwe-founder-vince-mcmahon-under-federal-investigation-for-sexual-misconduct |access-date=February 7, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>

~~==Early life and career==~~

McMahon was born on August 24, 1945 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Vince spent the majority of his childhood living with his mother and a string of stepfathers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/mcmahon-vince.html|title=Vince McMahon Biography|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Playboy]]'', McMahon claimed that one of his stepfathers, Leo Lupton, used to beat his mother and would attack him as well when he tried to protect her.<ref name=guide>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20010429/ai_n14526973|title=The parent's guide to WWF|publisher=Sunday Mirror|accessdate=2007-07-04|date=April 29, 2001}}</ref> He said, "It is unfortunate that he died before I could kill him. I would have enjoyed that."<ref name=guide/>

== Early life ==

His father, [[Vincent J. McMahon]], was the promoter for the Capitol Wrestling Co., but he had left the family while McMahon was still a baby. He did not meet his father until age 12, and at that point became interested in following his father's footsteps in the wrestling business, as he often accompanied him on trips to [[Madison Square Garden]].<ref name="mcmahonism">{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.com/mcmahonism_wwe/bio.htm|title=Vince McMahon's biography|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=McMahonism (Fan Site)}}</ref>

McMahon was born in [[Pinehurst, North Carolina]], on August 24, 1945,<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |url=http://stars.ign.com/objects/915/915330_biography.html |title=IGN: Vince McMahon Biography|access-date=September 14, 2007 |website=IGN.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116114423/http://stars.ign.com/objects/915/915330_biography.html|archive-date=November 16, 2007}}</ref> to Victoria (née Hanner; 1920–2022)<ref>{{cite web |title=Victoria Hanner "Vicki" Askew Obituary |newspaper=[[The Beaumont Enterprise]] |url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/beaumontenterprise/name/victoria-askew-obituary?id=32355975|access-date=January 31, 2022 |via=[[Legacy.com]]|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131145205/https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/beaumontenterprise/name/victoria-askew-obituary?id=32355975|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Vincent J. McMahon|Vincent James McMahon]] (1914–1984), who left the family when McMahon was still a baby and took McMahon's older brother Roderick James McMahon III (1943–2021)<ref>{{cite news |title=Roderick James "Rod" McMahon Obituary |newspaper=[[The Courier (Conroe newspaper)|The Courier of Montgomery County]] |url=https://www.legacy.com/amp/obituaries/courier/197577661|access-date=January 26, 2021 |via=Legacy.com|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131143507/https://www.legacy.com/amp/obituaries/courier/197577661|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 25, 2021 |title=Rod McMahon, brother of WWE's Vince McMahon, passes away at 77 |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/rod-mcmahon-brother-wwes-vince-mcmahon-passes-away-77-331266|access-date=January 26, 2021 |website=WON/F4W – WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126045501/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/rod-mcmahon-brother-wwes-vince-mcmahon-passes-away-77-331266|url-status=live}}</ref> with him. McMahon did not meet his father until the age of 12.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/mcmahon-vince.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629081637/http://www.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/mcmahon-vince.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=Vince McMahon Biography |publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> McMahon's paternal grandfather was the boxing promoter [[Jess McMahon|Roderick James "Jess" McMahon]],{{sfn|Solomon|2006|p=4}} whose parents were Irish immigrants from [[County Galway]].<ref>{{cite news |title=The fighting Irish and the WWE |date=September 20, 2013 |newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]] |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/the-fighting-irish-and-the-wwe-243608.html|access-date=November 18, 2017|archive-date=July 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707100304/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/the-fighting-irish-and-the-wwe-243608.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Roderick">{{cite book |title=National Wrestling Alliance: The Untold Story of the Monopoly That Strangled Professional Wrestling |last=Hornbaker |first=Tim |year=2007 |publisher=ECW Press |isbn=978-1-55022-741-3}}</ref>

His paternal grandmother, Rose Davis, was also of Irish descent.<ref name="Roderick" /> McMahon was raised under the name Vinnie Lupton and spent the majority of his childhood living with his mother and various stepfathers. He later claimed that one of his stepfathers, Leo Lupton, beat his mother and attacked him when he tried to protect her; he said of the experience, "It is unfortunate that [Lupton] died before I could kill him. I would have enjoyed that."<ref>{{cite magazine |author= |title=Playboy Interview: Vince McMahon |magazine=[[Playboy]] |page=60 |date=February 2001}}</ref> He graduated in 1964 from [[Fishburne Military School]] in [[Waynesboro, Virginia]],<ref>{{cite magazine |author= |title=Playboy Interview: Vince McMahon |magazine=Playboy |page=61 |date=February 2001}}</ref> where he reportedly struggled due to [[dyslexia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dyslexiamentor.com/famousdyslexics.php |title=Famous Dyslexics|access-date=September 15, 2008 |publisher=Dyslexia Mentor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921191236/http://www.dyslexiamentor.com/famousdyslexics.php|archive-date=September 21, 2008}}</ref>

~~==Business career==~~

~~===World Wide Wrestling Federation (1971–1979)===~~

In 1968, he graduated from [[East Carolina University]] with a business degree and after a nondescript career as a traveling salesman, he was eager to assume a managerial role in his father’s [[World Wrestling Entertainment#World Wide Wrestling Federation|World Wide Wrestling Federation]] promotion (although Vince Sr. was not thrilled with the idea of his son entering the business). Nevertheless, he was assigned to a small territory in Maine, where he promoted his first card in 1971. Early in his wrestling career, McMahon served as the in-ring announcer. He later became the play-by-play announcer for television matches after he replaced Ray Morgan in 1971, a role he would regularly maintain until November 1997.<ref name="mcmahonism"/>

== Business career ==

Throughout the 1970s, McMahon became the prominent force in his father's company, and over the next decade, Vince would eventually assist his father in tripling TV syndication. He pushed for the renaming of the company to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). The young McMahon was also behind the famous [[Muhammad Ali]] versus [[Antonio Inoki]] match of 1976, the year that his daughter [[Stephanie McMahon]] was born. In 1979, Vince purchased the [[Cape Cod Coliseum]], where he promoted hockey games and concerts in addition to pro wrestling, as he began to prove that he was capable of running the WWWF after his father’s retirement. By 1980, [[World Wrestling Entertainment|Titan Sports]] was incorporated; in 1982, a 37-year old McMahon led Titan’s acquisition of the Capitol Wrestling Co. from his ailing father (who died in May 1984), as he and his wife [[Linda McMahon]] took control of the World Wrestling Federation.<ref name="mcmahonism"/>

=== Early business dealings ===

~~===World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (1982–present)===~~

[[File:Vince McMahon Sr and Vince McMahon Jr.jpg|left|thumb|McMahon with his father [[Vincent J. McMahon]], {{Circa|1970s}}]]

~~====1980s wrestling boom====~~

McMahon first met the promoter for [[Capitol Wrestling Corporation]] (CWC), his father, Vincent J. McMahon, when 12. At that point, McMahon became interested in following in his father's professional wrestling footsteps and often accompanied him on trips to [[Madison Square Garden]]. McMahon wanted to be a wrestler, but his father did not allow him, explaining that promoters did not appear on the show and should stay apart from their wrestlers.<ref name="DVD" />

~~{{Main|1980s wrestling boom}}~~

At the time of his purchase of the World Wrestling Federation, professional wrestling was a business run by regional offices; and the various promoters shared an understanding that they would not invade each other’s territories, as this practice had gone on undeterred for decades. McMahon had a different vision of what the industry could become. In 1963, the WWWF split from the [[National Wrestling Alliance]], which was the governing body for all the regional territories across the country and as far away as Japan. Becoming the second territory to break away in the US, the mid-western based [[AWA]] being the first to do so in 1959. McMahon also preferred a shift in the business from one of perceived violence to exaggerated storylines that attracted mainstream audiences, and he coined the term “sports entertainment” as a way to separate his product from his more traditional counterparts.<ref name="mcmahonism"/>

In 1968, McMahon graduated from [[East Carolina University]]<ref name="Roderick" /> with a business degree and after a nondescript career as a traveling salesman, he was eager to assume a managerial role in his father's [[Capitol Wrestling Corporation#World Wide Wrestling Federation (1963–1979)|World Wide Wrestling Federation]] promotion. In 1969, McMahon made his debut as a ring announcer for the WWWF's ''[[List of former WWE programming#All-Star Wrestling (1971–1986)|All-Star Wrestling]]''.<ref name="McMahonFamily">{{cite book |last=Kaelberer |first=Angie Peterson |title=The McMahons: Vince McMahon and Family |publisher=Capstone Press |year=2003 |page=[https://archive.org/details/mcmahonsvincemcm0000kael/page/15 15] |isbn=0-7368-2143-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/mcmahonsvincemcm0000kael/page/15}}</ref> In 1971, he was assigned to a small territory in Maine, where he promoted his first card. He later became the play-by-play commentator for television matches after replacing [[Ray Morgan (announcer)|Ray Morgan]] in 1971, a role he regularly maintained until November 1997.

He began expanding the company nationally by promoting in areas outside of the company's Northeast U.S. stomping grounds and by signing talent from other companies such as the [[American Wrestling Association]] (AWA) for instance. In 1984, he recruited [[Hulk Hogan]] to be the WWF’s charismatic new megastar, and the two quickly drew the ire of industry peers as the promotion began traveling and broadcasting into rival territories. Nevertheless, McMahon (who still also fronted as the WWF’s squeaky clean babyface announcer) was fearless in the face of opposition, and he created ''[[1980s wrestling boom#The Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection|The Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection]]'' by incorporating pop music stars into wrestling storylines. As a result, the WWF was able to expand its fanbase into a national mainstream audience as the promotion was featured heavily on [[MTV]] programming. McMahon was planting the seeds for an industry explosion; on March 31, 1985, he promoted the first ''[[WrestleMania (1985)|WrestleMania]]'' to be held at [[Madison Square Garden]] while airing on closed circuit TV throughout the U.S. Though WrestleMania was not the sport’s first supercard, McMahon looked to break the industry mold when he stacked the internationally-promoted event with celebrities, including [[Mr. T]], [[Cyndi Lauper]], [[Muhammad Ali]], [[Billy Martin]], [[Liberace]], and [[The Rockettes]] in an attempt to gain unprecedented publicity for the WWF. McMahon poured most of his funds into marketing the event, thus risking everything in an attempt for unbridled dominance; in spite of several sabotage efforts by rivals, WrestleMania was an undisputed success. As a result, the WWF thus stood head and shoulders above all its competition, and Hulk Hogan soon became a full-fledged pop-culture icon and child role model.<ref name="mcmahonism"/>

In the 1970s, McMahon became a prominent force in his father's company and, over the next decade, assisted his father in tripling TV syndication.<ref name="books.google.com">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rPCGDAAAQBAJ&q=inoki+vs+ali+vince+mcmahon+jr&pg=PA152 |title=Ali vs. Inoki: The Forgotten Fight That Inspired Mixed Martial Arts and Launched Sports Entertainment |first=Josh |last=Gross |date=June 9, 2016 |publisher=BenBella Books, Inc. |isbn=978-1-942952-20-6 |via=Google Books|access-date=October 15, 2020|archive-date=April 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409212700/https://books.google.com/books?id=rPCGDAAAQBAJ&q=inoki+vs+ali+vince+mcmahon+jr&pg=PA152|url-status=live}}</ref> The younger McMahon was also behind the [[Muhammad Ali]] versus [[Antonio Inoki]] match of 1976.<ref name="books.google.com" /> He pushed for the renaming of the company to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979.

This led to what has been considered a "Golden Age of Wrestling" with WWF seeing increased mainstream exposure, TV ratings, and house show gates all throughout the rest of the decade. During the late 1980s, McMahon shaped the WWF into a unique sports entertainment brand that reached out to family audiences while attracting fans who had never before paid attention to pro wrestling. It was McMahon’s introduction of closed-circuit technology and pay-per-view television, however, that would establish his reputation as a marketing visionary. By directing his storylines towards highly-publicized supercards, McMahon initiated a brand-new revenue stream by promoting these events live on PPV television, a concept that would completely revolutionize event programming for all sports while catapulting the WWF into a multi-million dollar empire. Before long, WWF's ''[[WWE Saturday Night's Main Event|Saturday Night's Main Event]]'' even occasionally supplanted ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' in several highly-rated [[NBC]] broadcasts. In 1987, McMahon reportedly drew 93,173 fans to the [[Pontiac Silverdome]] (which was called the "biggest crowd in Sports entertainment history") for [[WrestleMania III]], which featured the blockbuster main event of [[Hulk Hogan]] versus [[André the Giant]].<ref name="mcmahonism"/><ref name="corporatebio">{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/company/bios/vk_mcmahon.jsp|title=Vince McMahon's biography|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=WWE Corporate}}</ref> The actual attendance number, however, is debatable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news/1064694768.shtml|title=ASK WV (9/27/03): WM III attendance, Hart/HBK, Sting/4 Horsemen, & More|date=2003-09-27|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>

On February 21, 1980, McMahon officially founded Titan Sports and the company's headquarters were established in [[South Yarmouth, Massachusetts]], using the now-defunct [[Cape Cod Coliseum]] as a home base for the company. McMahon then became chairman of the company and his wife, Linda, became the "co-chief executive".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2010/10/linda-mcmahon-and-the-difference-between-wrestling-and-politics/65339 |title=Linda McMahon and the Difference Between Wrestling and Politics |magazine=The Atlantic |date=October 29, 2010|access-date=December 7, 2016|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812111232/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2010/10/linda-mcmahon-and-the-difference-between-wrestling-and-politics/65339/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.ctnews.com/politicalcapitol/2010/09/30/a-few-loose-ends-from-the-mcmahon-bankruptcy-story/ |title=A few loose ends from the McMahon bankruptcy story |date=October 1, 2010|access-date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=May 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505025429/http://blog.ctnews.com/politicalcapitol/2010/09/30/a-few-loose-ends-from-the-mcmahon-bankruptcy-story/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1982, Titan acquired control of the CWC from McMahon's ailing father (who died in May 1984) and his partners.

~~====1990s Attitude Era====~~

After several years struggling behind [[Ted Turner]]'s [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW), McMahon cemented his place as the industry’s preeminent promoter in the late 1990s, when he initiated an entirely new brand strategy that would eventually return the WWF to prominence. Sensing a public shift towards a more hardened and cynical fan base, McMahon redirected storylines towards a more adult-oriented model. The concept (which Mick Foley claimed in ''Have a Nice Day'' was brought about indirectly by the death of [[Brian Pillman]]) became known as [[The Attitude Era|WWF Attitude]], and McMahon personally commenced the new era when he manipulated the [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] away from [[Bret Hart]] at ''[[Survivor Series (1997)|Survivor Series 1997]]'' in what is now infamously known as the "[[Montreal Screwjob]].”<ref name="Survivor Series - Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1997/mainevent/|title=Survivor Series 1997 main event (Montreal Screwjob)|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=WWE}}</ref> From then on, McMahon, who for years had downplayed his ownership of the WWF and was thus better known as merely an affable announcer, and foil to heel colour commentators, immersed himself into WWF storylines as the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|evil]] “Mr. McMahon;” and an instant star was born when [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] challenged the boss’ authority in one of the great feuds in history.<ref name="mcmahonism"/> McMahon versus Austin captivated audiences, and the WWF suddenly found itself back in the midst of national pop-culture, drawing millions of viewers for its weekly ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'' broadcasts, which ranked among the highest-rated shows on cable television.<ref name="corporatebio"/>

=== Professional wrestling ===

~~===Other business dealings===~~

==== Purchase of the WWF and 1980s wrestling boom ====

~~In the early 80s, McMahon briefly promoted ice hockey in [[South Yarmouth, Massachussetts]].~~

~~His Cape Cod Buccaneers played at the [[Cape Cod Coliseum]] and were founding members of the [[Atlantic Coast Hockey League]], an AA circuit. ~~

[[File:Tony Atlas, Vince McMahon, and Jesse Ventura, 1982.png|thumb|250x250px|McMahon in the middle of a confrontation between [[Tony Atlas]] (left) and [[Jesse Ventura]], 1982]]

Historically, the ACHL is considered a forgotten link between the rough and tumble loops of the 70s like the [[North American Hockey League (1973–1977)|NAHL]], lampooned in the classic movie [[Slap Shot (film)|Slap Shot]], and today's more credible [[East Coast Hockey League]]. As such it experienced a number of growing pains.

When he purchased the WWF in 1982, professional wrestling was a business run by regional promotions. Various promoters understood that they would not invade each other's territories, as this practice had gone on undeterred for decades.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.infinitecore.ca/superstar/index.php?threadid=68183 |title=KM : Reading Topic: WWF NATIONAL EXPANSION|access-date=August 17, 2016|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924145849/https://www.infinitecore.ca/superstar/index.php?threadid=68183|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[National Wrestling Alliance]] became the governing body for all the regional territories across the country and as far away as Japan. McMahon had a different vision of what the industry could become. In 1983, the WWF split from the NWA again (it had left the NWA in 1963 but rejoined in 1971).

McMahon had no plans to own the Buccaneers himself. But when all prospective investors, including the NHL's Boston Bruins (who once used the [[Cape Cod Cubs]] as a farm team), either balked at the idea of placing a new franchise at a venue with a mediocre track record or simply couldn't pay the entrance fee, he had to step in to ensure the building (which he owned) would have a main tenant.

From its inception, the ACHL was marred by questionable business practices. Amid tensions with other owners, McMahon soon withdrew his support. He folded the franchise in early 1982, before the league's first season had even ended.

~~<ref>{{cite web|title=History of the ACHL|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/achl/index.html|publisher=HockeyDB}}</ref> ~~

~~Massachussetts native [[Fred Ahern]], who represented the USA in the inaugural [[Canada Cup (ice hockey)|Canada Cup]] and spent 2 seasons in the NHL, closed his career with the Buccaneers. ~~

~~No pro hockey team ever served the market again.~~

~~The ACHL however, would remain in activity until 1987, and develop into a fairly successful venture after it merged with the [[AAHL]] to form the ECHL.~~

He began expanding the company nationally by promoting in areas outside of the company's Northeast U.S. stomping grounds and by signing talent from other companies, such as the [[American Wrestling Association]] (AWA). In 1984, he recruited [[Hulk Hogan]] to be the WWF's charismatic new megastar, and the two quickly drew the ire of industry peers as the promotion began traveling and broadcasting into rival territories. McMahon, who still also fronted as the WWF's squeaky clean babyface announcer, created ''[[1980s professional wrestling boom|The Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection]]'' by incorporating pop music stars into wrestling storylines.<ref name="vulturehound.co.uk" />

In October 1999, McMahon achieved the ultimate in personal success when he led the WWF in an [[Initial public offering]] of company stock. Nevertheless, McMahon continued his quest for total dominance over the sports entertainment industry; on March 23, 2001, he purchased the fading WCW for a mere $5 million. Three days later, his “victory speech” was simulcast on both WWF ''Raw'' and ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|WCW Nitro]]''. After a crusade lasting two decades, McMahon finally emerged as the undisputed emperor of professional wrestling in the United States after having vanquished his lone remaining rival.

As a result, the WWF was able to expand its fanbase into a national mainstream audience as the promotion was featured heavily on MTV programming. On March 31, 1985, he ran [[WrestleMania I|the first WrestleMania]] at [[Madison Square Garden]], available on [[closed-circuit television]] in various markets throughout the United States. McMahon's success of birthing [[WrestleMania]] in the 1980s had a significant impact on the [[1980s professional wrestling boom]] during the Golden Age Era.<ref name="vulturehound.co.uk">{{cite web |url=https://vulturehound.co.uk/2019/07/outside-the-mind-of-a-genius-vince-mcmahon-and-his-unfathomable-impact-on-professional-wrestling/ |title=Outside The Mind Of A Genius: Vince McMahon And His Unfathomable Impact On Professional Wrestling |date=July 18, 2019|access-date=February 19, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828042323/https://vulturehound.co.uk/2019/07/outside-the-mind-of-a-genius-vince-mcmahon-and-his-unfathomable-impact-on-professional-wrestling/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2000, McMahon again ventured outside the world of professional wrestling by launching the [[XFL]]. The league eventually began in February 2001 with McMahon making an appearance at the first game. The league, however, quickly folded after lack of publicity. In the summer of 2003, McMahon acquired [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] in bankruptcy court, leaving McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation as the only major wrestling promotion left in North America.

During the late 1980s, McMahon shaped the WWF into a unique sports entertainment brand that reached out to family audiences while attracting fans who hadn't paid attention to pro wrestling before. By directing his storylines toward highly publicized supercards, McMahon capitalized on a fledgling revenue stream by promoting these events live on [[pay-per-view]] television. In 1987, the WWF reportedly drew 93,173 fans to the [[Silverdome|Pontiac Silverdome]] (which was called the "biggest crowd in sports-entertainment history") for [[WrestleMania III]], which featured the main event of Hulk Hogan vs. [[André the Giant]].<ref name="corporatebio">{{cite web |url=http://corporate.wwe.com/company/bios/vk_mcmahon.jsp |title=Vince McMahon's biography |access-date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=WWE Corporate |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215125621/http://corporate.wwe.com/company/bios/vk_mcmahon.jsp |archive-date=December 15, 2007}}</ref>

~~==Professional wrestling==~~

~~=====Montreal Screwjob (1997)=====~~

At [[Survivor Series (1997)|Survivor Series]] in 1997, [[Bret Hart]] defended his WWF Championship against long-time rival [[Shawn Michaels]] in the main event. McMahon, who was the owner of the WWF, previously opted to be a play-by-play announcer instead of acting as the owner on-screen. In the weeks heading into Survivor Series, McMahon had entered into a rivalry with the heel Hart. During the match, Michaels applied Hart's own signature [[Professional wrestling holds|submission maneuver]] [[Sharpshooter (professional wrestling)| The Sharpshooter]] on Hart. Hart refused to submit. McMahon, however, got up and ordered the [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]] to ring the bell thus [[Screwjob (professional wrestling)|screwing]] Hart out of the title and made Shawn the champion. This was dubbed the "[[Montreal Screwjob]]".<ref name="Survivor Series - Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart"/> McMahon thus turned "[[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]]" and since then, he has been known as "Mr. McMahon," the heel owner and chairman of the WWF/E.

==== Business decline and the Attitude Era ====

~~=====The Corporation (1998–1999)=====~~

McMahon ordered the WWF Championship to be defended in a [[Professional wrestling tournament|14-man tournament]] named [[Survivor Series (1998)#Tournaments bracket|Deadly Games]] at [[Survivor Series (1998)|Survivor Series]] in 1998. McMahon made sure that [[Mick Foley|Mankind]] reached the finals because Mankind had visited McMahon in hospital after McMahon was sent to the hospital by the [[Brothers of Destruction|Undertaker and Kane]].<ref name="Survivor Series - The Rock vs Mankind">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1998/1998/|title=Survivor Series 1998 main event|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=WWE}}</ref> He also awarded Mankind the [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]] due to his status as a [[Hardcore wrestling|hardcore wrestling legend]]. During the main event, he was at the ringside during Mankind's tournament final match with [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] for the WWF Championship.

In 1993, the company entered the New Generation Era, one of McMahon's toughest times since taking over the company as business went up and down with various projects in the company.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/wwe-vince-mcmahon-new-generation-era-flops-loved/ |title=10 New Generation Era Flops That Vince McMahon Loved |date=August 28, 2020|access-date=September 5, 2021|archive-date=September 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906003122/https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/wwe-vince-mcmahon-new-generation-era-flops-loved/|url-status=live}}</ref>

After struggling against [[Ted Turner]]'s [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW), McMahon cemented the WWF as the preeminent wrestling promotion in the late 1990s when initiating a new brand strategy that eventually returned the WWF to prominence. Sensing a public shift toward a more hardened and cynical fan base, McMahon redirected storylines toward a more adult-oriented model. The concept became known as "WWF Attitude" and McMahon commenced the new era when manipulating the [[WWE World Championship|WWF Championship]] away from [[Bret Hart]] at [[Survivor Series (1997)|Survivor Series]] (now known as the "[[Montreal Screwjob]]").<ref name="Survivor Series – Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1997/mainevent/ |title=Survivor Series 1997 main event (Montreal Screwjob)|access-date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629055853/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1997/mainevent/|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon announced the beginning of the [[Attitude Era]] on the December 15th, 1997 episode of Monday Night Raw, where McMahon stated "This is a conscious effort on our part to 'open the creative envelope', in order to entertain in a more contemporary manner, extends far beyond the strict confines of sports presentation into the wide open environment of broad based entertainment. We borrow from such programs niches like soap-operas and others widely accepted forms of television entertainment and tired of the same old simplistic theory of 'good guys versus bad guys'. Surely the era is definitely, passe. Therefore, we’ve embarked on a far more innovative and contemporary creative campaign, that is far more invigorating and extemporaneous than ever before".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stillrealtous.com/vince-mcmahon-officially-introduced-attitude-era-raw-18-years-ago-today/|title=Vince McMahon Officially Introduced The Attitude Era On Raw 18 Years Ago Today|date=December 15, 2015|access-date=September 30, 2024}}</ref>

Originally, McMahon acted as he would help out Mankind during the match. At one point, The Rock turned his attention over McMahon. However, McMahon [[List of professional wrestling terms#T|turned]] on Mankind after a [[screwjob (professional wrestling)|screwjob]] as The Rock had caught Mankind in the [[Sharpshooter (professional wrestling)|Sharpshooter]]. Mankind had not submitted but McMahon ordered the referee to ring the bell, thus giving The Rock the WWF Championship. This was an homage to the "[[Montreal Screwjob]]" that occurred one year earlier.<ref name="Survivor Series - The Rock vs Mankind"/> McMahon referred to The Rock as the "[[The Corporation (professional wrestling)|Corporate Champion]]" thus forming the Corporation with his son [[Shane McMahon|Shane]] and The Rock.<ref name="corporation">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/corporation.html|title=Corporation Profile|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At ''[[Rock Bottom: In Your House]]'', Mankind defeated The Rock to win the WWF Championship after The Rock was forced submit to the [[Mandible claw]]. McMahon, however, screwed Mankind once again by reversing the decision and returning the belt to his chosen champion, The Rock.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#26|title=Rock Bottom results|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> McMahon went on to participate in a "Corporate Rumble" on the January 11, 1999 edition of ''Raw'' as an unscheduled participant. He was eliminated by [[Chyna]], another unscheduled participant.<ref name="vincematches"/>

McMahon, who, for years, had downplayed his ownership of the company and was mostly known as a commentator, became involved in WWF storylines as the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|evil]] Mr. McMahon, who began a legendary feud with [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]], who challenged his authority. As a result, the WWF suddenly found itself back in national pop-culture, drawing millions of viewers for its weekly ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'' broadcasts, which ranked among the highest-rated shows on cable television.<ref name="corporatebio" /> In October 1999, McMahon led the WWF in an [[initial public offering]] of company stock. Also, during the Attitude Era, the company embraced this period by incorporating foul language, graphic violence, and controversial stipulations such as Bra and Panties matches.<ref name="bleacherreport.com">{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2786951-10-years-into-the-pg-era-did-wwe-make-the-right-call |title=10 Years into the 'PG Era,' Did WWE Make the Right Call? |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |date=July 20, 2018|access-date=September 2, 2021|archive-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205074802/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2786951-10-years-into-the-pg-era-did-wwe-make-the-right-call|url-status=live}}</ref>

McMahon restarted his feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin. He had put up $100,000 to anyone who was able to eliminate Austin in the [[Royal Rumble (1999)#Royal Rumble entrances and eliminations|Royal Rumble match]].<ref name="Royal Rumble - 1999 Rumble match">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881143/mainevent/|title=1999 Royal Rumble match|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At [[Royal Rumble (1999)|Royal Rumble]], Austin was the number one entrant while McMahon was number two. For most of the match, McMahon stayed outside the ring. After Austin eliminated Corporation member [[Ray Traylor|Big Boss Man]], The Rock interrupted and distracted Austin which allowed McMahon to eliminate Austin and surprisingly win the 1999 Royal Rumble match.<ref name="Royal Rumble - 1999 Rumble match"/> This earned McMahon a title match at [[WrestleMania]] against WWF Champion The Rock. He turned down his spot, however, and WWF Commissioner Shawn Michaels awarded it to Austin.<ref>{{cite web|first=Christopher|second=Robin|last=Zimmerman|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw012599|title=RAW is WAR recap|accessdate=2008-01-15|date=[[1999-01-25]]|publisher=The Other Arena}}</ref> Austin was forced to put his title shot on the line against McMahon at [[In Your House#St. Valentine's Day Massacre|In Your House: St. Valentine's Day Massacre]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|steel cage match]]. During the match, [[Paul Wight|Big Show]] interrupted, making his WWF debut. He threw Austin through the side of the cage thus giving him the victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/stvalentinesdaymassacre.html|title=St. Valentine's Day Massacre results|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Big Show would go on to become a member of the Corporation.<ref name="corporation"/>

==== Monday Night War and acquisition of WCW and ECW ====

McMahon was later revealed as the "Higher Power" on the June 7 edition of ''Raw'' continuing his feud with WWF Champion Austin. McMahon's son Shane merged the Corporation with Undertaker's [[Ministry of Darkness]] to form the [[Corporate Ministry]]. McMahon would become a member of the short-lived stable [[The Union (professional wrestling)|The Union]] which existed in May 1999. As a result of Mcmahon being the "higher power", Austin was given 50% shares of the WWF by [[Linda McMahon|Linda]] and [[Stephanie McMahon]]. At [[King of the Ring#1999|King of the Ring]], however, McMahon and Shane defeated Austin in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap]] [[ladder match]] to regain control of the WWF.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html#1999|title=King of the Ring 1999 results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref><ref name="vincematches"/> While CEO, Austin scheduled a WWF Title match, the next on ''Raw'' after King Of The Ring. Austin defeated the Undertaker once again become the WWF Champion. At [[WWF Fully Loaded#1999|Fully Loaded]], Austin defeated Undertaker in a First Blood WWF Title match. As a result, McMahon was banned from coming on WWF TV.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/loaded.html#99|title=Fully Loaded 1999 results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref><ref name="vincematches"/>

On June 24, 1999, McMahon appeared on the ''[[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]]'' show and said he viewed Ted Turner as his rival, stating "All I'll say about Ted is he's a son-of-a-bitch, other than that, he's probably not a bad guy, but I don't like him at all".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/1999/06/28/mats-entertainment-wrestling-foes-mcmahon-hogan-square-off-in-talk-show-tussle/ |title=MATS ENTERTAINMENT! WRESTLING FOES MCMAHON, HOGAN SQUARE OFF IN TALK-SHOW TUSSLE |date=June 28, 1999|access-date=August 26, 2021|archive-date=August 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826060817/https://nypost.com/1999/06/28/mats-entertainment-wrestling-foes-mcmahon-hogan-square-off-in-talk-show-tussle/|url-status=live}}</ref>

McMahon later came out victorious against Ted Turner's [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) in the television ratings in the [[Monday Night War]] after an initial 84-week television ratings loss to WCW<ref name="vulturehound.co.uk" /> and afterward acquired the fading WCW from [[Turner Broadcasting System]] on March 23, 2001, with an end to the Monday Night War.<ref>{{cite web |title=WWF buys rival WCW |url=https://money.cnn.com/2001/03/23/deals/wwf/|access-date=March 12, 2016 |website=CNN Money |date=March 23, 2001|archive-date=November 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111224210/https://money.cnn.com/2001/03/23/deals/wwf/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 1, 2001, [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) filed for bankruptcy leaving WWF as the last major wrestling promotion at that time.<ref>{{cite book |title=Ringside: A History of Professional Wrestling in America |last=Beekman |first=Scott |page=[https://archive.org/details/ringsidehistoryo00beek/page/139 139] |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-275-98401-4 |url=https://archive.org/details/ringsidehistoryo00beek/page/139}}</ref> McMahon later acquired the assets of ECW on January 28, 2003.<ref name="scribd.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/305765539/WWE-acquires-ECW-Assets-HHG-Corporation |title=Library of Congress Web Archives |publisher=Webarchive.loc.gov |date=October 9, 2016 |access-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-date=October 9, 2016 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20161009024001/https://www.scribd.com/doc/305765539/WWE-acquires-ECW-Assets-HHG-Corporation}}</ref>

McMahon returned as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] to programming in the fall of 1999, and actually won the [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] in a match against Triple H, thanks to outside interference from Austin, on the September 16 episode of [[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]. He vacated the title on the following Monday's [[WWE Raw|Raw is War]]. Over the next few months McMahon and Triple H feuded, with the linchpin of the feud being Triple H's storyline marriage to Stephanie McMahon. The feud culminated at [[WWE Armageddon#1999|Armageddon]] in 1999; McMahon faced Triple H in a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match|No Holds Barred match]] which McMahon lost. Afterward, Stephanie turned on him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/1999/results/|title=Armageddon 1999 official results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

In September 2020, professional wrestling promoter, [[WWE Hall of Fame]]r, and former WCW president [[Eric Bischoff]] revealed that during this period of the Monday Night War in television ratings battles between WWE and WCW "Vince was petitioning a lot for Ted. He was trying to embarrass Ted, trying to create some anxiety with the shareholders of Turner Broadcasting. Vince was trying to create some unrest and anxiety by being very, very critical about WCW" and "whenever you'd see blood in WCW, Vince would write these letters from the king's court to Ted criticizing him, and WCW, and the health and welfare of the talent by saying it's gross, it's crap, and all this. And then he'd turn around and do the same thing a month later. None of us took any of those letters very seriously, and it was pretty obvious what Vince was trying to do. We all just chuckled about it".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/09/eric-bischoff-recalls-vince-mcmahon-letters-trying-to-674695/ |title=Eric Bischoff Recalls Vince McMahon's Letters "Trying To Embarrass" Ted Turner |date=September 12, 2020|access-date=August 9, 2021|archive-date=August 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807190225/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/09/eric-bischoff-recalls-vince-mcmahon-letters-trying-to-674695/|url-status=live}}</ref>

~~=====McMahon-Helmsley Era (2000–2001)=====~~

McMahon returned to WWF television on the March 13, 2000 edition of ''Raw is War'' representing The Rock once again.<ref name="raw2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/2000.html|title=RAW is WAR results, 2000|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Two weeks later, McMahon and The Rock defeated Shane and Big Show in a tag team match with help from special guest referee Mankind.<ref name="raw2000"/><ref name="vincematches"/> At ''[[WrestleMania 2000]]'', Triple H defended the WWF Championship in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|Fatal Four Way Elimination match]] where each competitor had a McMahon in his corner. Triple H had his wife Stephanie who was the [[WWE Women's Championship|WWF Women's Champion]] in his corner, The Rock had McMahon in his corner, Mick Foley had [[Linda McMahon|Linda]] in his corner, and Big Show had Shane in his corner. After Big Show and Foley were eliminated, Triple H and The Rock were left. Although Vince was in Rock's corner, he [[List of professional wrestling terms#T|turned]] on The Rock after [[Professional wrestling attacks#Chair shot|hitting him with a chair]] which helped Triple H win the match and retain his title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm16/mainevent/|title=WrestleMania 2000 main event|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> This would officially begin the [[McMahon-Helmsley Faction|McMahon-Helmsley Era]].

In a conference call in 2021, McMahon described the "situation where 'rising tides' because that was when Ted Turner was coming after us with all of Time Warner's assets as well".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://prowrestlingnewshub.com/aew-news/vince-mcmahon-says-he-does-not-see-aew-as-the-same-level-of-competition-as-wcw/ |title=Vince McMahon Says He Does Not See AEW As The Same Level Of Competition As WCW |date=July 30, 2021|access-date=September 4, 2021|archive-date=September 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904041346/https://prowrestlingnewshub.com/aew-news/vince-mcmahon-says-he-does-not-see-aew-as-the-same-level-of-competition-as-wcw/|url-status=live}}</ref>

At King of the Ring, McMahon, Shane, and WWF Champion Triple H took on the [[Brothers of Destruction]] (Undertaker and Kane) and The Rock in a six-man tag team match for the WWF Championship. The stipulation of this match was that whoever made the scoring pinfall would become the WWF Champion. McMahon was pinned by The Rock which gave Rock the WWF Championship and his team, the victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html#2000|title=King of the Ring 2000 results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref><ref name="vincematches"/> On the December 18 edition of ''Raw'', McMahon faced [[Kurt Angle]] in a non-title match which was fought to no contest when Mick Foley interfered and attacked both men. After the match, both men beat down Foley and McMahon fired him.<ref name="raw2000"/><ref name="vincematches"/> McMahon and Stephanie then aligned together against Shane. At ''[[WrestleMania X-Seven]]'', McMahon lost to Shane after Linda, who had been heavily sedated in the storyline, hit Vince with a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Low blow|low blow]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm17/results/|title=WrestleMania XVII official results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> On the same night, McMahon formed an unlikely alliance with Stone Cold Steve Austin, helping him defeat The Rock to gain another WWF Championship. The two, along with Triple H, formed an alliance which saw Austin and Triple H hold all three major WWF titles (Austin's WWF Championship, the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] which Triple H won, and the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|Tag Team Championship]]) at the same time. The alliance was short lived, due to an injury to Triple H and a business venture by McMahon.

====~~=The~~ ~~purchase~~World ofWildlife ~~WCW~~Fund ~~and~~lawsuit: ~~ECW~~WWF becomes WWE ~~(2001)=~~====

On May 5, 2002, World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. announced that it would be changing both its company name and the name of its wrestling promotion to '''World Wrestling Entertainment''' (WWE) after the company had lost a lawsuit initiated by the [[World Wide Fund for Nature|World Wildlife Fund]] over the WWF trademark.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://contracts.onecle.com/wwe/wwf.settle.1994.01.20.shtml |title=World Wildlife Fund and Titan Sports, Inc. legal settlement |publisher=Contracts.onecle.com |date=January 20, 1994|access-date=June 2, 2012|archive-date=September 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928234910/http://contracts.onecle.com/wwe/wwf.settle.1994.01.20.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The name change officially occurred the following day on May 6. Although mainly caused by the ruling in favor of the World Wildlife Fund regarding the "WWF" initialism, the company noted it provided an opportunity to emphasize its focus on entertainment.<ref name="GetFOut">{{cite web |title=World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Drops The "F" To Emphasize the "E" for Entertainment |publisher=WWE |url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_05_06.jsp| access-date=August 28, 2008| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119180317/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_05_06.jsp| archive-date=January 19, 2009 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

McMahon purchased long-time rival promotion [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) in March 2001 from [[AOL]] [[Time Warner]] and signed many wrestlers from the organization starting the [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|Invasion storyline]], in which the WCW wrestlers fought the WWF wrestlers. On the July 9, 2001 edition of ''Raw'', some [[List of Extreme Championship Wrestling alumni|extremists]] as well as several former ECW wrestlers on the WWF roster, joined with the WCW wrestlers to form [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|The Alliance]]. Stone Cold Steve Austin went on to join the Alliance as well as Shane and Stephanie. McMahon would be on the WWF side. At [[Survivor Series (2001)|Survivor Series]], Team WWF defeated Team Alliance in a Survivor Series elimination match to pick up the victory for WWF and end the Invasion storyline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2001/mainevent/|title=Survivor Series 2001 main event|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

==== Ruthless Aggression Era and transition to PG rating ====

McMahon went on to [[Championship unification|unify]] several WCW titles around that time. Such examples included the [[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship]] and the [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship|WCW Cruiserweight Championship]], the [[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Heavyweight Championship]] and the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWF Intercontinental Championship]], and the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] and the [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] (after the WCW and WWF titles were unified, the two titles became known as the "[[WWE Championship|WWF Undisputed Championship]]").

Shortly after its name change, WWE transitioned into its Ruthless Aggression Era; McMahon officially referred to the new era as "Ruthless Aggression" on June 24, 2002.<ref>{{cite video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hIP3CKaAF8| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206212219/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hIP3CKaAF8| archive-date=December 6, 2020 |title=WWE: Vince McMahon "Ruthless Aggression" Segment |publisher=WHDYTv1 [Ruthless Aggression Classics] |work=YouTube}}</ref> This period still featured many similar elements of its predecessor the Attitude Era, including the levels of violence, sex, and profanity, but there was less politically incorrect content, and a further emphasis on wrestling was showcased.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/wwe-ruthless-aggression-episode-one-recap-review/ |title=WWE Ruthless Aggression: New Lies For A New Era |website=Uproxx |date=February 17, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2021 |archive-date=September 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904190218/https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/wwe-ruthless-aggression-episode-one-recap-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2008, all WWE programs shifted to TV-PG ratings. McMahon also stated that the Attitude Era of the late 1990s and early 2000s was the result of competition from WCW and forced the company to "go for the jugular".<ref name="Robinson 196">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z0jkBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA196 |title=WWE The Attitude Era |first=Jon |last=Robinson |date=May 12, 2015 |publisher=[[Penguin Books]] |via=Google Books |page=196 |isbn=978-1-4654-4138-6|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=April 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409212741/https://books.google.com/books?id=Z0jkBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA196|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to WCW's demise in 2001, McMahon says that they "don't have to" appeal to viewers in the same way and that during the "far more scripted" PG Era, WWE could "give the audience what they want in a far more sophisticated way".<ref name="Robinson 196" /> McMahon also stated that the move to PG cut the "excess" of the Attitude Era and "ushered in a new era of refined and compelling storytelling".<ref name="Cena">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zbwxAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA210 |title=WWE 50 |first=Kevin |last=Sullivan |date=March 31, 2014 |publisher=[[Penguin Books]] |page=210 |isbn=978-1-4654-2776-2 |via=Google Books|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=April 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409212719/https://books.google.com/books?id=zbwxAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA210|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon also had the most say in the WWE company's creative direction.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/eric-bischoff-confirms-why-fired-wwe/ |title=Eric Bischoff Confirms Why He Was Fired by WWE |date=June 9, 2020|access-date=August 11, 2021|archive-date=August 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811042432/https://www.cbr.com/eric-bischoff-confirms-why-fired-wwe/|url-status=live}}</ref> The move into the PG Era made the promotion more appealing to corporate [[Sponsor (commercial)|sponsors]].<ref name="bleacherreport.com" />

~~====Mr. McMahon====~~

Mr. McMahon is the on-screen character of McMahon, with the [[List of professional wrestling terms#G|gimmick]] of an often egotistical [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] boss. The character spawned from the real-life hatred many wrestling fans had for McMahon following the [[Montreal Screwjob]], the 1997 Survivor Series incident with Bret Hart.<ref name="Survivor Series - Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart"/> Although McMahon was loathed for his actions as the evil owner of the WWF, the character proved to be one of the most memorable heels in professional wrestling history. Despite McMahon's evil intentions, many fans continue to respect the character for its history, particularly with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who was McMahon's nemesis at the character's apex. Much to McMahon's horror, "Stone Cold" was announced to return and was the special guest referee for the "Battle of the Billionaires" match at ''[[WrestleMania 23]]''.<ref name="WrestleMania 23 - Lashley vs Umaga">{{cite web|first=Craig|last=Tello|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/matches/39161842/results/|title=The 'mane' event|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

On April 7, 2011, McMahon's company ceased using the full name World Wrestling Entertainment and henceforth referred to itself solely as WWE, making the latter an [[Pseudo-acronym|orphan initialism]]. This was said to reflect WWE's global entertainment expansion away from the ring with the ultimate goal of acquiring entertainment companies and putting a focus on television, live events, and film production. WWE noted that their new company model was put into effect with the relaunch of ''[[WWE Tough Enough|Tough Enough]]'', being a non-scripted program (contrary to the scripted nature of professional wrestling) and with the launch of the [[WWE Network]] (at the time scheduled to launch in 2012; later pushed back to 2014). The legal name of the company remained World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. for the time.<ref name="2011name">{{cite press release |last1=Sacco |first1=Justine |last2=Weitz |first2=Michael |date=April 7, 2011 |title=The New WWE |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2011/04-07-2011 |location=[[Connecticut]] |publisher=WWE |access-date=November 25, 2021}}</ref>

Several other gimmicks have become integral parts of McMahon's on-camera persona, such as his throaty exclamation of [[#Firings|"You're fired!"]], and his "power walk"—an over-exaggerated strut towards the ring, swinging his arms and bobbing his head from side to side in a cocky manner. This is usually accompanied by a comment from [[Jim Ross]], such as "There's only one man I know that walks like that." The power walk is used to get a reaction out of the audience (especially when he's a heel), but it also provides comic relief as well. WWE Superstar [[John Cena]] had joked on the ''Miz Exposed'' special that aired before ''WWE Homecoming'', that McMahon "somehow walks like he's got a broomstick shoved up in his ass". According to [[Jim Cornette]], the power walk was inspired by one of Vince McMahon's favorite wrestlers as a child, Dr. Jerry Graham. [[The Fabulous Moolah]], however, claims in her autobiography that the [[Buddy Rogers (wrestler)|"Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers]] was the inspiration.

====~~=McMahon~~ inCompetition ~~the~~with ~~USWA~~AEW ~~(1993)=~~====

~~[[Image:McMahonUSWABelt.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Vince McMahon wearing the USWA championship belt in 1993.]]~~

In 2019, [[Tony Khan]]'s [[All Elite Wrestling]] (better known as AEW) emerged as the second largest professional wrestling promotion in the market after WWE, and during a conference call on July 25, 2019, McMahon announced a new direction for WWE where he stated that it would "be a bit edgier, but still remain in the PG environment".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/07/25/vince-mcmahon-wwe-future-plans-ratings-attendance-attitude-era/ |title=Vince McMahon On WWE's Future: 'Not Going To Go Back To That Gory Crap' |date=July 25, 2019|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125210719/https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/07/25/vince-mcmahon-wwe-future-plans-ratings-attendance-attitude-era/|url-status=live}}</ref> In another conference call on July 29, 2021, McMahon stated that he doesn't consider AEW competition and that he was "not so sure what their investments are as far as their talent is concerned".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-i-don-t-consider-aew-competition-way-i-considered-wcw-competition |title=Vince McMahon: I Don't Consider AEW Competition The Way I Considered WCW, Not Even Near Close |date=July 29, 2021|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828050121/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-i-don-t-consider-aew-competition-way-i-considered-wcw-competition|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[WWE NXT]]'' and ''[[AEW Dynamite]]'' competed in the [[Wednesday Night Wars]], from October 2, 2019, to April 7, 2021, which ended with ''AEW Dynamite'' emerging victorious and ''NXT'' moving to Tuesday nights.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/03/30/wwe-nxt-moved-tuesday-usa-network-contract-extension |title=WWE NXT Moves to Tuesdays After USA Network Extension |newspaper=Sports Illustrated | access-date=June 17, 2022 | archive-date=June 11, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611123813/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/03/30/wwe-nxt-moved-tuesday-usa-network-contract-extension | url-status=live}}</ref> This eventually led WWE to revamp ''NXT'' with major changes to "NXT 2.0" starting from the September 14, 2021, episode.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reddick |first1=Jay |title=NXT 2.0: A wrestling obituary or a rebirth? We'll find out tonight |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/pro-wrestling/os-sp-wwe-nxt-wrestling-obituary-rebirth-20210914-a2kkichcxjgj5mu7737mvmjfz4-story.html |work=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |access-date=September 15, 2021 |date=September 14, 2021 |archive-date=September 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914235306/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/pro-wrestling/os-sp-wwe-nxt-wrestling-obituary-rebirth-20210914-a2kkichcxjgj5mu7737mvmjfz4-story.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

While the Mr. McMahon character marked the first time that McMahon had been portrayed as a heel in WWE, in 1993, McMahon was engaged in a bitter feud with [[Jerry Lawler]] as part of a cross-promotion between the World Wrestling Federation and the [[United States Wrestling Association]]. In [[Memphis, Tennessee]] (where the USWA was produced), Lawler was seen as a major babyface character (as opposed to his WWF persona which was seen as a cowardly heel), whereas McMahon was seen as a smug heel (similar to the "Mr. McMahon" character) to the Memphis audience, hell-bent on dethroning Lawler as the "king of professional wrestling." As part of the angle, McMahon would send various WWF wrestlers down to Memphis in order to achieve such a goal, such as [[Bret Hart]], [[Owen Hart]], [[Jorge Gonzáles|Giant Gonzalez]], [[Chris Chavis|Tatanka]], and "Macho Man" [[Randy Savage]] (all of whom were seen as heels in Memphis as well). This angle also proved to be the first time that McMahon would physically interject himself into matches, as he would occasionally trip Lawler or throw punches at him while seated at ringside. The peak of the angle came with Tatanka defeating Lawler to win the [[USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship|Unifed World Championship]] with McMahon gloating at Lawler while wearing the championship belt.<ref name="tatankabio">{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Chavis|url=http://www.nativetatanka.com/bio2.html|title=Tatanka's Biography (Page 2)|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=Native Tatanka}}</ref> However, the angle came to an abrupt end when Lawler was accused of raping a young girl in Memphis and he and the WWF parted ways. It is interesting to note, however, that during the angle, McMahon was never directly acknowledged as the owner of the WWF (back in 1993, McMahon was only portrayed as the head announcer on television) and the feud between Lawler and McMahon was not acknowledged on WWF television, as the two continued to provide commentary together (along with Savage) for the television show ''[[WWF Superstars of Wrestling|Superstars]]''. The feud between Lawler and McMahon would also help build towards Lawler's matches against Bret Hart at ''[[SummerSlam (1993)|SummerSlam 1993]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/history/1993/|title=SummerSlam 1993 official results|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=WWE}}</ref> and ''[[Survivor Series (1993)|Survivor Series 1993]]'' (which ultimately did not take place).

==== Resignation and retirement ====

~~=====Championship reigns=====~~

McMahon voluntarily stepped down as chairman and CEO of WWE on June 17, 2022, pending an internal investigation, with his daughter [[Stephanie McMahon]] being named the interim CEO and interim chairwoman of the WWE.<ref name="Joint Release" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/160037/vince-mcmahon-steps-back-as-wwe-ceo-chairman-of-the-board-stephanie-mcmahon-returns-to-company.html?p=1 |title=VINCE MCMAHON STEPS BACK AS WWE CEO & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, STEPHANIE MCMAHON RETURNS TO COMPANY |date=June 17, 2022|access-date=June 19, 2022|archive-date=February 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225165526/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/160037/vince-mcmahon-steps-back-as-wwe-ceo-chairman-of-the-board-stephanie-mcmahon-returns-to-company.html?p=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/17/business/vince-mcmahon-wwe-resign.html |title=Vince McMahon Steps Down as Head of W.W.E. During Misconduct Investigation |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 17, 2022|access-date=June 19, 2022|archive-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618230303/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/17/business/vince-mcmahon-wwe-resign.html|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon continued to oversee WWE creative and content development.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chapman |first1=Michelle |title=Vince McMahon will step down during WWE misconduct probe |url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-vince-mcmahon-wrestling-28e22d3c652591f42d47ef0285564623 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |work=Associated Press |date=June 17, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622022438/https://apnews.com/article/sports-vince-mcmahon-wrestling-28e22d3c652591f42d47ef0285564623 |url-status=live}}</ref> On July 22, Vince McMahon officially announced his retirement from WWE and named his daughter Stephanie McMahon, the company's new permanent chairwoman and co-CEO (alongside [[Nick Khan]]).<ref name="Vince McMahon Retires" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/22/business/vince-mcmahon-retires-wwe.html |title=Vince McMahon retires from W.W.E. after stepping down amid a board investigation. |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 22, 2022|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722225045/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/22/business/vince-mcmahon-retires-wwe.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/wwes-vince-mcmahon-says-he-is-retiring/2022/07/22/808096d4-0a04-11ed-80b6-43f2bfcc6662_story.html |title=WWE's McMahon says he is retiring amid misconduct probe |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=July 22, 2022|access-date=July 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mangan |first=Dan |date=July 22, 2022 |title=Vince McMahon retires as WWE chief amid probes into alleged misconduct of pro wrestling boss |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/22/vince-mcmahon-retires-as-chief-of-wwe-amid-probes-into-alleged-misconduct.html |access-date=July 22, 2022 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731020420/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/22/vince-mcmahon-retires-as-chief-of-wwe-amid-probes-into-alleged-misconduct.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Triple H]] then replaced Vince McMahon as Head of WWE creative.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2022/07-25-2022 |title=WWE & Board of Directors announce new Co-CEOs Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan |website=WWE |date=July 25, 2022|access-date=October 11, 2022|archive-date=July 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726004530/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2022/07-25-2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite their ongoing feud, Stone Cold Steve Austin helped the face gimmick of McMahon defeat then-heel, [[Triple H]] for the [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] and become a world champion on the September 14, 1999 edition of ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|WWE SmackDown!]]'', which aired on September 16. This was later named the fifth most memorable moment in ''SmackDown!'' history.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mike|last=McAvennie|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/mostmemorablesdmoments/sdmoments5|title=From Chairman to Champion|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|date=1999-09-16|accessdate=2007-08-05}}</ref><ref name="vincematches"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/3044541413|title=Mr. McMahon's first WWE Championship reign|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> This made the two rivals very good friends. On the September 20 edition of ''Raw is War'', however, McMahon vacated the title and put it on the line six days later and included Austin in the match as [[Professional wrestling match types#Special Referee|Special Guest Referee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/1999.html|title=RAW is WAR results 1999|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> McMahon ordered the title to be defended in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Six Pack Challenge match]] at ''[[WWE Unforgiven#1999|Unforgiven 1999]]'' between [[Davey Boy Smith|The British Bulldog]], Triple H, The Rock, [[Glen Jacobs|Kane]], Big Show, and Mankind. Triple H went on to win the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/1999/mainevent/|title=Unforgiven 1999 main event|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

==== TKO executive chairman and second resignation ====

Due to [[Bobby Lashley]]'s role at [[WrestleMania 23]] in the Battle of the Billionaires match,<ref name="WrestleMania 23 - Lashley vs Umaga"/> McMahon began a rivalry with Lashley over his [[ECW Championship]]. At [[Backlash (2007)|Backlash]],McMahon pinned Lashley in a 3-on-1 [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]] teaming up with his son Shane and [[Eddie Fatu|Umaga]] to win the ECW Championship.<ref name="Backlash - Team McMahon vs Lashley">{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/2007/matches/396065214/results/ |title=Hell freezes over in ECW|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2007-04-29|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship/042907mcmahon|title=Mr. McMahon's first ECW Championship reign|accessdate=2008-01-18|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At [[Judgment Day (2007)|Judgment Day]], McMahon defended his ECW Championship against Lashley again in a 3-on-1 handicap match. Lashley won the match as he pinned Shane after a [[Powerslam#Front powerslam|Dominator]] but McMahon said that he was still the champion because Lashley could only be champion if he could beat him.<ref name="Judgment Day - Lashley vs Team McMahon">{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2007/matches/41244021/results/ |title=The ecstasy ... and then the agony|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2007-05-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> McMahon finally lost the ECW Championship to Lashley at ''[[One Night Stand (2007)|One Night Stand]]'' in a [[Hardcore wrestling|Street Fight]] despite interference by Shane and Umaga.<ref name="One Night Stand - Lashley vs Vince">{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/onenightstand/history/2007/matches/4362508112/results/|title=ECW World Champion once again, demons exorcised|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2007-06-03|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

It was announced on January 6, 2023 by ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' that McMahon was planning a return to WWE as executive chairman, ahead of upcoming media rights negotiations in 2024 and also to explore a potential sale of the company. On January 6, WWE published a filing with the [[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|SEC]], appointing Vince McMahon by himself, George Barrios and Michelle Wilson back to the WWE Board of Directors.<ref name="SEC">{{Cite web |title=SEC-Show |url=https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/us/wwe/SEC/sec-show.aspx?Type=html&FilingId=16303052&CIK=0001091907&Index=10000|access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=otp.tools.investis.com|archive-date=January 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106112823/https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/us/wwe/SEC/sec-show.aspx?Type=html&FilingId=16303052&CIK=0001091907&Index=10000|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="espn.com">{{Cite web |last=Coppinger |first=Mike |date=January 6, 2023 |title=Vince McMahon back at WWE ahead of media rights negotiations |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/35388281/vince-mcmahon-back-wwe-ahead-media-rights-negotiations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202225917/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/35388281/vince-mcmahon-back-wwe-ahead-media-rights-negotiations |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="2023-01-06 BoD">{{Cite web |title=WWE provides update regarding composition of its Board of Directors and exploration of strategic alternatives |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2023/01-06-2023|access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=WWE |language=en|archive-date=January 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108202252/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2023/01-06-2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 10, McMahon assumed the role of executive Chairman of the WWE.<ref name="McMahon EC">{{cite web |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2023/01-10-2023 |title=WWE Board of Directors unanimously elects Vince McMahon executive Chairman of the board |website=WWE |date=January 10, 2023|access-date=January 10, 2023|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110235615/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2023/01-10-2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 3, [[Endeavor (company)|Endeavor Group Holdings]] announced a deal under which WWE [[Acquisition of WWE by Endeavor|would merge]] with the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] (UFC) to form a new publicly traded company trading under the [[Ticker symbol|symbol]] "TKO". Endeavor will hold a 51% stake in TKO, with WWE's shareholders having a 49% stake, valuing WWE at $9.3 billion.<ref name="TKOISWWEUFCCROSSOVER">{{Cite web |last=Sherman |first=Alex |date=April 3, 2023 |title=WWE agrees to merge with UFC to create a new company run by Ari Emanuel and Vince McMahon |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/03/wwe-ufc-merger-endeavor.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |website=CNBC |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403111247/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/03/wwe-ufc-merger-endeavor.html |url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon will serve as the executive chairman of TKO and oversee the new company's WWE and UFC divisions.<ref name="TKOISWWEUFCCROSSOVER" /> Upon completion of the deal, McMahon was expected to personally own 34% of TKO Group.<ref>{{cite web |title=SCHEDULE 14C INFORMATION |url=https://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=90423&ref=317703901&type=HTML&symbol=WWE&cdn=a772878cb281b5da37d4daaffaf6d35e&companyName=World+Wrestling+Entertainment+Inc.+Class+A&formType=DEFM14C&formDescription=Definitive+information+statement+relating+to+merger+or+acquisition&dateFiled=2023-08-22 |publisher=[[NASDAQ]] |access-date=August 25, 2023 |page=248 |date=August 22, 2023}}</ref>

The merger between WWE and UFC as TKO was completed on September 12, 2023, with WWE and UFC continuing to operate as separate divisions of TKO by focusing on professional wrestling and mixed martial arts respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/us/wwe/SEC/sec-show.aspx?FilingId=16853747&Cik=0001091907&Type=PDF&hasPdf=1|title=NEW WHALE INC.* WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.|work=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]]|accessdate=August 16, 2023}}</ref> On October 15, it was announced that Endeavor Group Holdings CEO [[Ari Emanuel]] made the call to remove McMahon from WWE creative power and then granted the responsibility to [[Triple H]] to drive 99.9% of the creative moving forward.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wrestlingheadlines.com/backstage-update-on-vince-mcmahons-removal-from-wwe-creative-power/ |title=Backstage Update On Vince McMahon's Removal From WWE Creative Power |date=October 16, 2023|access-date=December 11, 2023}}</ref> As a result, McMahon is no longer involved in the WWE creative direction of the company.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whatculture.com/wwe/report-vince-mcmahon-no-longer-involved-in-wwe-creative |title=Report: Vince McMahon No Longer Involved In WWE Creative |date=October 15, 2023|access-date=December 11, 2023}}</ref>

~~=====Kiss My Ass Club=====~~

Following the collapse of the [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|WCW/ECW Alliance]] at [[Survivor Series (2001)|Survivor Series]] in 2001, McMahon created the "Vince McMahon Kiss My Ass Club", also known as the "Mr. McMahon Kiss My Ass Club", which consisted of various WWE individuals being ordered to kiss his [[Buttocks|ass]] in the middle of the ring, usually with the threat of suspension or firing if they refuse. The club was originally proclaimed closed by The Rock after McMahon was forced to kiss [[Solofa Fatu|Rikishi]]'s ass on an episode of ''SmackDown!''; however, the club segment has resurfaced several times over the years. Stone Cold Steve Austin was the second Alliance member McMahon had wanted to kiss his ass, but Austin instead hit a lowblow on McMahon with his pants pulled down. [[Triple H]] almost joined after Shane tried doping him, but Triple H switched water bottles, making Shane pass out after Triple H pretended to pass out. Triple H then proceeded to hit the [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|The Pedigree]] on McMahon while McMahon's pants were still pulled down. Many people have been forced to go through with the indignity of this act including:

~~{| class="wikitable" border="1"~~

~~! #~~

~~! Member~~

~~! Reason~~

~~| 1~~

~~| [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]]~~

| Regal became the first member as a condition of being rehired by the WWF, having betrayed the Federation to join The Alliance.<ref>{{cite book|author=Jerry Lawler|title=It's Good to Be the King...Sometimes (p.372-373)|year=2002|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|isbn=978-0743457682}}</ref>

~~| 2~~

~~| [[Jim Ross]]~~

| Austin's refusal to join the club prompted uproarious laughter from Ross at ringside. Noticed by McMahon and [[Kurt Angle]], he was forced to take Austin's place, following an unexpected beatdown from [[The Undertaker]].

~~| 3~~

~~| [[Trish Stratus]]~~

~~| For betraying him at [[WrestleMania X-Seven]], McMahon ordered her to go through with it before being saved by [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]].~~

~~| 4~~

~~| [[Zach Gowen]]~~

~~| During his feud with Gowen, McMahon ordered him to participate in order to gain a contract with WWE.~~

~~| 5~~

~~| [[Marty Jannetty]]~~

| In the midst of McMahon's ongoing feud with [[Shawn Michaels]], Jannetty was in-line to join the club in order to remain in WWE. However, McMahon relented and forced Jannetty to break [[Chris Mordetzky|Chris Masters]]' [[Professional wrestling holds#full nelson|Masterlock]] in order to remain in WWE. Jannetty failed and soon exited WWE.<ref name="jannettymichaels"/> This was also the first "Kiss My Ass" segment in which McMahon wore a [[thong (clothing)|thong]] instead of pulling his underwear completely down.

~~| 6~~

~~| [[Shawn Michaels]]~~

| Following Jannetty's failure to participate, [[Shawn Michaels]] became a member of the club after he was knocked unconscious by [[Shane McMahon]].<ref name="jannettymichaels">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02272006/|title=Joining the Club|accessdate=2006-02-27|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref>

~~~~

~~| 7~~

~~| [[Shane McMahon]]~~

|During his match against Michaels at [[WrestleMania 22]], McMahon dropped his trousers as Shane prepared to thrust Michaels' face into his father's ass again. However, Michaels overpowered Shane and shoved his face into Vince's ass instead.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/march/22.htm|title=WrestleMania 22 Results|accessdate=2007-09-10|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref>

~~| 8~~

~~| [[Mick Foley]]~~

| Foley became the second person (after Regal) to join the club voluntarily, on the grounds that it would save [[Melina Perez|Melina]]'s job. However, after participating, Melina promptly betrayed Foley and he was fired by McMahon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08212006/|title=Broken down?|author=Ed Williams III |accessdate=2006-08-21|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref>

~~| 9~~

~~| [[Hornswoggle]]~~

| As punishment for skirting the [[Royal Rumble (2008)|Royal Rumble]] match, Mr. McMahon wanted his [[#Return and "Illegitimate child" storyline|alleged bastard son]] Hornswoggle to join the Kiss My Ass Club. When it came time for him to pucker up, [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]] interrupted. After much yelling from Mr. McMahon, Hornswoggle finally leaned in and bit his freshly buffed buttocks. Mr McMahon later stated, even though Hornswoggle bit his ass, his lips still came into contact with it. Therefore, he officially became a member of the Kiss My Ass Club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02042008/ |title=Results:Way Out Warrior}}</ref>

On January 26, 2024, one day after a report about alleged sexual assaults committed by McMahon was published by ''The Wall Street Journal'', ''Deadline'' confirmed that McMahon had resigned from TKO. In a statement, he said the decision was made "out of respect for the WWE Universe, TKO, shareholders, and business partners."<ref name=resigned202401>{{cite news |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |title=Vince McMahon Resigns From Endeavor-Owned Sports Group After Horrific Rape & Sex Trafficking Claims |url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/vince-mcmahon-resigns-rape-lawsuit-tko-group-holding-sex-trafficking-1235805961/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |work=Deadline |date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127013826/https://deadline.com/2024/01/vince-mcmahon-resigns-rape-lawsuit-tko-group-holding-sex-trafficking-1235805961/ |archive-date=January 27, 2024}}</ref>

The gimmick has also spawned its own Internet based cartoon entitled "Mr. McMahon's Kiss My Ass Club - The WWE's Most Valuable Asset." The cartoon series produced by [[Animax Entertainment]] debuted on WWE.com on November 22, 2006. The cartoon was later canceled as part of a settlement between WWE and [[Cartoon Network (United States)|Cartoon Network]] due to the show's similarities with ''[[Assy McGee]]'' that aired on Cartoon Network's late-night [[Adult Swim]] programming block.

In March 2024, McMahon filed to sell $411.95 million worth of TKO stock amidst allegations of sexual assault, following a previous sale of shares worth $670.3 million in November. McMahon, who resigned from the TKO board earlier due to a lawsuit alleging abuse and sexual exploitation, owns approximately 15 million shares of TKO Group's Class A shares after the recent transactions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=March 5, 2024 |title=Vince McMahon Sells $412 Million Worth of Stock in WWE Parent Company TKO |url=https://variety.com/2024/biz/news/vince-mcmahon-sells-412-million-stock-wwe-tko-1235931164/ |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>

~~=====Firings=====~~

In numerous [[List of professional wrestling terms#A|angles]], McMahon uses his ability to [[Kayfabe#"You're fired!" and "I quit!"|terminate]] whomever he feels from either a position or the company. The termination is usually preceded by the aforementioned throaty exclamation of "You're fired!" This is believed by many people to be a McMahon originated catchphrase, as opposed to his [[WrestleMania 23]] opponent [[Donald Trump]]. McMahon once stated this on TV by saying that the catchphrase originated on ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'' and not Trump's [[NBC]] show ''[[The Apprentice (U.S. TV series)|The Apprentice]]''—a legitimate fact considering that McMahon started using the catchphrase in 1998, while ''The Apprentice'' did not even premiere until 2004.

=== Other business dealings ===

~~=====Feuds=====~~

[[File:Ron Killings & Vince McMahon laughing.jpg|thumb|McMahon sharing a joke with [[R-Truth]] at the 2008 ''[[WWE Tribute to the Troops|Tribute to the Troops]]'' event]]

On the March 30, 1998 edition of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw is War]]'', McMahon presented Stone Cold Steve Austin with a new "Attitude Era" custom belt and warned Austin that he did not approve of his rebellious nature and that things could be done "the easy way or the hard way". McMahon received a [[Stunner (professional wrestling)|Stone Cold Stunner]] which began their rivalry which would become a historic and one of the most popular rivalries in the history of [[sports entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Petrie|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998/raw033098|title=RAW is WAR recap|date=[[1998-03-30]]|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=The Other Arena}}</ref> On the April 6 edition of ''Raw is War'', McMahon was confronted by Austin again who punched McMahon in the "[[Testicle|corporate grapefruits]]".<ref>{{cite web|first=Christopher|second=Robin|last=Zimmerman|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998/raw041698|title=RAW is WAR recap|date=1998-04-06|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=The Other Arena}}</ref> The next week, Austin and McMahon faced each other in a match to settle their differences. It was McMahon's first wrestling match but it was declared a no contest when [[Mick Foley|Dude Love]] interfered and tried to end the fight but accidentally knocked out Austin with a [[Mandible claw]].<ref name="vincematches">{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.com/mcmahonism_wwe/matches.htm|title=Vince McMahon's matches|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=McMahonism (Fan Site)}}</ref> McMahon then did everything possible to ruin Austin.

In 1979, Vince and Linda purchased the [[Cape Cod Coliseum]] and the [[Cape Cod Buccaneers]] of the [[Atlantic Coast Hockey League (1981–87)|Atlantic Coast Hockey League]]. In addition to pro wrestling and hockey, they began selling out rock concerts (including [[Van Halen]] and [[Rush (band)|Rush]]) in non-summer months, traditionally considered unprofitable due to lack of tourists. This venture led the McMahons to join the International Association of Arena Managers, learning the details of the arena business and networking with other managers through IAAM conferences, which Linda later called a great benefit to WWE's success.<ref>{{cite book |last=Sullivan |first=Kevin |date=2013 |title=WWE 50 |page=33}}</ref>

In 1990, McMahon founded the [[World Bodybuilding Federation]] organization,<ref>{{cite news |last=Dilbert |first=Ryan |title=Vince McMahon's Failed Attempt to Take over Bodybuilding |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2542941-vince-mcmahons-failed-attempt-to-take-over-bodybuilding |work=Salon.com |date=January 25, 2018|access-date=November 7, 2015|archive-date=November 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125211409/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2542941-vince-mcmahons-failed-attempt-to-take-over-bodybuilding|url-status=live}}</ref> which folded in 1992.

At [[Over the Edge: In Your House]], Austin defended his WWF Championship against Dude Love with McMahon as the [[Professional wrestling match types#Special referee|Special Guest Referee]] and his "Corporate Stooges" ([[Gerald Brisco]] and [[Pat Patterson (wrestler)|Pat Patterson]] as timekeeper and ring announcer, respectively. Despite that, Dude Love was unable to defeat Austin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#22|title=In Your House: Over the Edge results|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> McMahon got the title away from Austin, however, at [[King of the Ring (1998)|King of the Ring]] when Kane defeated Austin in a [[Professional wrestling match types#First Blood match|First Blood match]] to win the WWF Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html#98|title=King of the Ring 1998 results|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> Austin would win the title in a rematch, the next night on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Christopher|second=Robin|third=Zimmerman|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1998/raw062998|title=RAW is WAR recap|date=[[1998-06-29]]|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=The Other Arena}}</ref>

In 2000, McMahon again ventured outside the world of professional wrestling by launching the [[XFL (2001)|XFL]], a professional [[American football]] league. The league began in February 2001, with McMahon making an appearance at the first game, but folded after one season due to low television ratings.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boehlert |first=Eric |title=Why the XFL tanked |url=http://entertainment.salon.com/2001/05/11/xfl_demise/ |work=Salon.com |date=May 11, 2001|access-date=October 3, 2011|archive-date=April 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425021315/http://www.entertainment.salon.com/2001/05/11/xfl_demise/}}</ref> This wasn't until January 25, 2018, when he announced its [[XFL (2020)|resurrection]]. The league filed for bankruptcy on April 13, 2020.<ref name=seekingbuyer>{{cite news |title=XFL Files for Bankruptcy, Up for Sale |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/vince-mcmahons-xfl-files-bankruptcy-up-sale-1290073 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=April 13, 2020|access-date=April 13, 2020|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215012453/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/vince-mcmahons-xfl-files-bankruptcy-up-sale-1290073/|url-status=live}}</ref>

After Austin defeated [[The Undertaker]] at [[SummerSlam (1998)|SummerSlam]],<ref name="SummerSlam - Stone Cold vs The Undertaker">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1998/mainevent/|title=SummerSlam 1998 main event|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=WWE}}</ref> McMahon responded by setting Austin in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triple threat match]] for the title at [[Breakdown: In Your House]] against both Kane and Undertaker. During the match, both Undertaker and Kane pinned Austin at the [[Dusty Finish|same time]]. McMahon took advantage and immediately stripped Austin of the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#24|title=Breakdown results|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> At [[WWE Judgment Day#1998|Judgment Day: In Your House]], McMahon made his rival Austin the special guest referee in a match between The Undertaker and Kane for the WWF Championship. As Undertaker was close to getting the victory, however, Austin attacked both men and claimed that he was the winner. McMahon reacted by "firing" Austin.<ref name="Judgment Day - Undertaker vs Kane">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday1998/mainevent/|title=Judgment Day 1998 main event|accessdate=2008-01-15|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

In February 2014, McMahon helped launch an [[over-the-top content|over-the-top]] streaming service called the [[WWE Network]].

In November 2001, [[Ric Flair]] returned to WWF after an 8-year hiatus saying that he was the co-owner of the WWF. McMahon hated this and said that he was the only owner of the WWF. The two faced each other at ''[[Royal Rumble (2002)|Royal Rumble 2002]]'' in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Street Fight|Street Fight]] which Flair won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811413/results/|title=Royal Rumble 2002 official results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Due to their status as co-owners, McMahon became the owner of ''SmackDown!'' while Flair became the owner of ''Raw''. However, on the June 10, 2002 edition of ''Raw'', McMahon defeated Flair to end the rivalry and become the sole owner of WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020610.html|title=RAW results - June 10, 2002|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="vincematches"/>

In 2017, McMahon established Alpha Entertainment, a separate entity from WWE.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alpha Entertainment LLC |url=https://www.alphaentllc.com/#vince |website=Alphaentllc.com |date=January 25, 2018|access-date=January 25, 2018|archive-date=May 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506065344/https://www.alphaentllc.com/#vince|url-status=live}}</ref>

On the January 13, 2003 edition of ''SmackDown!'', McMahon tried to derail the return of [[Hulk Hogan]] after a five-month hiatus but got knocked out by Hogan and received an [[Professional wrestling attacks#Leg drop|Atomic Legdrop]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030113.html|title=SmackDown! results - January 13, 2003|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}{{dead link|date=October 2008}}</ref> At ''[[No Way Out (2003)|No Way Out 2003]]'', McMahon interfered in Hogan's match with The Rock. Hogan had originally won the match as he hit The Rock an Atomic Legdrop but the lights went out. As the lights were on, McMahon came to the ringside to distract Hogan. [[Sylvain Grenier]], the referee, secretly gave The Rock a chair and The Rock hit Hogan with a chair shot and a [[Powerslam#Side slam|Rock Bottom]] to get the victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/mainevent/|title=No Way Out 2003 main event|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> This led to McMahon facing Hogan in a match. At ''[[WrestleMania XIX]]'', McMahon lost to Hogan in a Street Fight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm19/results/|title=WrestleMania XIX official results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="vincematches"/> McMahon banned Hogan from the ring but Hogan returned with the [[List of professional wrestling terms#G|gimmick]] of "Mr. America". McMahon tried to prove that Mr. America was Hogan under a mask but failed at all attempts. Hogan would later quit WWE; McMahon would later claim that he discovered Mr. America was Hogan in reality and he had "fired" him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030703.html|title=SmackDown! results - July 3, 2003|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>

=== Charity work ===

During his rivalry with Mr. America, McMahon also feuded with the one-legged [[Zach Gowen]]. On the June 12 edition of ''SmackDown!'', McMahon defeated both Mr. America and Gowen in special [[arm wrestling]] contests.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030612.html|title=SmackDown! results - June 12, 2003|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On the June 26 edition of ''SmackDown!'', McMahon told Gowen that if he would join his "Kiss My Ass Club", he would be getting a WWE contract. Instead of joining the club, Gowen [[Professional wrestling attacks#Low blow|low blowed]] McMahon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030626.html|title=SmackDown! results - June 26, 2003|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At ''[[Vengeance (2003)|Vengeance 2003]]'', he went on to defeat Gowen and ended the rivalry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2003/results/|title=Vengeance 2003 official results|accessdate=2008-01-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="vincematches"/>

Vince and Linda McMahon donated over $8 million in 2008, giving grants to the [[Fishburne Military School]], [[Sacred Heart University]], and [[East Carolina University]]. ''Nonprofit Quarterly'' noted the majority of the McMahons' donations were toward [[capital expenditure]]s.<ref name="nonprofit quarterly" /> In 2006, they paid $2.5 million for construction of a tennis facility in [[Ebensburg, Pennsylvania]].<ref name="nonprofit quarterly">{{cite magazine |author=Rick Cohen |url=http://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4846:the-cohen-report-linda-mcmahons-nonprofit-non-credentials&catid=149:rick-cohen&Itemid=117 |title=@npquarterly | The Cohen Report | Linda McMahon's Nonprofit Non-Credentials |magazine=The Nonprofit Quarterly |access-date=September 4, 2010 |archive-date=September 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910141421/http://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4846:the-cohen-report-linda-mcmahons-nonprofit-non-credentials&catid=149:rick-cohen&Itemid=117 |url-status=live}}</ref> The McMahons have supported the [[Special Olympics]] since 1986, first developing an interest through their friendship with [[NBC]] producer [[Dick Ebersol]] and [[Susan Saint James]], who encouraged them to participate.<ref name="weeklystandard1">{{cite web |url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/wrestlemania-connecticut |title=WrestleMania in Connecticut |work=The Weekly Standard |date=July 19, 2010 |access-date=June 14, 2016 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303150409/http://www.weeklystandard.com/article/485907 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Professional wrestling career ==

McMahon wanted his daughter Stephanie to resign as SmackDown! [[Professional wrestling authority figures#SmackDown brand authorities|General Manager]]. He gave her an opportunity on the October 2 edition of ''SmackDown!''. Stephanie, however, refused to resign and this set up an [["I Quit" match]] between the two.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031002.html|title=SmackDown! results - October 2, 2003|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At [[No Mercy (2003)|No Mercy]], McMahon defeated Stephanie in an "I Quit" match when Linda threw in the towel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2003/results/|title=No Mercy 2003 official results|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="vincematches"/> Later that night, he helped [[Brock Lesnar]] retain the WWE Championship against The Undertaker in a [[Professional wrestling match types#(Object) on a Pole match|Biker Chain match]].<ref name="No Mercy - Lesnar vs Taker">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2003/mainevent/|title=No Mercy 2003 main event|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=WWE}}</ref> This started a rivalry between McMahon and Undertaker. At [[Survivor Series (2003)|Survivor Series]], McMahon defeated Undertaker in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Container-based variations|Buried Alive match]] with help from Kane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2003/results/|title=Survivor Series 2003 official results|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

=== WWE and predecessors (1969–2024) ===

McMahon began a feud with [[Eric Bischoff]] in late 2005, when he decided that Bischoff wasn't doing a good job as [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General Managers|General Manager]] of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]''. He started "The Trial of Eric Bischoff" where McMahon served as the judge. Bischoff ended up losing the trial; McMahon "fired" him, and put him in a garbage truck before it drove away. Bischoff stayed gone for months. Almost a year later on ''Raw'' in late 2006, Bischoff was brought out by McMahon's executive assistant [[Jonathan Coachman]] so that he could announce the completion of his book ''[[Controversy Creates Cash]]''. Bischoff began [[Shoot (professional wrestling)#Examples of "worked shoots"|blasting remarks]] at McMahon, saying that he was fired "unceremoniously" as the ''Raw'' General Manager, that there would be no McMahon if it was not for Bischoff's over-the-top rebellious ideas, and that [[D-Generation X]] was nothing but a rip off of the [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|New World Order]]. Bischoff returned again in March 2007 to tell Vince his thoughts on Vince's [[WrestleMania 23]] match: he couldn't wait to see him get his head shaved bald.

==== Commentator (1969–1997) ====

[[File:Vince McMahon, 1986.png|thumb|271x271px|McMahon as a commentator, {{Circa|1986}}]]

Before the evolution of the Mr. McMahon character, McMahon appeared as a [[sports commentator|commentator]] on television. His executive role was not publicized to maintain the illusion of wrestling's staged story lines, or [[kayfabe]]. While McMahon did publicly identify himself as the owner of the WWF outside of WWF programming, on television his ownership of the WWF was considered an [[open secret]] through the mid-1990s. [[Jack Tunney]] was portrayed as the president of WWF instead of McMahon.

In 1969, McMahon began appearing on untelevised WWWF events as a ring announcer. McMahon made his commentary debut in 1971 when he replaced Ray Morgan after Morgan had a pay dispute with McMahon's father, [[Vincent J. McMahon]], shortly before a scheduled television taping. The elder McMahon let Morgan walk instead of giving in to his demands and needed a replacement on the spot, offering it to his son. For the younger McMahon, it was also somewhat of a compromise, as it allowed him to appear on television. McMahon wanted to be a wrestler but his father did not let him, explaining that promoters did not appear on the show and should stay apart from their wrestlers.<ref name="DVD">''McMahon'' DVD</ref>

On the December 26, 2005 edition of ''Raw'', Vince personally reviewed [[Bret "Hit Man" Hart: The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be|Bret Hart's DVD]] but Michaels came out and he also started talking about Hart. McMahon ended up saying "I screwed Bret Hart.<ref name="Survivor Series - Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart"/> Shawn, don't make me screw you".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12262005/|title=Advantage Kane|accessdate=2008-01-15|date=2005-12-26|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At ''[[Royal Rumble (2006)|Royal Rumble 2006]]'', when Michaels was among the final six remaining participants after eliminating [[Shelton Benjamin]], McMahon's entrance theme music hit as he distracted his new rival Michaels. Thanks to this distraction, Michaels was eliminated by Shane from behind.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/royalrumble06.html|title=Royal Rumble 2006 results|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On the February 27, 2006 edition of ''Raw'', Michaels was knocked unconscious by [[Shane McMahon]]. Michaels' former [[The Rockers|Rockers]] tag team partner [[Marty Jannetty]] came to the rescue of Michaels and was forced to join McMahon's "Kiss My Ass Club".<ref name="jannettymichaels"/> On the [[Saturday Night's Main Event results#Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII|March 18 edition]] of ''[[WWE Saturday Night's Main Event|Saturday Night's Main Event]]'', Michaels faced McMahon's son Shane in a Street Fight. McMahon screwed Michaels as Shane had Michaels in the Sharpshooter. Michaels hadn't submitted but mcMahon ordered the referee to ring the bell, giving Shane the victory (another [[Montreal Screwjob]] reference)<ref name="Survivor Series - Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart"/><ref name="SNME - Shane vs HBK">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/march182006/matches/2220096/results/|title=Shane McMahon def. Shawn Michaels (Street Fight)|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=[[2006-03-18]]|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At ''[[WrestleMania 22]]'', McMahon faced Michaels in a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match|No Holds Barred match]]. Despite interference from the [[Spirit Squad]] and Shane, McMahon was unable to get the victory.<ref name="WrestleMania 22 - Vince vs HBK">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania22/matches/22203221/results/|title=Shawn Michaels def. Mr. McMahon (No Holds Barred match)|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=[[2006-04-02]]|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At ''[[Backlash (2006)|Backlash 2006]]'', McMahon and Shane defeated Michaels and "[[God]]" in a No Holds Barred match.<ref name="Backlash - McMahons vs HBK & God">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2006/matches/22851061/results/|title=Mr. McMahon & Shane McMahon def. Shawn Michaels & "God"|accessdate=2008-01-14|date=2006-04-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

McMahon eventually became the regular play-by-play commentator and maintained that role until November 1997, portraying himself originally as mild-mannered and diplomatic until 1984. In addition to matches, McMahon hosted other WWF shows, and introduced WWF programming to [[TBS (U.S. TV channel)|TBS]] on [[Black Saturday (wrestling)|Black Saturday]], upon the WWF's acquisition of [[Georgia Championship Wrestling]] and its lucrative [[WCW Saturday Night|Saturday night timeslot]]. McMahon sold the time slot to [[Jim Crockett Promotions]] after the move backfired on him. He eventually acquired JCP's successor company, [[World Championship Wrestling]], from [[Time Warner|AOL Time Warner]] in 2001. At the [[Slammy Award|1987 Slammy Awards]], McMahon performed in a musical number and sang the song "Stand Back".<ref name=slam>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/MatMatters/2008/12/07/7661906.html |title=Bringing back Slammy Awards – a good, bad idea |author=Bishop, Matt and Matt Mackinder |publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=December 9, 2008 |date=December 7, 2008|archive-date=January 1, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101004606/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/MatMatters/2008/12/07/7661906.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The [[Camp (style)|campy]] "Stand Back" video has since resurfaced several times over the years as a [[running gag]] between McMahon and any [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] wrestler he is feuding with at that particular time, and was included on the 2006 ''McMahon'' DVD.<ref name="DVD" />

On the May 15, 2006 edition of ''Raw'', [[Triple H]] hit Shane with a [[sledgehammer]] shot meant for Michaels.<ref>{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05152006/|title=Money Shot|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=[[2006-05-15]]|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The next week on ''Raw'', Triple H had another chance to hit Michaels with the object but he instead whacked the Spirit Squad.<ref>{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05222006/|title=Apology Accepted?|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2006-05-22|publisher=WWE}}</ref> For a few weeks, McMahon ignored Michaels and began a rivalry with Triple H by forcing him to join "Kiss My Ass Club" (Triple H hit McMahon with a [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Pedigree]] instead of joining the club) and pitting him in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet match|gauntlet handicap match]] against the Spirit Squad.<ref>{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06052006/|title=Kiss this|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2006-06-05|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="RAW - HHH vs Spirit Squad">{{cite web|first=Ed|last=Williams III|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06122006/|title=An extreme awakening makes Cena snap|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=2006-06-12|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Michaels, however, saved Triple H and the two reformed [[D-Generation X]] (DX) as the McMahons began feuding with DX. The McMahons and DX continued to feud with each other throughout the summer.<ref name="owwvince">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/v/vince-mcmahon.html|title=Mr. McMahon's Profile|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>

As a commentator, McMahon was a [[Face (professional wrestling)|babyface]] "voice of the fans", a contrast to the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[color commentator]], usually [[Jesse Ventura]], [[Bobby Heenan]] or [[Jerry Lawler]]. While most of McMahon's on-screen physicality took place under his "Mr. McMahon" persona later in his career, he was involved in physical altercations on WWF television several times as a commentator or host. First, in 1977, when he and [[Arnold Skaaland]] were struck from behind by [[Lou Albano|Captain Lou Albano]], as part of a kayfabe "Manager Of the Year" storyline, when Albano was disgruntled over losing to Skaaland.

At [[SummerSlam (2006)|SummerSlam]] in 2006, the McMahons lost to DX in a tag team match despite interference by Umaga, Big Show, [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]], [[Mr. Kennedy]], and [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]].<ref name="SummerSlam - DX vs McMahons">{{cite web|first=Jen|last=Hunt|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/history/2006/matches/29444901/results/|title=DX beats the odds|accessdate=2008-01-18|date=[[2006-08-20]]|publisher=WWE}}{{dead link|date=October 2008}}</ref><ref name="vincematches"/> The McMahons allied themselves with the [[ECW Championship|ECW World Champion]] Big Show who destroyed DX at many points.<ref name="owwvince"/> At [[Unforgiven (2006)|Unforgiven]], the McMahons teamed up with Big Show in a [[Hell in a Cell]] match to take on DX. Despite their 3-on-2 advantage, the McMahons lost again to DX thus ending the rivalry.<ref name="Unforgiven - DX vs McMahons & Big Show">{{cite web|first=Craig|last=Tello|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/2006/matches/28817581/results/|title=Billion-dollar embarr-ASS-ment|accessdate=2008-01-18|date=[[2006-09-17]]|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="vincematches"/>

In 1985, [[Andre the Giant]] grabbed him by the collar during an interview on ''[[Tuesday Night Titans]]''. Andre had become irritated at McMahon's questions regarding his feud with [[Big John Studd]] and their match at [[WrestleMania I|the first WrestleMania]]. On the September 28, 1991, episode of ''[[WWF Superstars of Wrestling]]'', when [[Roddy Piper]] mistakenly hit him with a folding chair aimed at [[Ric Flair]] (requiring McMahon to be taken out of the arena on a [[stretcher]]), and again on the November 8, 1993, episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'', when [[Randy Savage]] hurled him to the floor in an attempt to attack [[Brian Adams (wrestler)|Crush]] after McMahon attempted to restrain him.

McMahon can be seen screaming at medics and WWF personnel during the May 26, 1990, episode of ''WWF Superstars of Wrestling'', after Hulk Hogan was attacked by [[John Tenta|Earthquake]] during a segment of ''The Brother Love Show'', when Hogan was not moved out of the arena quickly enough.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

~~=====Death storyline=====~~

==== Creation of the Mr. McMahon character (1996–1997) ====

The June 25, 2007 edition of ''Raw'' was scheduled to be a three-hour memorial to "Mr. McMahon". However, due to the [[Legit (professional wrestling)|actual]] death of [[Chris Benoit]], the show opened with McMahon appearing in an empty arena, acknowledging that his reported death was only of his character as part of a storyline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usbenoit0626,0,4246396.story?coll=ny-top-headlines|title=WWE wrestler Chris Benoit and family found dead|author=Alfonso A. Castillo|publisher=Newsday.com|accessdate=2007-07-02|date=June 26, 2007}}{{dead link|date=October 2008}}</ref> This was followed by a tribute to Benoit that filled the three-hour timeslot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/benoitdead|title=Benoit Dead|publisher=WWE.com|accessdate=2007-06-25|date=June 25, 2007}}</ref> His last appearance on WWE television until August 6, 2007 was the next night on ''ECW on Sci Fi'' in which after acknowledging that a tribute to Benoit had aired the previous night, he announced that there would be no further mention of Benoit due to [[Chris Benoit double murder and suicide|the circumstances]] becoming apparent, and that the ECW show would be dedicated to those that had been affected by the Benoit murders. On the August 6 show, McMahon said that he faked his death to see what people really thought of him, with Stephanie accused for faking sympathy and checking her father's last will and testament.

Throughout late 1996 and into 1997, McMahon slowly began to be referred to as the owner on WWF television while remaining as the company's lead play-by-play commentator. On the September 23, 1996 ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'', [[Jim Ross]] delivered a [[worked shoot]] promo during which he ran down McMahon, outing him as [[chairman]] and not just a commentator for the first time in WWF storylines. This was followed up on the October 23 ''Raw'' with [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] referring to then-WWF President [[Gorilla Monsoon]] as "just a puppet" and that it was McMahon "pulling all the strings". The March 17, 1997 ''WWF Raw Is War'' is cited by some as the beginning of the Mr. McMahon character, as after [[Bret Hart]] lost to [[Sid Vicious (wrestler)|Sycho Sid]] in a steel cage match for the [[WWE World Championship|WWF Championship]], Hart engaged in an [[Profanity|expletive]]-laden rant against McMahon and WWF management. This rant followed Hart shoving McMahon to the ground when he attempted to conduct a post-match interview. McMahon, himself, returned to the commentary position and nearly cursed out Hart before being calmed down by Ross and Lawler.<ref name="DVD" />

McMahon largely remained a commentator after the Bret Hart incident on ''Raw''. On September 22, 1997, on the first-ever ''Raw'' to be broadcast from [[Madison Square Garden]], Bret's brother [[Owen Hart]] was giving a speech to the fans in attendance. During his speech, Stone Cold Steve Austin entered the ring with five [[New York City Police Department|NYPD]] officers following and assaulted Hart. When it appeared Austin would fight the officers, McMahon ran into the ring to lecture him that he could not physically compete; at the time, Austin was recovering from a broken neck after Owen Hart [[Botch (professional wrestling)|botched]] a [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)|piledriver]] in his match against Austin at [[SummerSlam (1997)|SummerSlam]]. After telling McMahon that he respects the fact that he and the WWF cared, Austin attacked McMahon with a Stone Cold Stunner, leaving McMahon in shock. Austin was then arrested on charges of trespassing, assault, and assaulting a police officer. This marked the beginning of the Austin-McMahon rivalry.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

~~=====Raw 15th Anniversary=====~~

During Monday Night Raw's 15th Anniversary Show on December 10, 2007, McMahon was embarrassed mentally and physically. During the opening segment he tried to get a family portrait with Stephanie and Shane, and his illegitimate son Hornswoggle. Triple H came out and made a reference that he too should be considered Vince's family, alluding to his marriage to Stephanie, something normally not acknowledged onscreen. He then proceeded to embarrass McMahon by bringing out a number of Divas who McMahon had onscreen sexual antics with, including [[Melina Perez|Melina]], former WWE Diva [[Tammy Lynn Sytch|Sunny]] and [[Mae Young]], causing Shane to leave in disgust. He also brought out a group of men who he claimed Vince had mistaken for women, such as [[Pat Patterson (wrestler)|Pat Patterson]] and [[Mike Shaw|Bastion Booger]]. Stephanie then embarrassed him by kissing Triple H, who brought out the [[Charles Wright (wrestler)|Godfather]] and several Ho's for Hornswoggle's benefit.

At [[Survivor Series (1997)|Survivor Series]] in 1997, [[Bret Hart]] defended his WWF Championship against long-time rival [[Shawn Michaels]] in the main event. During the match, Michaels applied Hart's signature [[Professional wrestling holds|submission maneuver]] [[Sharpshooter (professional wrestling)|The Sharpshooter]] on Hart. Though Hart did not submit, McMahon ordered the [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]] to ring the bell, thus [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Screwjob|screwing]] Hart out of the title and making Michaels the champion and making McMahon turn [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first time on WWF television. This incident was subsequently dubbed the "Montreal Screwjob".<ref name="Survivor Series – Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart" /> Following the incident, McMahon left the commentary table for good ([[Jim Ross]] replaced McMahon as lead commentator) and the Mr. McMahon character began.

At the end of the night, McMahon proclaimed himself the greatest Raw superstar ever. Mick Foley, dressed as Mankind, came down and gave McMahon the Mandible Claw with Mr. Socko. After the lights went out, The Undertaker, who had been selected as the Greatest Superstar in Raw History as per a poll conducted on WWE.com appeared and [[chokeslam]]med McMahon. After Undertaker disappeared, Stone Cold Steve Austin came to the ring wanting to share a drink with the unconscious McMahon; after helping McMahon to his feet, he gave him a beer followed by a Stunner. Austin then celebrated with the entire locker room in and around the ring, and kicked McMahon out, pouring beer on the angry McMahon.

==== Feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin (1997–1999) ====

~~=====Return and "Illegitimate child" storyline=====~~

{{Main|The Corporation (professional wrestling)|Corporate Ministry|l1=The Corporation}}In December 1997 on ''[[WWE Raw|Raw Is War]]'', the night after [[D-Generation X: In Your House]], McMahon talked about the behavior and attitude of [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]], such as Austin having assaulted WWF Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter and commentators such as Jim Ross and McMahon himself. Mr. McMahon demanded that Austin defend his Intercontinental Championship against [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] in a rematch. As in the previous match, Austin used his pickup truck as a weapon against The Rock and the [[Nation of Domination]] gang. Austin decided to forfeit the title to The Rock, but instead, Austin gave The Rock a ''Stone Cold Stunner'' and knocked McMahon off the ring ropes.

The "Mr. McMahon" character officially returned on the August 6 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]''. He talked about many subjects, including the investigation by the [[United States Congress]] and owing money to the [[Internal Revenue Service|IRS]]. McMahon also said a battle royal would determine a new ''Raw'' General Manager, which was won by [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]]. At the end of ''Raw'', [[Jonathan Coachman]] informed him of a ([[kayfabe|storyline]]) paternity suit regarding an illegitimate long-lost child,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070806.html|title=RAW results - August 6, 2007|accessdate=2007-09-12|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> who was revealed in the following weeks as being a male member of the WWE roster. On the September 3 episode of ''Raw'', McMahon appeared and was confronted by his family. They were interrupted by [[Mr. Kennedy]] who claimed to be McMahon's "illegitimate son", but he was also interrupted by a lawyer claiming Kennedy is not McMahon's son and that the real son would be revealed the following week on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070903.html|title=RAW results - September 3, 2007|accessdate=2007-09-12|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The lawyer gave the cryptic message "things are looking up." His illegitimate son was finally revealed on September 10 on ''Raw'' to be [[Hornswoggle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070910.html|title=RAW results - September 10, 2007|accessdate=2007-09-12|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>

During the storyline between Austin and Michaels, McMahon involved [[Mike Tyson]], who joined [[D-Generation X]] (DX). During the WrestleMania XIV main event, Mike Tyson turned on Shawn Michaels and assisted Austin in becoming WWF Champion.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}} After Austin won the title, McMahon sent [[Mick Foley|Dude Love]] to defeat Austin at [[Unforgiven: In Your House|Unforgiven]] and [[Over the Edge: In Your House]], where Austin retained. By employing the services of [[The Brothers of Destruction|The Undertaker and Kane]], McMahon set up a triple threat match for the WWF Championship between Austin, The Undertaker, and Kane at [[Breakdown: In Your House]], in which The Undertaker and Kane could only win by pinning Austin. At Breakdown, Austin lost the title after he was pinned simultaneously by The Undertaker and Kane, neither of whom became champion.<ref name="Zimmerman">{{cite web |url=http://slashwrestling.com/raw/980928.html |title=WWF RAW is WAR 28.9.98 |first=Christopher |last=Zimmerman |publisher=Slash Wrestling|access-date=December 27, 2007|archive-date=May 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521102313/http://slashwrestling.com/raw/980928.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2008, after months of "tough love" antics towards Hornswoggle, [[John Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] revealed that Hornswoggle was not McMahon's son and that he was actually [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]]'s son. It turned out that the whole thing was a scam set up by Mr. McMahon's own family. Shane, Stephanie, and Linda were all in on it as well as Finlay.

The following night on ''[[WWE Raw|Raw Is War]]'', McMahon attempted to announce a new WWF Champion. He held a presentation ceremony and introduced The Undertaker and Kane. After saying that both deserved to be the WWF Champion, Austin drove a [[Ice resurfacer|Zamboni]] into the arena and attacked McMahon before police officers stopped him, and arrested him. Because The Undertaker and Kane both failed to defend McMahon from Austin, McMahon did not name a new champion, but instead made a match at [[Judgment Day: In Your House]] between The Undertaker and Kane with Austin as the [[Professional wrestling match types#Special referee|special referee]]. This prompted The Undertaker and Kane to attack Mr. McMahon, injuring his ankle because he gave them the [[Finger (gesture)|finger]] behind their backs.<ref name="Zimmerman" />

~~====='''Million Dollar Mania'''=====~~

On the June 2 episode of ''Raw'', McMahon announced that starting the following week, he would give away $1,000,000 live on ''Raw''. Fans were able to register online, and each week, randomly selected fans would receive a part of the [[United States Dollar|$]]1,000,000. McMahon's Million Dollar Mania lasted just three weeks and was suspended after the 3-hour Draft episode of ''Raw'' on June 23. After giving away $500,000, explosions [[kayfabe]] destroyed the ''Raw'' stage, which fell apart, collapsing on top of McMahon. In order to make the situation appear more realistic, Triple H, Edge, John Cena and Shawn Michaels broke character in order to 'help' the chairman.

At Judgement Day, there was still no champion crowned as Austin declared himself the winner after counting a double pinfall three count for both men. McMahon ordered the WWF Championship to be defended in a [[Professional wrestling tournament|14-man tournament]] named [[Survivor Series (1998)#Tournaments bracket|Deadly Games]] at [[Survivor Series (1998)|Survivor Series]] in 1998. McMahon made sure that [[Mick Foley|Mankind]] reached the finals because Mankind had visited McMahon in the hospital after McMahon was sent to the hospital by [[The Brothers of Destruction|The Undertaker and Kane]].<ref name="Survivor Series – The Rock vs Mankind">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1998/1998/ |title=Survivor Series 1998 main event|access-date=January 15, 2008 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=December 13, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213162612/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1998/1998/|url-status=live}}</ref> He also awarded Mankind the [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]] due to his status as a [[hardcore wrestling]] legend. Originally, McMahon was acting as he if he was helping out Mankind during the match.<ref name="Survivor Series – The Rock vs Mankind" />

On June 30, Shane addressed the WWE audience before ''Raw'', informing the fans that his family had chosen to keep his father’s condition private. In addition, he also urged the WWE to stand together during what he described as a "turbulent time". After a chaotic night on the June 30 episode of ''Raw'', with no figurehead in charge, Stephanie expressed a desire for everyone on ''Raw'' to work together in the absence of McMahon. On July 14, both Shane and Stephanie appeared on ''Raw'' again, after another chaotic night on July 7. The McMahons made one last request for solidarity, before changes would have to be made. Finally, the McMahons appointed [[Mike Adamle]] as the new general manager of ''Raw'' in order to restore order to the brand.

At one point, The Rock turned his attention to McMahon. McMahon [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|turned]] on Mankind after a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Screwjob|screwjob]], as The Rock had caught Mankind in the [[Sharpshooter (professional wrestling)|Sharpshooter]]. Mankind had not submitted but McMahon ordered the referee to ring the bell, thus giving The Rock the WWF Championship. This was a homage to the "[[Montreal Screwjob]]" that occurred one year earlier.<ref name="Survivor Series – The Rock vs Mankind" /> McMahon referred to The Rock as the "Corporate Champion" thus forming the corporation with his son [[Shane McMahon|Shane]] and The Rock.<ref name="corporation">{{cite news |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/corporation.html |title=Corporation Profile|access-date=January 15, 2008 |newspaper=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=May 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514225923/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/corporation.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

~~On October 30, 2008, McMahon appeared on ''[[Today (NBC program)|The Today Show]]'', promoting the celebration of the 800th episode of ''Raw''.~~

At [[Rock Bottom: In Your House]], Mankind defeated The Rock to win the WWF Championship after The Rock passed out to the [[Mandible claw|Mandible Claw]]. McMahon, screwed Mankind once again by reversing the decision and returning the belt to his chosen champion, The Rock.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#26 |title=Rock Bottom results|access-date=January 15, 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|archive-date=April 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412162128/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#26|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon participated in a "Corporate Rumble" on the January 11, 1999 ''Raw'' as an unscheduled participant, but was eliminated by [[Chyna]].

~~==Controversies==~~

~~===Harassment===~~

Rita Chatterton (ring name: "Rita Marie") was a former [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]] who is noted for her stint in [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] in the 1980s. She is known for being the first ever female referee in WWE, possibly in pro wrestling history.<ref>Shaun Assael & Mike Mooneyham. Sex, Lies and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation (p.116)</ref> Her times there, however, were shrouded in controversy, due to [[sexual harassment]] charges against WWE owner McMahon. On April 3, 1992, Chatterton made an appearance on [[Geraldo Rivera]]'s television show ''Now It Can Be Told'' alleging that on July 16, 1986 McMahon tried to force her to perform [[oral sex]] on him in his limousine and, after her rebuttal, subjected her to [[rape]].<ref>Shaun Assael & Mike Mooneyham. Sex, Lies and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation (p.115-117)</ref> McMahon was not charged with any offense relating to the alleged incident, the criminal [[statute of limitations]] having passed.

McMahon restarted a long-running feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin when, in December 1998, he made Austin face The Undertaker in a Buried Alive match with the Royal Rumble qualification on the line. Austin defeated The Undertaker with help from Kane. McMahon had put up $100,000 to anyone who could eliminate Austin from the Royal Rumble match.<ref name="Royal Rumble – 1999 Rumble match">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881143/mainevent/ |title=1999 Royal Rumble match|access-date=January 15, 2008 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409172004/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881143/mainevent/|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Royal Rumble (1999)|Royal Rumble]], thanks to help from the corporation's attack on Austin in the women's bathroom during the match. Austin and McMahon went under the ropes, not over them as the Royal Rumble rules require for elimination to occur, along with the 'Shawn Michaels Rule', in which both feet must touch the floor after going over the top rope.<ref name="otherarena.com">{{cite web |first=Christopher |last=Zimmerman |url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999/raw012599 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209100552/http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1999%2Fraw012599 |archive-date=February 9, 2008 |title=RAW is WAR recap |access-date=January 15, 2008 |date=January 25, 1999 |publisher=The Other Arena}}</ref>

On February 1, 2006, McMahon was accused of [[sexual harassment]] by a worker at a [[Boca Raton, Florida]] tanning bar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bocaratonnews.com/index.php?src=news&prid=14071&category=Local%20News|title=WWE chief accused of groping Boca tanning salon worker|author=Dale King||publishe=Boca Raton News|accessdate=2007-07-02|date=February 3, 2006}}</ref> The worker said that he "groped her and harassed her." At first, the charge appeared to be discredited because McMahon was in Miami for the [[Royal Rumble (2006)|2006 Royal Rumble]] at the time. It was soon clarified that the alleged incident was reported to police on the day of the Rumble, but actually took place the day before.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=15391|title=McMahon situation to get more publicity|author=Dave Meltzer|publisher=The Wrestling Observer Newsletter|accessdate=2007-07-02|date=February 2, 2006}}</ref> On March 27, a Florida television station reported that no charges would be filed against McMahon as a result of the investigation.

The Rock distracted Austin, and McMahon lifted Austin over the top rope from behind, winning the match and earning a title shot at [[WrestleMania XV]] against the WWF Champion The Rock. He turned down his spot, and WWF Commissioner Shawn Michaels awarded it to Austin, which infuriated McMahon.<ref name="otherarena.com" /> Austin decided to put his title shot on the line against McMahon so he could get a chance to fight Vince at [[St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House|In Your House: St. Valentine's Day Massacre]] in a [[Steel Cage match|steel cage match]]. During the match, [[Big Show]] — a future member of the Corporation — interrupted, making his WWF debut. He threw Austin through the side of the cage thus giving him the victory.<ref name="corporation" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/stvalentinesdaymassacre.html |title=St. Valentine's Day Massacre results|access-date=January 15, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=January 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106071327/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/stvalentinesdaymassacre.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

~~===Involvement in storylines===~~

McMahon's [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] as a whole has been the center of controversy in the past, especially in the "Attitude Era" of what was the World Wrestling Federation—including [[D-Generation X]] for their sexual references and Stone Cold Steve Austin for his trademark drinking of beer and flipping the middle finger. McMahon has also come under fire for constantly involving himself in sexual angles with several of the WWE Divas, as well as remarks about his own semen, and the repeated mocking of God during a feud with Shawn Michaels.

The Corporation started a feud with [[The Undertaker]]'s new faction the "[[Ministry of Darkness]]", which led to a storyline introducing McMahon's daughter [[Stephanie McMahon|Stephanie]]. Stephanie played an "innocent sweet girl" who was kidnapped by The Ministry twice. The first time she was kidnapped, she was found by [[Ken Shamrock]] on behalf of McMahon in a basement of the stadium. The second time she was kidnapped, The Undertaker attempted to marry her whilst she was forcefully tied to the Ministry's crucifix, but she was saved by Steve Austin. This angle saw a brief friendship develop between McMahon and Austin, cooling their long-running feud.

On the [[McMahon (documentary)|''McMahon'' DVD]], Stephanie comments that she had to nix a potential [[incest]] angle. According to her, the storyline called for McMahon to rape her and thus become father of her baby; when she said no, he pushed for Shane to be the father, but she turned that idea down as well. She also nixed McMahon's idea that her wedding to Triple H be aired live on PPV and said that the only reason McMahon ever hired Eric Bischoff was to be able to say that his longtime nemesis once worked for him.

McMahon became a member of the short-lived stable [[The Union (professional wrestling)|The Union]], during May 1999. McMahon's son Shane merged the corporation with The Undertaker's Ministry of Darkness to form the [[Corporate Ministry]]. On the June 7 episode of ''Raw Is War'', McMahon was revealed as the "Higher Power" behind the Corporate Ministry. This not only reignited McMahon's feud with WWF Champion Austin but also caused a [[kayfabe]] disgusted [[Linda McMahon|Linda]] and Stephanie McMahon to give their 50% share of the WWF to Austin.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

~~==Personal life==~~

McMahon wanted to be a wrestler when he was young but his father wouldn't let him (he was told that promoters do not appear on the show and should stay apart from his wrestlers). He also overcame [[dyslexia]] in his early life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dyslexia.tv/freethinkersu/alumni.htm|title=Dyslexia TV Alumni|accessdate=2008-09-15|publisher=Dyslexia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dyslexiamentor.com/famousdyslexics.php|title=Famous Dyslexics|accessdate=2008-09-15|publisher=Dyslexia Mentor}}</ref>

At [[King of the Ring (1999)|King of the Ring]], Vince and Shane defeated Austin in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap]] [[ladder match]] to regain control of the WWF.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html#1999 |title=King of the Ring 1999 results|access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|archive-date=February 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222220156/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html#1999|url-status=live}}</ref> While CEO, Austin had scheduled a WWF Championship match, to be shown on ''Raw is War'' after King Of The Ring. During the match, Austin defeated The Undertaker once again to become the WWF Champion. At [[Fully Loaded (1999)|Fully Loaded]], Austin was again scheduled for a first blood match against The Undertaker. If Austin lost, he would be banned from wrestling for the WWF Championship again; if he won, Vince McMahon would be banned from appearing on WWF television. Austin defeated The Undertaker, and McMahon was banned from WWF television.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/loaded.html#99 |title=Fully Loaded 1999 results|access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|archive-date=November 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128122148/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/loaded.html#99|url-status=live}}</ref>

McMahon married [[Linda McMahon]] on August 26, 1966 in [[New Bern, North Carolina]]. The two met in church when Linda was 13 and Vince was 16. At that time McMahon was known as '''Vince Lupton''', using his stepfather's surname. They were introduced by Vince's mother, Vicky Lupton (now Vicky Askew). They have two children, [[Shane McMahon|Shane]] and [[Stephanie McMahon|Stephanie]], who both work for WWE.

McMahon returned as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] in the fall of 1999 and won the [[WWE World Championship|WWF Championship]] in a match against [[Triple H]], thanks to outside interference from Austin on the September 16 ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]''. He vacated the title on the following Monday's ''Raw is War'' because he was not allowed on WWF television because of the stipulations of the Fully Loaded contract he signed. Austin reinstated him in return for a WWF title shot. Over the next few months, McMahon and Triple H feuded, with the linchpin of the feud being Triple H's storyline marriage to Stephanie McMahon. The feud culminated at [[Armageddon (1999)|Armageddon]] in 1999; McMahon faced Triple H in a [[Hardcore wrestling|No Holds Barred match]] which McMahon lost. Afterward, Stephanie turned on him, revealing her true colors. McMahon, along with his son Shane, then disappeared from WWF television, unable to accept the union between Triple H and Stephanie. This left Triple H and Stephanie in complete control of the WWF.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/1999/results/ |title=Armageddon 1999 official results |access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319104738/http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/1999/results/ |archive-date=March 19, 2008}}</ref>

He has a $12 million penthouse in [[Manhattan]]; a $40 million mansion in [[Greenwich, Connecticut]]; and a $20 million vacation home in [[Boca Raton, Florida]].<ref>{{cite video|year=2006|title=McMahon|medium=DVD|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> In 2007, however, it was reported that WWE cannot back up its claim that McMahon is a billionaire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/finance/lists/54/2000/newattitudes.jhtml?passListId=54&passYear=2000&passListType=Person|title=Scoff If You Wish, But The WWF Is A Real Business|author=Lisa DiCarlo|publisher=Forbes.com|accessdate=2007-07-02}}</ref><ref name="Forbes2">{{cite web|title=Informer|publisher=[[Forbes|Forbes.com]]|author=S. Fitch, W. P. Barrett, C. Coolidge, M. Rand, and S. Hanke|date=2007-04-23|url=http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2007/0423/028.html|accessdate=2007-04-07}}</ref>

==== McMahon-Helmsley Faction (2000–2001) ====

McMahon has four grandchildren: Declan James and Kenyon Jesse McMahon, sons of Shane and his wife [[Marissa Mazzola-McMahon|Marissa]]; and Aurora Rose and Murphy Claire Levesque, daughters of Stephanie and her husband [[Triple H|Paul "Triple H" Levesque]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.ign.com/articles/894/894564p1.html|title=Stephanie McMahon Gives Birth|last=Barnwell|first=Bill|work=[[IGN]] Sports|publisher=[[News Corporation]]|language=English|accessdate=2008-07-29}}</ref>

McMahon returned to WWF television on the March 13, 2000 ''Raw Is War'' helping [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] win his WWF title shot back from the Big Show. He also attacked Shane McMahon and [[Triple H]].<ref name="raw2000">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/2000.html |title=RAW is WAR results, 2000|access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=August 29, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829222853/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/2000.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Two weeks later, McMahon and The Rock defeated [[Shane McMahon]] and The [[Big Show]] in a tag team match with help from special guest referee [[Mick Foley|Mankind]].<ref name="raw2000" /> At [[WrestleMania 2000]], Triple H defended the WWF Championship in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|Fatal Four-Way Elimination match]] in which each competitor had a McMahon in his corner. Triple H had his wife Stephanie McMahon who was also the [[WWE Women's Championship (1956–2010)|WWF Women's Champion]] in his corner, The Rock had Vince McMahon in his corner, Mick Foley had Linda McMahon in his corner, and Big Show had Shane in his corner. After Big Show and Foley were eliminated, Triple H and The Rock were left. Although Vince was in The Rock's corner, he [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|turned]] on The Rock after [[Professional wrestling attacks#Chair shot|hitting him with a chair]], turning heel for the first time since his feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin, which helped Triple H win the match and retain his title.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm16/mainevent/ |title=WrestleMania 2000 main event |access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221171738/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm16/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 21, 2008}}</ref> This began the McMahon-Helmsley Era.

[[File:Vince kotr 2000.jpg|thumb|McMahon after losing his match at [[King of the Ring (2000)|King of the Ring]] in June 2000]]

~~===Legal trial===~~

At [[King of the Ring (2000)|King of the Ring]], McMahon, Shane, and WWF Champion Triple H took on [[The Brothers of Destruction]] ([[The Undertaker]] and [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]]) and The Rock in a six-man tag team match for the WWF Championship. This match stipulated that whoever made the scoring pinfall would become the WWF Champion. McMahon was pinned by The Rock.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html#2000 |title=King of the Ring 2000 results|access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|archive-date=February 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222220156/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html#2000|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon was then absent from WWF television until late 2000. On the December 4 episode of ''Raw Is War'', McMahon questioned the motives of WWF Commissioner Mick Foley and expressed concern of the well-being of the six superstars competing in the Hell in a Cell match at [[Armageddon (2000)|Armageddon]]. On the December 18 episode of ''Raw Is War'', McMahon faced [[Kurt Angle]] in a non-title match which was fought to no contest when Mick Foley interfered and attacked both men. After the match, both men beat Foley and McMahon fired him.<ref name="raw2000" />

~~[[Image:Vincemcmahontrial.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Vince, Linda, and [[Shane McMahon]] outside the courthouse in July 1994.]]~~

In 1989, McMahon tested the movie producing waters by co-producing the [[Hulk Hogan]] vehicle ''[[No Holds Barred]]''. In 1990, McMahon again ventured outside of wrestling by founding a [[bodybuilding]] company called the [[World Bodybuilding Federation]] (WBF).

Around 1992, things began to change. The WBF went out of business as alleged [[anabolic steroid|steroid]] abuse among both McMahon's wrestlers and bodybuilders came under scrutiny. In 1993, he was indicted after a [[steroid]] controversy engulfed the promotion. McMahon was put on [[Trial (law)|trial]] in 1994, accused of distributing steroids to his wrestlers. As a legal move, his wife [[Linda McMahon|Linda]] was made [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] of the WWF during the trial. He was [[Acquittal|acquitted]] of all charges though he admitted to taking steroids himself in the 1980s. The prosecution made [[Hulk Hogan]] its star witness, and his testimony in the trial severely damaged the two's friendship, even though Hogan's testimony defended McMahon. After Hogan's testimony, McMahon went before the media declaring that he wished that Hogan had not lied about him on the witness stand.

McMahon then began a public [[kayfabe|extramarital affair]] with [[Trish Stratus]], much to the disgust of his daughter, Stephanie. On the February 26 episode of ''Raw'', McMahon and Stephanie humiliated Trish by dumping sewage on her, with McMahon adding that Stephanie will always be "daddy's little girl" and Trish was only "daddy's little toy". McMahon and Stephanie then aligned together against Shane, who'd returned and had enough of Vince's actions in recent months.<ref name="WrestleMania XVII official results">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm17/results/ |title=WrestleMania XVII official results |access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119085101/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm17/results/ |archive-date=November 19, 2007}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{YouTube|id=9Khz-5HDsiQ#t=03m36s|title=Mcmahon vs Mcmahon – WrestleMania 17 Match Recap MV}}. Retrieved April 15, 2010.</ref>

Although he personally escaped jail time, the WWF’s public image took a hit as pro wrestling began a slow descent from its pop-culture perch. Things were slowly turning in favor of McMahon's chief competition, [[Ted Turner]]'s [[World Championship Wrestling]], especially after the rival outlet signed Hulk Hogan following his split with the WWF after the steroid trial.

At [[WrestleMania X-Seven]], McMahon lost to Shane after Linda—who had been [[Psychological abuse|emotionally abused]] to the point of a [[Mental breakdown|nervous breakdown]]; the breakdown was caused after Vince demanded a divorce on the December 7 episode of ''SmackDown!''; the breakdown left her helpless as she was deemed unable to continue being CEO of the WWF at the time, giving Vince 100% authority; finally, she was heavily sedated, in the storyline—hit Vince with a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Low blow|low blow]].<ref name="WrestleMania XVII official results" /><ref name="ReferenceA" />

~~===Other media===~~

In 2001, McMahon was interviewed by ''[[Playboy]]'' and performed an interview with his son Shane for the second issue of the magazine that year. In March 2006, (at age 60) McMahon was featured on the cover of ''[[Muscle & Fitness]]'' magazine. In the months after its publication, it could be seen in McMahon's office during backstage segments. A large version of the cover was used as a weapon during McMahon's match with [[Shawn Michaels]] at [[WrestleMania 22]] and was defaced by D-Generation X upon their reunification during an episode of ''Raw''.

On the same night, McMahon allied with Stone Cold Steve Austin, helping him defeat The Rock to gain another WWF Championship. The two, along with Triple H, allied. Austin and Triple H put The Rock out of action with a brutal assault and suspension; this was done so The Rock could film ''[[The Scorpion King]]''. Austin and Triple H held all three major WWF titles at the same time. The alliance was short-lived, due to an injury to Triple H and a business venture by McMahon.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

On August 22, 2006, a two-disc DVD set showcasing McMahon's career was released. The DVD is simply titled ''[[McMahon (documentary)|McMahon]]''. The box art symbolizes the blurred reality between Vince McMahon the person and Mr. McMahon the character.

==== WCW/ECW Invasion and the brand extension (2001–2005) ====

~~==In wrestling==~~

{{Main|The Invasion (professional wrestling)|l1=The Invasion|WWE brand extension}}

*'''Finishing and signature moves'''

[[File:Undertaker, Vince McMahon, Brock Lesnar, & Sable in a WWE ring.JPG|thumb|[[The Undertaker]], McMahon, [[Brock Lesnar]] and [[Sable (wrestler)|Sable]] on ''SmackDown!'']]

**''While McMahon usually relies on outside interference to win matches, he has borrowed a number of finishers from his opponent and'' / ''or the wrestler he is in a feud with and usually renames said finishers to tie in with his "evil boss" gimmick.''

McMahon purchased long-time rival promotion [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) in March 2001 from [[AOL]] [[Time Warner]] and signed many wrestlers from the organization. This marked the beginning of the Invasion storyline, in which the former WCW wrestlers regularly fought matches against the WWF wrestlers. On the July 9, 2001, episode of ''Raw Is War'', some [[List of Extreme Championship Wrestling alumni|extremists]] as well as several former ECW wrestlers on the WWF roster, joined with the WCW wrestlers to form [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|The Alliance]]. [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] joined the Alliance, along with [[Shane McMahon|Shane]] and [[Stephanie McMahon]]. Vince McMahon led Team WWF thus turning [[Babyface (professional wrestling)|face]]. At [[Survivor Series (2001)|Survivor Series]], Team WWF defeated Team Alliance in a Survivor Series elimination match to pick up the victory and end the Invasion storyline.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2001/mainevent/ |title=Survivor Series 2001 main event |access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080326173627/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2001/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 26, 2008}}</ref>

**[[Stunner (professional wrestling)|Stunner]] – Copied from [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]]

**[[Feint]] [[leg drop]] transitioned into an high-impact [[Elbow drop#Elbow drop|elbow drop]] to the [[chest]], with theatrics – Copied from [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]]

**[[Leg drop#Running leg drop|Running leg drop]] – Copied from [[Hulk Hogan]]

**[[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Double underhook facebuster]] – Copied from [[Triple H]]

**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Slap|Bitch slap]]

Following the collapse of The Alliance, McMahon created the "Vince McMahon Kiss My Ass Club", also known as the "Mr. McMahon Kiss My Ass Club", which consisted of various WWE individuals being ordered to kiss his buttocks in the middle of the ring, usually with the threat of suspension or firing if they refused reverting to a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]]. The club was originally proclaimed closed by [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] after McMahon was forced to kiss [[Rikishi (wrestler)|Rikishi]]'s buttocks on an episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref name=assclub02540>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/011206.html |title=WWE SmackDown! Results|access-date=August 9, 2009 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=August 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824164236/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/011206.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2001, [[Ric Flair]] returned to WWF after an eight-year hiatus declaring himself the co-owner of the WWF, which infuriated McMahon. The two faced each other in January 2002, at [[Royal Rumble (2002)|Royal Rumble]], in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Street Fight|Street Fight]] which Flair won.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811413/results/ |title=Royal Rumble 2002 official results|access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=November 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122185729/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811413/results|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to their status as co-owners, McMahon became the owner of ''SmackDown!'' while Flair became the owner of ''Raw''. On the June 10 episode of ''Raw'', McMahon defeated Flair to end the rivalry and become the sole owner of WWE.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020610.html |title=RAW results – June 10, 2002|access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=December 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230150404/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020610.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

*'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]'''

**"No Chance in Hell" by [[Jim Johnston (composer)|Jim Johnston]] (''[[WWF The Music, Vol. 4]]''; ''[[WWE Anthology]]''; ''[[RAW Greatest Hits: The Music]]'')

On the February 13, 2003 ''SmackDown!'', McMahon tried to derail the return of [[Hulk Hogan]] after a five-month hiatus but was knocked out by Hogan and received a [[Leg drop#Running leg drop|running leg drop]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030213.html |title=SmackDown! results – February 13, 2003|access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=April 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417193102/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030213.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[No Way Out (2003)|No Way Out]], McMahon interfered in Hogan's match with The Rock. Hogan hit The Rock with a running leg drop and went for the pin, but the lights went out. When the lights came back on, McMahon came to the ringside to distract Hogan. [[Sylvain Grenier]], the referee, gave The Rock a chair, which he then hit Hogan with. He ended the match with a [[Side slam|Rock Bottom]] to defeat Hogan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/mainevent/ |title=No Way Out 2003 main event |access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219180229/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 19, 2008}}</ref> This led to McMahon facing Hogan in a match at [[WrestleMania XIX]], which McMahon lost in a Street Fight.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm19/results/ |title=WrestleMania XIX official results|access-date=January 16, 2008 |newspaper=WWE|archive-date=July 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709133741/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/19|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon then banned Hogan from the ring but Hogan returned under the [[glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|gimmick]] of "Mr. America". McMahon tried to prove that Mr. America was Hogan under a mask but failed at these attempts. Hogan later quit WWE and at which point McMahon claimed that he had discovered Mr. America was Hulk Hogan and "fired" him.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030703.html |title=SmackDown! results – July 3, 2003|access-date=January 16, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=May 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524071823/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030703.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

*'''[[Nickname]]s'''

**Vinnie Mac

**The Boss

**Satan's Role Model (given to him by [[Jim Ross]])

McMahon asked his daughter Stephanie to resign as SmackDown! [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General managers 2|General Manager]] on the October 2 ''SmackDown!''. Stephanie refused to resign and this set up an [["I Quit" match]] between the two.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031002.html |title=SmackDown! results – October 2, 2003|access-date=January 17, 2008 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=January 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120103458/http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031002.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[No Mercy (2003)|No Mercy]], McMahon defeated Stephanie in an "I Quit" match when Linda threw in the towel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2003/results |title=No Mercy 2003 Full Event Results|access-date=August 22, 2015 |publisher=[[WWE]].com|archive-date=October 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018030636/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2003/results|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that night, he helped [[Brock Lesnar]] retain the WWE Championship against The Undertaker in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Object on a Pole match|Biker Chain match]].<ref name="No Mercy – Lesnar vs Taker">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2003/mainevent/ |title=No Mercy 2003 main event|access-date=January 17, 2008 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=December 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227195351/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2003/mainevent/|url-status=live}}</ref> This started a rivalry between McMahon and The Undertaker. At [[Survivor Series (2003)|Survivor Series]], McMahon defeated The Undertaker in a [[Buried Alive Match|Buried Alive match]] with help from Kane.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2003/results/ |title=Survivor Series 2003 official results |access-date=January 17, 2008 |publisher=WWE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102150217/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2003/results/ |archive-date=January 2, 2008}}</ref>

*'''[[Club]]s'''

**Kiss My Ass Club

~~Your Fired Club~~

==== Various feuds (2005–2013) ====

~~==Championships and accomplishments==~~

He began a feud with [[Eric Bischoff]] in late 2005, when he decided that Bischoff was not doing a good job as general manager of ''Raw'' turning face again. He started "The Trial of Eric Bischoff" where McMahon served as the judge. Bischoff ended up losing the trial; McMahon "fired" him, and put him in a garbage truck before it drove away. Bischoff stayed gone for months. Almost a year later on ''Raw'' in late 2006, Bischoff was brought out by McMahon's executive assistant [[Jonathan Coachman]] so that he could announce the completion of his book ''[[Controversy Creates Cash]]''. Bischoff began [[Shoot (professional wrestling)|blasting remarks]] at McMahon, saying that he was fired "unceremoniously" as the ''Raw'' General Manager, that there would be no McMahon if not for Bischoff's over-the-top rebellious ideas, and that [[D-Generation X]] was nothing but a rip off of the [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|New World Order]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

~~[[Image:Vince McMahon - ECW Champion.jpg|thumb|right|McMahon as [[ECW Championship|ECW World Champion]].]]~~

*'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''

**[[ECW Championship|ECW World Championship]] ([[List of ECW Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship/|title=ECW Championship official title history|accessdate=2007-07-18|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref>

**[[Royal Rumble]] ([[Royal Rumble (1999)|1999]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/january/1999.htm|title=Royal Rumble 1999 Results|accessdate=2007-08-22|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref>

[[File:Mrmcmahon092407 b.jpg|thumb|upright|McMahon during a ''Raw'' episode in 2007]]

*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''

On the December 26, 2005 ''Raw'', McMahon personally reviewed [[Bret "Hit Man" Hart: The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be|Bret Hart's DVD]]. [[Shawn Michaels]] came out and he also started talking about Hart. McMahon replied, "I screwed Bret Hart. Shawn, don't make me screw you".<ref name="Survivor Series – Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12262005/ |title=Advantage Kane|access-date=January 15, 2008 |date=December 26, 2005 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=May 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525201735/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12262005/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the 2006 [[Royal Rumble (2006)|Royal Rumble]], when Michaels was among the final six remaining participants after eliminating [[Shelton Benjamin]], McMahon's entrance theme music distracted Michaels, allowing [[Shane McMahon]] to eliminate him.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/royalrumble06.html |title=Royal Rumble 2006 results|access-date=January 17, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=October 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008070200/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/royalrumble06.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On the February 27 ''Raw'', Michaels was knocked unconscious by Shane. When Michaels' former [[The Rockers|Rockers]] tag team partner [[Marty Jannetty]] came to the rescue of Michaels, he was forced to join McMahon's "Kiss My Ass Club".<ref name="jannettymichaels">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02272006/ |title=Joining the Club|access-date=February 27, 2006 |publisher=WWE.com|archive-date=February 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226045658/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02272006/|url-status=live}}</ref> On ''[[Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII]]'', Michaels faced Shane in a Street Fight. McMahon screwed Michaels while Shane had Michaels in the Sharpshooter. Michaels had not submitted, but McMahon ordered the referee to ring the bell, giving Shane the victory (another [[Montreal Screwjob]] reference).<ref name="Survivor Series – Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart" /><ref name="SNME – Shane vs HBK">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/march182006/matches/2220096/results/ |title=Shane McMahon def. Shawn Michaels (Street Fight)|access-date=January 17, 2008 |date=March 18, 2006 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=September 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923205256/http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/march182006/matches/2220096/results/|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 22]], Vince McMahon faced Michaels in a [[hardcore wrestling|No Holds Barred match]]. Despite interference from [[the Spirit Squad]] and Shane, McMahon was unable to beat Michaels.<ref name="WrestleMania 22 – Vince vs HBK">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania22/matches/22203221/results/ |title=Shawn Michaels def. Mr. McMahon (No Holds Barred match)|access-date=January 17, 2008 |date=April 2, 2006 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=December 21, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221165455/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania22/matches/22203221/results/|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Backlash (2006)|Backlash]], Vince McMahon and his son Shane defeated Michaels and "God" (characterized by a spotlight) in a No Holds Barred match.<ref name="Backlash – McMahons vs HBK & God">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2006/matches/22851061/results/ |title=Mr. McMahon & Shane McMahon def. Shawn Michaels & "God"|access-date=January 14, 2008 |date=April 30, 2006 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=December 14, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214180903/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2006/matches/22851061/results/|url-status=live}}</ref>

**[[PWI Feud of the Year]] (1996) vs. [[Eric Bischoff]]<ref name="Feud of the Year">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwifoty.htm|title=Wrestling Information Archive - Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Feud of the Year|accessdate=2007-07-18|publisher=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}}</ref>

**[[PWI Feud of the Year]] (1998, 1999) vs. [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]]<ref name="Feud of the Year"/>

**[[PWI Feud of the Year]] (2001) vs. [[Shane McMahon]]<ref name="Feud of the Year"/>

**[[PWI Feud of the Year]] (2002) vs. [[Ric Flair]]<ref name="Feud of the Year"/>

**[[PWI Feud of the Year]] (2003) vs. [[Hulk Hogan]]<ref name="Feud of the Year"/>

**[[PWI Match of the Year]] (2006) vs. [[Shawn Michaels]] at [[WrestleMania 22]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Hardcore-based variations|No Holds Barred match]] on April 2<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimoty.htm|title=Wrestling Information Archive - Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Match of the Year|accessdate=2007-07-26|publisher=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}}</ref>

On the May 15 ''Raw'', [[Triple H]] hit Shane with a [[sledgehammer]] meant for Michaels.<ref>{{cite web |first=Louie |last=Dee |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05152006/ |title=Money Shot|access-date=January 17, 2008 |date=May 15, 2006 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=December 21, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221164238/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05152006/|url-status=live}}</ref> The next week on ''Raw'', Triple H had another chance to hit Michaels with the object but he instead whacked the Spirit Squad.<ref>{{cite web |first=Louie |last=Dee |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05222006/ |title=Apology Accepted?|access-date=January 17, 2008 |date=May 22, 2006 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=December 18, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218092737/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05222006/|url-status=live}}</ref> For a few weeks, McMahon ignored Michaels and began a rivalry with Triple H by forcing him to join "Kiss My Ass Club" (Triple H hit McMahon with a [[Double underhook facebuster|Pedigree]] instead of joining the club) and pitting him in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet match|gauntlet handicap match]] against the Spirit Squad.<ref>{{cite web |first=Louie |last=Dee |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06052006/ |title=Kiss this|access-date=January 17, 2008 |date=June 5, 2006 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=February 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224055522/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06052006|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="RAW – HHH vs Spirit Squad">{{cite web |first=Ed |last=Williams III |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06122006/ |title=An extreme awakening makes Cena snap|access-date=January 17, 2008 |date=June 12, 2006 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=May 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523050452/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06122006/|url-status=live}}</ref> Michaels saved Triple H and the two reformed [[D-Generation X]] (DX). This led to a feud between the McMahons and DX, throughout the following summer.<ref name="owwvince">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/v/vince-mcmahon.html |title=Mr. McMahon's Profile|access-date=January 17, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=January 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125234737/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/v/vince-mcmahon.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He also with the Spirit Squad teaming with Shane lost to [[Eugene (wrestler)|Eugene]] by disqualification on July 10. At [[SummerSlam (2006)|SummerSlam]] in 2006, the McMahons lost to DX in a tag team match despite interference by Umaga, Big Show, [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]], [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Mr. Kennedy]], and [[William Regal]].<ref name="SummerSlam – DX vs McMahons">{{cite web |first=Jen |last=Hunt |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2006/matches/29444901/results/ |title=DX beats the odds|access-date=January 18, 2008 |date=August 20, 2006 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=September 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080902082442/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2006/matches/29444901/results/|url-status=live}}</ref> The McMahons also allied themselves with the [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW World Champion]] Big Show.<ref name="owwvince" /> At [[Unforgiven (2006)|Unforgiven]], the McMahons teamed up with The [[Big Show]] in a [[Hell in a Cell]] match to take on DX. Despite their 3-on-2 advantage, the McMahons lost again to DX thus ending the rivalry.<ref name="Unforgiven – DX vs McMahons & Big Show">{{cite web |first=Craig |last=Tello |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/2006/matches/28817581/results/ |title=Billion-dollar embarr-ASS-ment|access-date=January 18, 2008 |date=September 17, 2006 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409144024/http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/2006/matches/28817581/results/|url-status=live}}</ref>

*'''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards]]'''

**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Booker|Best Booker]] (1987, 1998, 1999)

**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Non-Wrestler|Best Non-Wrestler]] (1999, 2000)

**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Promoter|Best Promoter]] (1988, 1998-2000)

**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (1998, 1999) vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin

**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Feud of the Year|Worst Feud of the Year]] (2006) with Shane McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels and [[Triple H]]

**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] ([[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame#1996 inductees|Class of 1996]])

In January 2007, McMahon started a feud with [[Donald Trump]], which was featured on major media outlets. Originally Trump wanted to fight McMahon himself but they came to a deal: both men would pick a representative to wrestle at [[WrestleMania 23]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Luchas de apuestas|Hair vs. Hair match]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Riesman |first=Abraham Josephine |date=February 26, 2023 |title=Opinion {{!}} The Best Way to Explain the G.O.P. Is Found in the W.W.E. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/26/opinion/vince-mcmahon-wwe-trump-kayfabe.html |access-date=February 26, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226221109/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/26/opinion/vince-mcmahon-wwe-trump-kayfabe.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The man whose wrestler lost would have his head shaved bald. After the contract signing on ''Raw'', Trump pushed McMahon over the table in the ring onto his head after McMahon provoked Trump with several finger pokes to the shoulders. Later at a press conference, McMahon, during a photo opportunity, offered to shake hands with Trump but retracted his hand as Trump put out his.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/exclusives/pressconference |title=Billion-dollar breakdown at Trump Tower |last=Dee |first=Louie |website=WWE.com|access-date=March 28, 2007|archive-date=January 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119073623/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/exclusives/pressconference|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon went on to fiddle with Trump's tie and flick Trump's nose. This angered Trump as he then slapped McMahon across the face. McMahon was then restrained from retaliating by Trump's bodyguards and [[Bobby Lashley]], Trump's representative.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/exclusives/pressconference |title=Billion-dollar breakdown at Trump Tower |last=Dee |first=Louie |website=WWE.com|access-date=March 28, 2007|archive-date=January 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119073623/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/exclusives/pressconference|url-status=live}}</ref> At WrestleMania 23, McMahon's representative ([[Umaga (wrestler)|Umaga]]) lost the match.<ref name="WrestleMania 23 – Lashley vs Umaga">{{cite web |first=Craig |last=Tello |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/matches/39161842/results/ |title=The 'mane' event|access-date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409144026/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/matches/39161842/results/|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, McMahon's hair was shaved bald by Trump and Lashley with the help of [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin]], who was the special guest referee of the "Battle of the Billionaires" match.<ref name="WrestleMania 23 – Lashley vs Umaga" />

~~[[Image:Vince McMahon - Hollywood Walk of Fame.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Vince McMahon receiving his own star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].]]~~

*'''Other accomplishments and honors'''

**[[Madison Square Garden]] Walk of Fame

**Sport's Illustrated 'Sportsman of the Year' 2006 Nominee

**Created Hulkamania

**The cover of "[[Muscle & Fitness]]" (2006)

**On May 13, 2007, Vince McMahon served as the commencement speaker at [[Sacred Heart University]], receiving the honorary [[Doctor of Humane Letters]] degree.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-mcmahon7may14,0,7480442.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines | title = WWE chief pumps up graduates | author = Jamie DeLoma | accessmonthday = May 14 | accessyear = 2007 | date= May 14, 2007}}</ref><ref name=doctor>{{cite web | url = http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/drmcmahon | title = Mr. McMahon becomes Dr. McMahon | author = Anrdrew Rote | accessmonthday = May 14 | accessyear = 2007 | date= May 13, 2007}}</ref>

**He has a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]; he is the first person to hold a professional wrestling title to receive one <ref>http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/news/articlephotos/hollywoodwalkoffamegallery/</ref>

McMahon then began a rivalry with Lashley over his [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW World Championship]]. At [[Backlash (2007)|Backlash]], McMahon pinned Lashley in a 3-on-1 [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]] teaming up with his son [[Shane McMahon|Shane]] and [[Umaga (wrestler)|Umaga]] to win the ECW World Championship.<ref name="Backlash – Team McMahon vs Lashley">{{cite web |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/2007/matches/396065214/results/ |title=Hell freezes over in ECW|access-date=January 17, 2008 |date=April 29, 2007 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=April 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405012618/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/2007/matches/396065214/results/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship/042907mcmahon |title=Mr. McMahon's first ECW Championship reign|access-date=January 18, 2008 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=February 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225024005/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship/042907mcmahon|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Judgment Day (2007)|Judgment Day]], McMahon defended his ECW World Championship against Lashley again in a 3-on-1 handicap match. Lashley won the match as he pinned Shane after a [[Running front powerslam|Dominator]] but McMahon said that he was still the champion because Lashley could only be champion if he could beat him.<ref name="Judgment Day – Lashley vs Team McMahon">{{cite web |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2007/matches/41244021/results/ |title=The ecstasy ... and then the agony|access-date=January 17, 2008 |date=May 20, 2007 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=May 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530044844/http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2007/matches/41244021/results/|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon finally lost the ECW World Championship to Lashley at [[One Night Stand (2007)|One Night Stand]] in a [[Hardcore wrestling|Street Fight]] despite interference by Shane and Umaga.<ref name="One Night Stand – Lashley vs Vince">{{cite web |first=Bryan |last=Robinson |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/onenightstand/history/2007/matches/4362508112/results/ |title=ECW World Champion once again, demons exorcised|access-date=January 17, 2008 |date=June 3, 2007 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409144031/http://www.wwe.com/shows/onenightstand/history/2007/matches/4362508112/results/|url-status=live}}</ref>

~~== See also ==~~

~~{{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}}~~

[[File:Flickr - simononly - WWE Fan Axxess - Vince's Limo b.jpg|thumb|The exploded limousine at [[WrestleMania Axxess]] in 2012]]

*''[[McMahon (documentary)|McMahon DVD]]''

On June 11, 2007, WWE aired a segment at the end of ''Raw'' that featured McMahon entering a limousine moments before it exploded. The show went off-air shortly after, and WWE.com reported the [[glossary of professional wrestling terms#Angle|angle]] within minutes as though it were a legitimate occurrence, proclaiming that McMahon was "presumed dead".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/mcmahonexplosionupdate|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621115331/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/mcmahonexplosionupdate|archive-date=June 21, 2007 |title=Feds probe crime scene |publisher=WWE |date=June 11, 2007|access-date=June 11, 2007}}</ref> Although this was the fate of the fictional "Mr. McMahon" character, no harm came to the actual person; the "presumed death" of McMahon was part of a storyline.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timesleader.com/news/breakingnews/20070612_12wwe_breaking.html |title=Vince McMahon's hoax goes up in smoke |last=Sweeney |first=Rory |date=June 26, 2007 |website=Timesleader.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623150701/http://www.timesleader.com/news/breakingnews/20070612_12wwe_breaking.html|archive-date=June 23, 2007|access-date=July 2, 2007}}</ref> WWE later acknowledged to [[CNBC]] that he was not truly dead.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/id/19330600 |title=WWE's McMahon "Death": I'm A Murder Suspect |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=June 20, 2007 |website=CNBC.com|access-date=July 2, 2007|archive-date=September 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181207/http://www.cnbc.com/id/19330600|url-status=live}}</ref> The June 25 ''Raw'' was scheduled to be a three-hour memorial. Due to the [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Legit|actual]] death of [[Chris Benoit]], the show opened with McMahon standing in an empty arena, acknowledging that his reported death was only of his character as part of a storyline.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usbenoit0626,0,4246396.story?coll=ny-top-headlines |title=WWE wrestler Chris Benoit and family found dead |last=Castillo |first=Alfonso A. |date=June 26, 2007 |website=Newsday.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705113805/http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usbenoit0626%2C0%2C4246396.story?coll=ny-top-headlines|archive-date=July 5, 2007|access-date=July 2, 2007}}</ref> This was followed by a tribute to Benoit that filled the three-hour timeslot.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/benoitdead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627210219/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/benoitdead |archive-date=June 27, 2007 |title=WWE Superstar Chris Benoit found dead |publisher=WWE.com|access-date=June 25, 2007 |date=June 25, 2007}}</ref> McMahon appeared the next night on ''[[WWE ECW|ECW on Sci Fi]]'' in which after acknowledging that a tribute to Benoit had aired the previous night, he announced that there would be no further mention of Benoit [[Chris Benoit double-murder and suicide#World Wrestling Entertainment|due to the circumstances becoming apparent]] and that the ECW show would be dedicated to those that had been affected by Benoit's murder-suicide.

[[File:Wrestling has come a long way...down..jpg|thumb|McMahon commands [[Hornswoggle]] to join his "Kiss My Ass Club" in 2008]]

On the August 6 episode of ''Raw'', the Mr. McMahon character returned and started a storyline where he had an illegitimate long-lost child,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070806.html |title=RAW results – August 6, 2007|access-date=September 12, 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=December 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220045733/http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070806.html|url-status=live}}</ref> who was revealed as [[Hornswoggle]] on the September 10 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070910.html |title=RAW results – September 10, 2007|access-date=September 12, 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=December 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220080749/http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070910.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2008, after months of "tough love" antics toward Hornswoggle, [[John Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] revealed that Hornswoggle was not McMahon's son but [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]]'s. It turned out that the scam was thought up by Shane, Stephanie and Linda McMahon, along with Finlay. On the June 2 ''Raw'', McMahon announced that starting the next week, he would give away US$1 million live on ''Raw''. Fans could register online, and each week randomly selected fans would receive a part of the $1 million. McMahon's Million Dollar Mania lasted just three weeks and was suspended after the 3-hour Draft episode of ''Raw'' on June 23. After giving away $500,000, explosions tore apart the ''Raw'' stage, which fell and collapsed on top of McMahon. On June 30, Shane addressed the WWE audience before ''Raw'', informing the fans that his family had chosen to keep his father's condition private. He also urged the WWE roster to stand together during what he described as a "turbulent time". The McMahons made several requests to the wrestlers for solidarity, before finally appointing [[Mike Adamle]] as the new general manager of ''Raw'' to restore order to the brand.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

[[File:Vince McMahon hof.jpg|thumb|McMahon during the 2009 [[WWE Hall of Fame]] ceremony]]

On the January 5, 2009 ''Raw'', [[Chris Jericho]] told Stephanie McMahon that McMahon would be returning to ''Raw'' soon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01052009/ |title=Big Night In The Big Easy|access-date=January 5, 2009 |publisher=WWE.com|archive-date=January 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126134434/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01052009/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, Jericho was ([[kayfabe]]) fired from WWE by Stephanie. On the January 19 ''Raw'', McMahon returned, as a face, and supported his daughter's decision on Jericho, but Stephanie rehired him. [[Randy Orton]] then came out and assaulted McMahon after harassing Stephanie. McMahon returned on the March 30 ''Raw'' with his son, Shane, and son-in-law Triple H to confront Orton.<ref name="us.wwe.com" /> The night after [[WrestleMania 25]], McMahon appeared on ''Raw'' to announce Orton would not receive another championship opportunity at [[Backlash (2009)|Backlash]], but compete in a six-man tag team match with his [[The Legacy (professional wrestling)|Legacy]] stablemates against Triple H, Shane McMahon and himself. ''Raw'' General Manager [[Vickie Guerrero]] made the match for the WWE Championship. Orton then challenged McMahon to a match that night, in which Legacy assaulted him, and Orton also hitting him with the RKO.<ref name="us.wwe.com" /> After being assisted by Triple H, Shane and a returning Batista, McMahon announced Batista would replace him in the match at Backlash. On the June 15 ''Raw'', McMahon announced that he had sold the ''Raw'' brand to businessman Donald Trump. The next week, during the ''Trump is Raw'' show, McMahon bought the brand back from Trump. On the June 29 ''Raw'', McMahon announced that every week, a celebrity guest host would control ''Raw'' for the night. He soon appeared on ''SmackDown'', putting [[Theodore Long]] on probation for his actions.<ref name="us.wwe.com" />

On August 24 ''Raw'', McMahon had a birthday bash which was interrupted by The Legacy, and competed in a six-man tag team match with his long-time rival team [[D-Generation X|D-X]], in which they won after the interference of [[John Cena]]. He continued to appear on ''SmackDown'', making occasional matches and reminding Long that he was still on probation. On the November 16 ''Raw'', McMahon was called out by guest host [[Roddy Piper]], who wanted a match with McMahon that night in [[Madison Square Garden]]. McMahon declined and announced his retirement from in-ring competition.<ref name="us.wwe.com">{{cite news |url=http://us.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/ |title=Home |newspaper=Wwe|access-date=November 18, 2009|archive-date=November 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129061013/http://us.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=June 2016}} On the January 4, 2010 ''Raw'', McMahon, once again a heel, confronted special guest host Bret "The Hitman" Hart for the (televised) first time since the Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997, to bury the hatchet from the above-mentioned Montreal Screwjob. The two appeared to finally bury the hatchet, but after shaking hands, Vince kicked Hart in the groin and left the arena to a loud chorus of boos and the crowd chanting "You screwed Bret! You screwed Bret!".<ref name="us.wwe.com" />

A match was then booked between the two at [[WrestleMania XXVI]], which saw Hart defeat McMahon in a No Holds Barred Lumberjack match. On the May 31 ''Raw'', McMahon returned to congratulate Hart on becoming the new Raw General Manager. On the June 22 ''Raw'', McMahon fired Hart for not dealing with ''[[WWE NXT (TV series)|NXT]]'' season one rookies, known as [[Nexus (professional wrestling)|The Nexus]]. That same night, he announced the new general manager would be anonymous and make decisions via emails, which would be read by [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]]. The general manager's first decision was McMahon to be the guest referee for a WWE Championship match that night between John Cena and [[Sheamus]]. The match was interrupted by The Nexus who then attacked McMahon. McMahon appeared in a segment on the November 1 ''Raw'', in a coma from the attack by The Nexus. He woke up and his doctor ([[Freddie Prinze Jr.]]) explained what had happened since he had been out. The scene transitioned to Stephanie McMahon waking up, revealing [[Dream sequence|it was all a dream]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

In early 2011, McMahon once again stepped away from WWE storylines to focus on both his corporate and backstage duties. By the spring of 2011 McMahon had returned to WWE programming. On the June 27, 2011, episode of ''Raw'', [[CM Punk]] made a scathing on-air speech criticizing WWE and McMahon about the way WWE was run. McMahon suspended Punk but reinstated him at the behest of Punk's [[Money in the Bank (2011)|Money in the Bank]] opponent, WWE Champion John Cena. At Money in the Bank, McMahon and Vice President of Talent Relations [[John Laurinaitis]] interfered on Cena's behalf but Punk was ultimately successful and walked out of the company with the championship. On the following ''Raw'', Triple H returned and, on behalf of WWE's board of directors, fired McMahon from his position of running ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown'', though leaving him chairman of the board.<ref name="Game changer for McMahon">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-07-18/mcmahon-relieved-of-duties |title="Game" changer for McMahon|access-date=July 16, 2011 |publisher=WWE.com|archive-date=July 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722104741/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-07-18/mcmahon-relieved-of-duties|url-status=live}}</ref> Triple H then announced he had been designated chief operating officer of WWE.<ref name="Game changer for McMahon" /> McMahon returned on the October 10 ''Raw SuperShow'', firing Triple H from running ''Raw'', stating the board of directors had called Triple H a financial catastrophe, and that [[List of WWE personnel|WWE employees]] had voted [[Motion of no confidence|no confidence]] in him the previous week. He subsequently appointed Laurinaitis as the interim general manager of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-10-10/results |title=WWE Raw SuperShow results: The "Laurinaitis Era" begins|access-date=October 12, 2011 |publisher=WWE.com|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043243/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-10-10/results|url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 11, 2012, McMahon returned to give a job evaluation to John Laurinaitis. After a conflict with Cena and Big Show that saw McMahon accidentally knocked out by Big Show, McMahon declared that if Big Show lost his match at [[No Way Out (2012)|No Way Out]], Laurinaitis would be fired. Cena defeated Big Show in a [[Steel Cage match|steel cage match]], and McMahon fired Laurinaitis. McMahon announced [[AJ Lee]] as ''Raw''{{'s}} new general manager at ''[[WWE Raw 1000|Raw 1000]]'' and made Booker T SmackDown's new general manager on August 3 episode of ''SmackDown''. After CM Punk interrupted him on the October 8 episode of ''Raw'', he challenged Punk to a match, threatening to fire him if he declined. The match did not officially start, but McMahon held his own in a brawl with Punk until Punk attempted the [[Professional wrestling attacks#Go to Sleep|GTS]]. Ryback and Cena interfered and McMahon ultimately booked Punk in a match with Ryback at [[Hell in a Cell (2012)|Hell in a Cell]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

During the buildup for the [[Royal Rumble (2013)|2013 Royal Rumble]], McMahon told CM Punk that if [[The Shield (professional wrestling)|The Shield]] interfered in his match with [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]], Punk would forfeit the WWE Championship. During the match, the lights went out and The Rock was attacked by what appeared to be The Shield, leading to The Rock's loss. McMahon came out and restarted the match at The Rock's request and The Rock won the championship from Punk. The next night on ''Raw'', while conducting a performance review on [[Paul Heyman]], he was assaulted by the returning [[Brock Lesnar]], who attacked him with the [[F5 (professional wrestling)|F-5]]. According to WWE.com, McMahon broke his pelvis and required surgery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-01-28/mr-mcmahon-injury-update-after-brock-lesnar-attack-26088187 |title=Mr. McMahon suffers broken pelvis due to Brock Lesnar attack |publisher=WWE.com |date=January 29, 2013|access-date=January 29, 2013|archive-date=January 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130195827/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-01-28/mr-mcmahon-injury-update-after-brock-lesnar-attack-26088187|url-status=live}}</ref> Vince sought revenge on Heyman and faced him in a street fight on the February 25 episode of ''Raw'', but Lesnar again interfered, only for Triple H to interfere as well, setting up a rematch between Lesnar and Triple H at [[WrestleMania 29]].

==== The Authority (2013–2017) ====

From June 2013, members of the [[McMahon family]] began to dispute various elements of the control of WWE, such as the fates of [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]], and of ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown'' general managers [[Brad Maddox]] and [[Vickie Guerrero]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/42724-wwe-smackdown-results-7-19-13-new-smackdown-gm |title=WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS – 7/19/13 (NEW SMACKDOWN GM) |publisher=WrestleView|access-date=July 19, 2013 |last=Tedesco |first=Mike|archive-date=July 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721155707/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/42724-wwe-smackdown-results-7-19-13-new-smackdown-gm|url-status=live}}</ref> After Triple H and Stephanie created [[The Authority (professional wrestling)|The Authority]], McMahon celebrated [[Randy Orton]]'s victory at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs (2013)|TLC]] with them, but stepped aside from his on-screen authority role in early 2014 to evaluate Triple H and Stephanie's control of the company.

McMahon returned on the November 3, 2014, episode of ''Raw'', making a stipulation that if Team Cena had defeated Team Authority at [[Survivor Series (2014)|Survivor Series]], The Authority would be removed from power.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 11/3: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – VKM returns on 3 Hour & 38 Minute Show, Rollins vs. Orton, U.S. Title match on WWE Network, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_81616.shtml |website=PWTorch.com|access-date=November 4, 2014|archive-date=November 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104113401/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_81616.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Team Cena won the match, but McMahon gave John Cena the option to reinstate The Authority. McMahon returned on the December 14, 2015, episode of ''Raw'', aligning himself with [[The Authority (professional wrestling)|The Authority]], by confronting [[Roman Reigns]] over his attack on [[Triple H]] at the [[TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs (2015)|TLC]] pay-per-view. McMahon granted Reigns a rematch for the [[WWE World Championship|WWE World Heavyweight Championship]] against [[Sheamus]], with the stipulation that if he failed to win the championship he would be fired. During the match, McMahon interfered on Sheamus' behalf but was attacked by Reigns, who then pinned Sheamus to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |title=WWE RAW Results – 12/14/15 (New WWE Champion) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/57159-wwe-raw-results-12-14-15-live-results-from-philadelphia/ |access-date=April 25, 2021 |work=WrestleView |date=December 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406174722/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/57159-wwe-raw-results-12-14-15-live-results-from-philadelphia/ |archive-date=April 6, 2018 |location=[[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]] |quote=Reigns ducks a Brogue Kick and takes Sheamus out with a Superman Punch! Reigns then takes McMahon out with a Superman Punch! Reigns turns into a Brogue Kick, but he kicks out! Sheamus cannot believe it. The crowd is chanting, "YES!" Sheamus sets up in the corner for the Brogue Kick, but Reigns takes him out with a Spear to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship!}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hamlin |first1=Jeff |title=WWE RAW live results: Roman Reigns beats Sheamus for WWE title, Vince returns |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-raw-live-results-roman-reigns-beats-sheamus-wwe-title-vince-returns-203751 |access-date=April 25, 2021 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |date=December 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151215224648/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-raw-live-results-roman-reigns-beats-sheamus-wwe-title-vince-returns-203751 |archive-date=December 15, 2015 |quote=Rusev ran out to attack Reigns, who responded by giving them both Superman Punches, and then he hit Vince with a Superman Punch. Vince sold it like he was dead. He didn't move for the rest of the show. Sheamus responded by hitting the Brogue Kick, but Reigns kicked out. Sheamus set up for another Brogue Kick, but Reigns hit the spear and the pin for the title switch.}}</ref> On the December 28 episode of ''Raw'',<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wortman |first1=James |title=Raw Five-Point Preview: Dec. 28, 2015 |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-12-28/five-point-preview-28409262|access-date=December 27, 2015|archive-date=December 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227062620/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-12-28/five-point-preview-28409262|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon was arrested for assaulting an [[New York City Police Department|NYPD]] officer and resisting arrest after a confrontation with Roman Reigns.<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE Raw live results: Dec. 28, 2015 |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-12-28/wwe-raw-results-28453974|access-date=December 29, 2015|archive-date=December 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151229153104/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-12-28/wwe-raw-results-28453974|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon made himself special guest referee in Reigns' rematch against Sheamus on the January 4, 2016, episode of ''Raw'', where Reigns won after McMahon was knocked out and another referee made the decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |title=WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns def. Sheamus |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-01-04/wwe-raw-results-28503480/page-10 |website=wwe.com |publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=January 4, 2015|archive-date=January 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107205055/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-01-04/wwe-raw-results-28503480/page-10|url-status=live}}</ref> With his plan foiled, McMahon retaliated by announcing after the match that Reigns would defend his title at the [[Royal Rumble (2016)|Royal Rumble]] against 29 other men in the [[Royal Rumble#Match|Royal Rumble match]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |title=WWE RAW Results – 1/4/16 (Reigns vs. Sheamus) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57324-wwe-raw-results-1-4-16-live-results-from-san-antonio |website=wrestleview.com|access-date=January 4, 2016|archive-date=January 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123140051/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57324-wwe-raw-results-1-4-16-live-results-from-san-antonio|url-status=live}}</ref> which was won by Triple H.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.benchwarmers.ie/videos/the-mcmahon-family-celebrates-after-triple-hs-historic-royal-rumble-victory/41818/ |title=The McMahon Family Celebrates After Triple H's Historic Royal Rumble Victory – BenchWarmers |first=Rowan |last=Meegan |date=January 25, 2016|access-date=January 25, 2016|archive-date=January 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127200725/http://www.benchwarmers.ie/videos/the-mcmahon-family-celebrates-after-triple-hs-historic-royal-rumble-victory/41818/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On the February 22, episode of ''Raw'', McMahon presented the first-ever "Vincent J. McMahon Legacy of Excellence" Award to Stephanie before being interrupted [[Shane McMahon]], who returned to WWE for the first time in over six years, confronting his father and sister, and claiming that he wanted control of ''Raw''. This led to Vince book Shane against The Undertaker at [[WrestleMania 32]] in a Hell in a Cell match with the stipulation that if Shane won, he would have full control of ''Raw'' and The Undertaker would be banned from competing in any future WrestleMania.<ref name="Raw2222016">{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |title=WWE RAW Results – 2/22/16 (Shane McMahon returns) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57868-wwe-raw-results-2-22-16-live-results-from-detroit |website=wrestleview.com|access-date=February 22, 2016|archive-date=March 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314224116/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57868-wwe-raw-results-2-22-16-live-results-from-detroit|url-status=live}}</ref> On the April 4 episode of ''Raw'', McMahon gloated about Shane's loss at WrestleMania the previous night, before Shane came out, accepted his defeat and said goodbye, leading McMahon to allow Shane to run that nights show, after feeling upstaged by his son. After Shane ran ''Raw'' for the rest of April, at [[Payback (2016)|Payback]], McMahon announced Shane and Stephanie had joint control. On the April 3, 2017, episode of ''Raw'', McMahon returned to announce [[Kurt Angle]] as the new Raw General Manager and the upcoming [[2017 WWE Superstar Shake-up|Superstar Shake-up]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/77098-wwe-raw-results-april-3-wrestlemania/ |title=WWE RAW Results – 4/3/17 (Night after WrestleMania 33) – WWE News and Results, RAW and Smackdown Results, TNA News, ROH News |first=Mike |last=Tedesco |date=April 3, 2017|access-date=April 4, 2017|archive-date=April 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404220947/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/77098-wwe-raw-results-april-3-wrestlemania/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 5, it was announced that McMahon would make an appearance on the September 12 episode of ''SmackDown Live''. At the end of that night as a [[Babyface (professional wrestling)|face]], McMahon confronted [[Kevin Owens]], who was unhappy about Vince's son Shane attacking him the week before, which resulted in Shane being suspended. McMahon was furious about the heinous words regarding his family, and how Owens was not respectful, and how he planned to prosecute everybody who wronged him. McMahon warned him that his lawsuit would result in him being fired, but McMahon has the cash to deal with that empty threat.<ref name="WrestleView">{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Adam |title=WWE Smackdown Results – 9/12/17 (McMahon returns, Title matches) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/90870-wwe-smackdown-results-september-12-2017/ |access-date=April 25, 2021 |work=WrestleView |date=September 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404163832/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/90870-wwe-smackdown-results-september-12-2017/ |archive-date=April 4, 2018 |location=[[Las Vegas, Nevada]] |quote=Owens then headbutts Vince! Vince is already busted open.}}</ref><ref name="Wrestling Observer Newsletter">{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Steve |title=WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE RESULTS: VINCE MCMAHON RETURNS |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-vince-mcmahon-returns-242666 |access-date=April 25, 2021 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |date=September 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913061944/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-vince-mcmahon-returns-242666 |archive-date=September 13, 2017 |location=[[Thomas & Mack Center]], [[Las Vegas, Nevada]] |quote=Owens headbutted Vince who collapsed and came up bleeding from the forehead.}}</ref> This prompted Owens to say Shane put his hands on him, but McMahon said he suspended Shane for not finishing off Owens. Shane was then reinstated to face Owens at the ''Hell in a Cell'' pay-per-view. Owens then attacked McMahon, leaving him lying in the ring. Even with several referees present, Owens continued to attack McMahon, and splashed down on him from atop one of the ring posts, resulting in McMahon being ([[kayfabe]]) injured. [[Stephanie McMahon]] also returned to help her father, as he was attended to by WWE officials.<ref name="WrestleView" /><ref name="Wrestling Observer Newsletter" />

==== Sporadic appearances and retirement (2018–2022) ====

On January 22, 2018, McMahon returned on ''[[Raw 25 Years]]'' to address the WWE Universe, only to later turn on them by calling them "cheap" turning heel once again. He was later confronted, and [[Stunner (professional wrestling)|stunnered]], by [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]]. On March 12, McMahon made an appearance in a backstage segment with [[Roman Reigns]], announcing that Reigns would be suspended for his recent actions. On SmackDown 1000 McMahon returned as face once again after dancing on TruthTV. McMahon returned once again to WWE television on the December 17, 2018, episode of ''[[Monday Night Raw]]'', accompanied by his son [[Shane McMahon|Shane]], daughter [[Stephanie McMahon]], and his son-in-law [[Triple H]], promising to shake things up as they admitted they weren't performing as well as they should have. McMahon announced that the four of them would now [[kayfabe|''run'']] both ''Monday Night Raw'' and ''SmackDown Live'' collectively. In early 2019, McMahon entered in the feud between [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]] and [[Kofi Kingston]], not letting that latter receive a [[WWE Championship|WWE championship]] match at [[WrestleMania 35|WrestleMania]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

McMahon returned to WWE television on the April 24, 2020, episode of ''[[Friday Night Smackdown|Friday Night SmackDown]]'', in celebration of [[Triple H]]'s 25th anniversary in WWE.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.givemesport.com/1564745-wwe-news-vince-mcmahon-and-shawn-michaels-appear-on-smackdown-to-celebrate-triple-h |title=WWWE news: Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels appear on Smackdown to 'celebrate' Triple Hs 25th Anniversary – Vince McMahon – givemesport.com |work=givemesport.com|access-date=April 25, 2020 |language=en|archive-date=April 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430004918/https://www.givemesport.com/1564745-wwe-news-vince-mcmahon-and-shawn-michaels-appear-on-smackdown-to-celebrate-triple-h|url-status=live}}</ref> He also appeared at [[Survivor Series (2020)|Survivor Series]] introducing The Undertaker to the ring during his retirement celebrations,<ref>{{cite web |date=November 23, 2020 |title=WWE Chairman Vince McMahon Says WWF: At Survivor Series WWE Chairman Reminisced About The Undertaker's 30 Years In WWE |url=https://thesportsrush.com/wwe-news-wwe-chairman-vince-mcmahon-says-wwf-at-survivor-series-wwe-chairman-reminisced-about-the-undertakers-30-years-in-wwe/|access-date=December 10, 2020 |work=The SportsRush|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116074916/https://thesportsrush.com/wwe-news-wwe-chairman-vince-mcmahon-says-wwf-at-survivor-series-wwe-chairman-reminisced-about-the-undertakers-30-years-in-wwe/|url-status=live}}</ref> and in night 1 of [[WrestleMania 37]] on April 10, 2021, to welcome the fans back in person at the [[Raymond James Stadium]] after a year of halting live events due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].

On the November 22, 2021, episode of ''Raw'', McMahon held an investigation to find out who stole Cleopatra's Egg, a gift given to him by [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] the previous night at [[Survivor Series (2021)|Survivor Series]]. Later that night, [[Austin Theory]] revealed that he had stolen the Egg. McMahon rewarded Theory a [[WWE Championship]] match against [[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]] in the main event for "showing intestinal fortitude", and over the next several months, McMahon gave career advice to Theory. In addition to being Theory's mentor leading up to [[WrestleMania 38]], he also promised [[Seth Rollins]] a match against a mystery opponent of his choosing. At [[WrestleMania 38]], after [[Pat McAfee]] defeated Austin Theory, McMahon was challenged to an impromptu match by McAfee, which McMahon accepted, and in which McMahon defeated McAfee. This was McMahon's first match in 12 years, as well as McMahon's first win at WrestleMania. Following the match, [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] interrupted McMahon and Theory celebrating the win and gave them both Stone Cold Stunners. McMahon made his last appearance on WWE programming on the June 27, 2022, episode of ''Raw'', introducing the returning John Cena on the 20th anniversary of his debut.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Anne Victoria |date=2024-02-23 |title=What’s Going On With Vince McMahon and the WWE This Time? |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/wwe-vince-mcmahon-allegations-explained.html |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Vulture |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-28 |title=WWE Raw video highlights: John Cena’s 20th anniversary celebration |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-raw-video-highlights-john-cenas-20th-anniversary-celebration/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=F4W/WON |language=en-GB}}</ref> In July 2022, McMahon retired from WWE.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Press |first=Associated |date=2022-07-23 |title=Vince McMahon retiring from WWE amid sexual misconduct inquiry |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jul/23/vince-mcmahon-announces-retirement-from-wwe-amid-misconduct-probe#:~:text=Earlier%20this%20month,%20the%20Wall,Thank%20you,%20WWE%20Universe. |access-date=2024-09-27 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

=== United States Wrestling Association (1993) ===

While the Mr. McMahon character marked the first time that McMahon had been portrayed as a villain in WWF, in 1993, McMahon was engaged in a feud with [[Jerry Lawler]] as part of a cross-promotion between the WWF and the [[United States Wrestling Association]] (USWA). As part of the angle, McMahon sent various WWF wrestlers to [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]] to dethrone Lawler as the "king of professional wrestling". This angle marked the first time that McMahon physically interjected himself into a match, as he occasionally tripped and punched at Lawler while seated ringside. During the angle, McMahon was not acknowledged as the owner of the WWF.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1993/ |title=SummerSlam 1993 official results|access-date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=July 18, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718102407/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1993/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The feud was not acknowledged on WWF television, as the two continued to provide commentary together (along with [[Randy Savage]]) for the television show ''[[WWF Superstars of Wrestling|Superstars]]''. The feud also helped build toward Lawler's match with [[Bret Hart]] at [[SummerSlam (1993)|SummerSlam]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1993/ |title=SummerSlam 1993 official results|access-date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=WWE|archive-date=July 18, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718102407/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1993/|url-status=live}}</ref> The peak of the angle came with [[Tatanka (wrestler)|Tatanka]] defeating Lawler to win the [[USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship|USWA Championship]] with McMahon gloating at Lawler while wearing the championship belt.<ref name="tatankabio">{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Chavis |url=http://www.nativetatanka.com/bio2.html |title=Tatanka's Biography (Page 2)|access-date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=Native Tatanka |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071226140653/http://www.nativetatanka.com/bio2.html  |archive-date = December 26, 2007}}</ref> This storyline came to an abrupt end when Lawler was accused of raping a young girl in Memphis, and he was dropped from the WWF. He returned shortly afterward, as the girl later stated that the rape accusations were lies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/faq/?article=jerrylawler |title=Jerry Lawler – FAQ |publisher=Wrestleview | access-date=February 20, 2009 | archive-date=June 4, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604194856/http://www.wrestleview.com/faq/?article=jerrylawler | url-status=live}}</ref>

== Professional wrestling style and persona ==

McMahon's on-screen persona is known for his throaty exclamation of "You're fired!", and his "power walk", an exaggerated strut toward the ring, swinging his arms and bobbing his head from side to side in a cocky manner. According to [[Jim Cornette]], the power walk was inspired by one of McMahon's favorite wrestlers as a child, [[Dr. Jerry Graham]]. [[The Fabulous Moolah]] claims in her autobiography that [[Buddy Rogers (wrestler)|"Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers]] was the inspiration for the walk.<ref>{{cite book |author=Ellison, Lillian |title=The Fabulous Moolah: First Goddess of the Squared Circle |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-06-001258-8 |publisher=ReaganBooks |page=60}}</ref> According to composer Jim Johnston, the idea behind his theme song, "No Chance in Hell", was "He's got the power, the money, and ..., he was pretty much the only game in town. ... Rather than a song about one man, I wanted it to be about 'The Man.'"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/g5bjbm/jim-johnston-wwe-wrestling-theme-composer-interview-2020 |title=An Interview with the Guy Behind WWE's Most Famous Wrestling Theme Songs |date=December 15, 2020 |access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430130842/https://www.vice.com/en/article/g5bjbm/jim-johnston-wwe-wrestling-theme-composer-interview-2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Legacy in wrestling ==

[[File:Vince McMahon - Hollywood Walk of Fame.jpg|thumb|McMahon receiving a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] in 2009]]

Vince McMahon is often described as the most influential person in professional wrestling history and for having had a large impact on television and American culture. [[ESPN]] reporter [[Shaun Assael]] claimed that: "As a TV pioneer, he went from selling costumed super-heroes like [[Hulk Hogan]] to dark anti-heroes like [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin]]. He helped give birth to [[reality television]] by making himself a central character, and he launched [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] into a movie career. No one in television can match his longevity. Few have his instincts for what sells."<ref name="Assael">{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/e60/columns/story?columnist=assael_shaun&id=4055522 |title=WWE and steroids: still a tough target |first=Shaun |last=Assael|author-link=Shaun Assael |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=April 13, 2009|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-date=September 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929044203/https://www.espn.com/espn/e60/columns/story?columnist=assael_shaun&id=4055522|url-status=live}}</ref>

Scott Hammond of ''[[VultureHound]]'' magazine praised the legacy of McMahon's successes, from Hulkamania and WrestleMania being essential to the [[1980s wrestling boom]], to defeating WCW in the Monday Night Wars.<ref name="vulturehound.co.uk" /> His daughter, Stephanie McMahon, credits him for creating the term "[[sports entertainment]]" and publicly acknowledging wrestling's predetermined nature,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2014/06/28/stephanie-mcmahon-home-again/ |title=Stephanie McMahon home again |first=Justin |last=Barrasso |work=[[Boston Herald]] |date=June 28, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727125926/https://www.bostonherald.com/2014/06/28/stephanie-mcmahon-home-again/|url-status=live}}</ref> while [[Thom Loverro]] of ''[[The Washington Times]]'' ascribes McMahon with shaping reality television and American politics with sports entertainment.<ref name="Loverro">{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/feb/14/vince-mcmahon-changed-sports-and-more-much-more/ |title=WWE's McMahon changed sports and more – much more |first=Thom |last=Loverro|author-link=Thom Loverro |work=[[The Washington Times]] |date=February 14, 2017|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419221032/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/feb/14/vince-mcmahon-changed-sports-and-more-much-more/|url-status=live}}</ref> Television executive [[Dick Ebersol]] considers McMahon to be the best partner he has worked with and believes he has impacted American culture.<ref name="Loverro" />

McMahon's close friend and former on-screen rival, ex-U.S. president [[Donald Trump]], praised McMahon, stating: "People love this stuff, and it's all because of Vince McMahon and his vision."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/02wrestlingct.html |title=The Softer Side of Wrestling's Showman Extraordinaire |first=Elizabeth |last=Maker |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=March 2, 2008|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126083959/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/02wrestlingct.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Promoter and former WWF manager [[Jim Cornette]] called McMahon "the most successful promoter ever",<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/TheJimCornette/status/1352233780556275715 |number=1352233780556275715 |title=Vince McMahon is the most successful promoter ever. |user=TheJimCornette |author-link=Jim Cornette |last=Cornette |first=Jim |date=January 21, 2021 |access-date=December 9, 2021}}</ref> stating: "If you could cross a genius with [[P. T. Barnum]] and [Trump], you would get the love child that would be Vince McMahon."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schager |first1=Nick |title=Drugs, Sex and Murder: Inside the 'Dark Side' of Wrestling |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/drugs-sex-and-murder-dark-side-of-the-ring-exposes-pro-wrestlings-ugly-past |website=[[The Daily Beast]] |access-date=June 18, 2022 |language=en |date=April 10, 2019 |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128145627/https://www.thedailybeast.com/drugs-sex-and-murder-dark-side-of-the-ring-exposes-pro-wrestlings-ugly-past |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Tony Khan]], the promoter of rival promotion [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW), considers McMahon to be one of his idols,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Flanagan |first1=Graham |title=This billionaire NFL owner and his son are taking on Vince McMahon and WWE |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/billionaire-wwe-vince-mcmahon-wrestling-shahid-tony-khan-aew-2019-4?r=US&IR=T |access-date=May 6, 2021 |work=[[Business Insider]] |publisher=[[Insider Inc.]] |date=April 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107234542/https://www.businessinsider.com/billionaire-wwe-vince-mcmahon-wrestling-shahid-tony-khan-aew-2019-4?r=US&IR=T |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |quote=Tony Khan: Vince McMahon is one of my all-time idols in terms of building a brand and sustaining a great company.}}</ref> while former WCW President [[Eric Bischoff]] describes him as "brilliant".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/eric-bischoff-compares-working-dixie-carter-vince-mcmahon-and-vern-gagne |title=Eric Bischoff Compares Working For Dixie Carter, Vince McMahon And Verne Gagne |date=June 30, 2020|access-date=May 23, 2021|archive-date=May 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523044624/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/eric-bischoff-compares-working-dixie-carter-vince-mcmahon-and-vern-gagne|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Arn Anderson]] calls McMahon a "marketing genius" for attracting women and children to the product, but says it came at the expense of "the bell-to-bell action", which is the reason most wrestlers got into the business.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/arn-anderson-evaluates-vince-mcmahon-legacy-wrestling/ |title=Arn Anderson on the Legacy of Vince McMahon, How Saying 'Wrestlers' or 'Wrestling' Would Get You Fired in WWE |first=Jeffrey |last=Harris |work=[[411Mania]] |date=August 10, 2020|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930102129/https://411mania.com/wrestling/arn-anderson-evaluates-vince-mcmahon-legacy-wrestling/|url-status=live}}</ref> Cornette stated that older wrestlers dislike him for "breaking the code" by acknowledging that wrestling is predetermined, that fans who only watched during the Attitude Era will remember him well and that he will be criticized by modern fans for being "an old man ... [that presides] over a bland, boring product".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Last |first1=Brian |title=Jim Cornette on Vince McMahon's Legacy |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4cSC683T8M |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/g4cSC683T8M| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live |website=Cornette's Drive-Thru |via=[[YouTube]]|access-date=December 6, 2020 |date=August 10, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Although Hammond praised McMahon for his successes from the 1980s through the 2000s, he wrote that, "from seemingly listening to the fans and pushing the talent that got the biggest reaction to just listening to himself, McMahon has therefore taken many wrong turns in recent years".<ref name="hammond">{{cite web |url=https://vulturehound.co.uk/2019/07/outside-the-mind-of-a-genius-vince-mcmahon-and-his-unfathomable-impact-on-professional-wrestling/ |title=Outside The Mind Of A Genius: Vince McMahon And His Unfathomable Impact On Professional Wrestling |date=July 18, 2019|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828042323/https://vulturehound.co.uk/2019/07/outside-the-mind-of-a-genius-vince-mcmahon-and-his-unfathomable-impact-on-professional-wrestling/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Jon Moxley]], who wrestled for WWE as Dean Ambrose, left WWE in favor of then-upstart AEW because of WWE's creative process in 2019 and singled out McMahon for being the problem.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/jon-moxley-vince-mcmahon-killing-wwe/ |title=Jon Moxley Says Vince McMahon's Creative Process Is Killing WWE (AUDIO) |first=Ryan |last=Satin|author-link=Ryan Satin |work=[[Pro Wrestling Sheet]] |date=May 29, 2019|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807212852/https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/jon-moxley-vince-mcmahon-killing-wwe/|url-status=live}}</ref> WWE recorded record annual profits into the 2020s, which ''[[MarketWatch]]'' reported had come at the cost of "A diminished roster and less-than-inspiring story lines"; by 2022, [[Bryan Alvarez]] of ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'' commented that wrestling had declined in popularity due to the dwindling viewership since McMahon purchased WCW.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Swartz |first1=Jon |title=Pile Driver: At age 76, Vince McMahon's finishing wrestling move is simple financial engineering |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/pile-driver-at-age-76-vince-mcmahons-finishing-wrestling-move-is-simple-financial-engineering-11649335793 |website=[[MarketWatch]] |access-date=June 19, 2022 |language=EN-US |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505203958/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/pile-driver-at-age-76-vince-mcmahons-finishing-wrestling-move-is-simple-financial-engineering-11649335793 |url-status=live}}</ref> An article in ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' also blamed McMahon for the continuous decrease in ratings over the years and urged investors to hold him accountable.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/vip/amidst-wwe-ratings-tumble-mcmahon-must-stop-blaming-storylines-1234712446/ |title=As WWE Ratings Tumble, McMahon Must Stop Blaming Storylines |first=Gavin |last=Bridge |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=July 29, 2020|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003142322/https://variety.com/vip/amidst-wwe-ratings-tumble-mcmahon-must-stop-blaming-storylines-1234712446/|url-status=live}}</ref> Other criticisms of McMahon include Arn Anderson and Bret Hart commenting that McMahon has minimized [[tag team]] wrestling,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/94626-bret-hart-cree-que-vince-mcmahon-mato-la-lucha-por-equipos |title=Bret Hart cree que Vince McMahon 'mató' la lucha por equipos |date=December 14, 2020|access-date = December 16, 2020|archive-date = December 14, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201214105442/https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/94626-bret-hart-cree-que-vince-mcmahon-mato-la-lucha-por-equipos|url-status = live}}</ref> while Assael also writes that "Steroids will always be a part of [his] legacy" because of his legal trial and the controversies that arose in the aftermath of Chris Benoit's death.<ref name="Assael" />

[[The Undertaker]] has praised McMahon, referring to Vince as "a caring human being, not the monster that people think that he is, I've never taken for granted the special opportunity he gave me, If Vince feels like there's still something there, I have a place on the roster, then I had no problem doing it".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/11/the-undertaker-on-how-vince-mcmahon-really-is-676843/ |title=The Undertaker On How Vince McMahon Really Is, Feeling Like More Cinematic Matches Would Be Cheating |date=November 12, 2020|access-date=June 1, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214245/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/11/the-undertaker-on-how-vince-mcmahon-really-is-676843/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/the-undertaker-defends-vince-mcmahon-hes-a-caring-human-being-not-the-monster-people-think-he-is/ |title=The Undertaker: "Vince McMahon Is Not The Monster People Think He Is" |date=November 12, 2020|access-date=June 1, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215203/https://itrwrestling.com/news/the-undertaker-defends-vince-mcmahon-hes-a-caring-human-being-not-the-monster-people-think-he-is/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jim Ross]] has stated that "People misunderstand Mr. McMahon and Vince McMahon. It's a lot easier to bitch at somebody and knock them as Mr. McMahon than understand the human being that is Vince McMahon."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/jim-ross-vince-mcmahon-relationship-wrestlemania-36-text/ |title=Jim Ross On His Relationship with Vince McMahon Today, Says He Texted McMahon After WrestleMania 36 |date=April 12, 2020|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526040235/https://411mania.com/wrestling/jim-ross-vince-mcmahon-relationship-wrestlemania-36-text/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/jim-ross-on-texting-vince-mcmahon-after-wrestlemania-36-their-relationship/ |title=Jim Ross On Texting Vince McMahon After WrestleMania 36, Their Relationship |date=April 12, 2020|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526040237/https://wrestletalk.com/news/jim-ross-on-texting-vince-mcmahon-after-wrestlemania-36-their-relationship/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Drew McIntyre]], [[Kurt Angle]], [[Dwayne Johnson]] and [[John Cena]] praise him as being a father figure to them.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://cultaholic.com/index.php/posts/drew-mcintyre-opens-up-on-great-relationship-with-wwe-chairman-vince-mcmahon |title=Drew McIntyre Opens Up On 'Great' Relationship With WWE Chairman Vince McMahon |newspaper=Cultaholic Wrestling |date=February 12, 2021|access-date=June 1, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214521/https://cultaholic.com/index.php/posts/drew-mcintyre-opens-up-on-great-relationship-with-wwe-chairman-vince-mcmahon|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/kurt-angle-explains-how-vince-mcmahon-coerced-him-into-joining-ecw/ |title=Kurt Angle Explains How Vince McMahon "Coerced" Him Into Joining ECW |date=May 24, 2021|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524160610/https://itrwrestling.com/news/kurt-angle-explains-how-vince-mcmahon-coerced-him-into-joining-ecw/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cultaholic.com/posts/the-rock-hails-vince-mcmahon-as-a-father-figure |title=The Rock Hails Vince McMahon As 'A Father Figure' |date=March 3, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214223/https://cultaholic.com/posts/the-rock-hails-vince-mcmahon-as-a-father-figure|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-rock-vince-mcmahon-father-figure-twitter-qa/ |title=The Rock Says Vince McMahon Was a Father Figure For Him in Twitter Q&A |date=March 2, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213655/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-rock-vince-mcmahon-father-figure-twitter-qa/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/04/john-cena-has-big-praise-for-wwe-star-talks-vince-mcmahon-and-missing-wrestlemania-37/ |title=John Cena Has Big Praise For WWE Star, Talks Vince McMahon And Missing WrestleMania 37 |date=April 22, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214339/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/04/john-cena-has-big-praise-for-wwe-star-talks-vince-mcmahon-and-missing-wrestlemania-37/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] says that he loves and respects McMahon, despite a previous acrimonious relationship at times.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/steve-austin-vince-mcmahon-stone-cold-favorite-matches/ |title=Steve Austin On His Relationship With Vince McMahon, Building His Stone Cold Character, Favorite Matches From His Career |date=December 22, 2020|access-date=May 31, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215241/https://411mania.com/wrestling/steve-austin-vince-mcmahon-stone-cold-favorite-matches/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chris Jericho]] has praised McMahon stating "he's set in his ways of doing things and they're very successful",<ref>{{cite web |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/chris-jericho-tony-khan-vince-mcmahon-aew/ |title=Chris Jericho On Differences Between Working For Tony Khan And Vince McMahon, Khan's Leadership Style In AEW |date=September 18, 2020|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804074043/https://411mania.com/wrestling/chris-jericho-tony-khan-vince-mcmahon-aew/|url-status=live}}</ref> while [[Seth Rollins]] praised his ideas and longevity and [[Roman Reigns]] described him as a "provider and a protector" and said that he and his coworkers are grateful for him.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2842662-seth-rollins-responds-to-jon-moxley-bashing-wwe-defends-vince-mcmahon-creative |title=Seth Rollins Responds to Jon Moxley Bashing WWE; Defends Vince McMahon, Creative |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |date=June 25, 2019|access-date=February 19, 2021|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107223752/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2842662-seth-rollins-responds-to-jon-moxley-bashing-wwe-defends-vince-mcmahon-creative|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.givemesport.com/1316164-roman-reigns-on-if-vince-mcmahon-has-ever-wronged-him |title=Roman Reigns on if Vince McMahon has ever wronged him |date=May 18, 2018|access-date=May 31, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213817/https://www.givemesport.com/1316164-roman-reigns-on-if-vince-mcmahon-has-ever-wronged-him|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 25, 2024, [[Netflix]] released a [[documentary]] series detailing aspects of McMahon's legacy, including his business impact and controversies, titled ''[[Mr. McMahon (miniseries)|Mr. McMahon]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mendoza |first=Jordan |date=2024-09-24 |title=Netflix's 'Mr. McMahon': What to know and how to watch series about Vince McMahon |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2024/09/24/mr-mcmahon-netflix-release-date-how-to-watch-vince-mcmahon/75354215007 |access-date=2024-09-25 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=John |date=2024-09-24 |title='Mr. McMahon' Review: Wrestling With Scandal |url=https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/television/mr-mcmahon-review-wrestling-wwe-vince-netflix-documentary-0ef906df |access-date=2024-09-25 |publisher=[[The Wall Street Journal|WSJ]]}}</ref>

== Steroid supplier trial ==

In November 1993, McMahon was indicted in federal court after a [[steroid]] controversy engulfed the promotion and thus temporarily ceded control of the WWF to his wife Linda.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/19/sports/wwf-s-mcmahon-indicted.html |title=W.W.F.'s McMahon Indicted |date=November 19, 1993 |work=The New York Times|access-date=October 17, 2009 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002082943/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/19/sports/wwf-s-mcmahon-indicted.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The case went to trial in 1994, where McMahon was accused of distributing steroids to his wrestlers.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/28/nyregion/wrestling-promoter-fights-steroid-charges.html |title=Wrestling Promoter Fights Steroid Charges |date=April 28, 1994 |work=The New York Times|access-date=October 17, 2009 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331|archive-date=November 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107133220/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/28/nyregion/wrestling-promoter-fights-steroid-charges.html|url-status=live}}</ref> One prosecution witness was [[Kevin Wacholz]], who had wrestled for the company in 1992 as "Nailz" and who had been fired after a violent confrontation with McMahon. Wacholz testified that McMahon had ordered him to use steroids, but his credibility was called into question during his testimony as he made it clear he "hated" McMahon.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/12/nyregion/nailz-the-wrestler-testifies-he-was-told-to-use-steroids.html |title=Nailz the Wrestler Testifies He Was Told to Use Steroids |newspaper=The New York Times |date=July 12, 1994| access-date=February 20, 2017| archive-date=April 29, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429133811/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/12/nyregion/nailz-the-wrestler-testifies-he-was-told-to-use-steroids.html| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/faq/?article=nailz |title=NAILZ |work=Wrestleview|access-date=November 20, 2012|archive-date=November 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107060111/http://www.wrestleview.com/faq/?article=nailz|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 1994, the jury acquitted McMahon of the charges.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wrestling Promoter McMahon Acquitted of Steroid Charges |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-07-23-sp-18991-story.html|access-date=January 26, 2018 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=July 23, 1994|archive-date=December 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223003002/http://articles.latimes.com/1994-07-23/sports/sp-18991_1_vince-mcmahon|url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 6, 2021, production was announced on a new scripted television series called ''The United States of America vs. Vince McMahon'' centered around the case. The series is produced by a partnership of ''[[WWE Studios]] and [[Blumhouse Productions|Blumhouse Television]]'' and executive produced by McMahon and Kevin Dunn, WWE Executive Producer and Chief of Global Television Distribution.<ref>{{cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=July 26, 2021 |title=Vince McMahon Steroid Trial Scripted Series in the Works From WWE, Blumhouse Television |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/vince-mcmahon-steroid-trial-series-wwe-blumhouse-television-1235027046/|access-date=July 26, 2021 |website=Variety|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803142259/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/vince-mcmahon-steroid-trial-series-wwe-blumhouse-television-1235027046/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Barrasso |first=Justin |title=Vince McMahon's Steroids Trial the Subject of WWE Series |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/07/26/wwe-scripted-series-vince-mcmahon-1994-steroids-trial|access-date=July 26, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803142409/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/07/26/wwe-scripted-series-vince-mcmahon-1994-steroids-trial|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=July 26, 2021 |title=Vince McMahon Scripted Series In The Works With Blumhouse TV & WWE |url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/vince-mcmahon-scripted-series-blumhouse-tv-wwe-1234799786/|access-date=July 26, 2021 |website=Deadline |language=en-US|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727154022/https://deadline.com/2021/07/vince-mcmahon-scripted-series-blumhouse-tv-wwe-1234799786/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Vince McMahon Limited Series in the Works From Blumhouse TV and WWE {{!}} THR News| date=July 26, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVpXbTFKj3g|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726191445/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVpXbTFKj3g|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Sexual misconduct allegations ==

=== Rita Chatterton ===

On April 3, 1992, [[Rita Chatterton]], a former [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]] noted for her stint as Rita Marie in the WWF in the 1980s and for being the first female referee in the WWF (possibly the first in professional wrestling history),<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/sexliesheadlocks00shau/page/116 |title=Sex, Lies, and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation |last1=Assael |first1=Shaun |last2=Mooneyham |first2=Mike |publisher=Crown Publishers |year=2002 |isbn=0-609-60690-5 |edition=1st |location=New York |pages=[https://archive.org/details/sexliesheadlocks00shau/page/116 116] |oclc=49276567|author-link=Shaun Assael|name-list-style=amp}}</ref> made an appearance on [[Geraldo Rivera]]'s show ''Now It Can Be Told''. She alleged that on July 16, 1986, McMahon tried to force her to perform [[oral sex]] on him in his limousine; when she refused, he raped her.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/sexliesheadlocks00shau/page/115 |title=Sex, Lies, and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation |last1=Assael |first1=Shaun |last2=Mooneyham |first2=Mike |publisher=Crown Publishers |year=2002 |isbn=0-609-60690-5 |edition=1st |location=New York |pages=[https://archive.org/details/sexliesheadlocks00shau/page/115 115–117] |oclc=49276567|author-link=Shaun Assael|name-list-style=amp}}</ref> Former wrestler [[Mario Mancini|Leonard Inzitari]] corroborated Chatterton's allegation in a 2022 interview in ''[[New York Magazine]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Riesman |first1=Abraham |title=The First Female Referee in WWE Says Vince McMahon Raped Her |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2022/06/vince-mcmahon-accused-of-rape-by-first-female-wwe-referee.html |website=[[New York Magazine]] |access-date=January 20, 2023 |language=en-us |date=June 27, 2022 |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119215804/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2022/06/vince-mcmahon-accused-of-rape-by-first-female-wwe-referee.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Chatterton filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against McMahon in December 2022.<ref name=RLawsuit>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwes-vince-mcmahon-faces-fresh-demands-from-women-alleging-sexual-abuse-11670945682 |title=WWE's Vince McMahon Faces Fresh Demands From Women Alleging Sexual Abuse |first1=Joe |last1=Palazzolo |first2=Ted |last2=Mann |work=[[Wall Street Journal]] |date=December 13, 2022|access-date=January 6, 2023|url-access=subscription|archive-date=January 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106003523/https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwes-vince-mcmahon-faces-fresh-demands-from-women-alleging-sexual-abuse-11670945682|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon settled the lawsuit involving Chatterton that month, with his attorney stating that he maintains his innocence but settled to "avoid the cost of litigation".<ref name="Rsettlement">{{cite news |last2=Mann |first1=Joe |last1=Palazzolo |first2=Ted |title=WWE's Vince McMahon Settles With Ex-Wrestling Referee Who Accused Him of Rape |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwes-vince-mcmahon-settles-with-ex-wrestling-referee-who-accused-him-of-rape-11674149751 |website=[[Wall Street Journal]] |date=January 19, 2023 |access-date=January 20, 2023 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119235549/https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwes-vince-mcmahon-settles-with-ex-wrestling-referee-who-accused-him-of-rape-11674149751 |url-status=live}}</ref> People familiar with the matter reported that McMahon agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement with Chatterton.<ref name="Rsettlement" /> Though the exact sum of the settlement payment was not publicly disclosed, it has been acknowledged Chatterton sought $11.75 million in damages in her lawsuit.<ref name=RLawsuit /><ref name="Rsettlement" />

=== 2006 and 2011 tanning bar incidents ===

McMahon was accused of sexual harassment by a worker at a tanning bar in [[Boca Raton, Florida]], on February 1, 2006. McMahon was accused of showing nude photos of himself to her as well as [[groping]] and attempting to kiss the worker.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bocaratonnews.com/index.php?src=news&prid=14071&category=Local%20News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928094453/http://www.bocaratonnews.com/index.php?src=news&prid=14071&category=Local%20News|url-status=usurped|archive-date=September 28, 2007 |title=WWE chief accused of groping Boca tanning salon worker |last=King |first=Dale |date=February 3, 2006 |work=Boca Raton News|access-date=July 2, 2007}}</ref> At first, the charge appeared to be discredited because McMahon was in [[Miami]] for the [[2006 Royal Rumble]] at the time. It was soon clarified that the alleged incident was reported to police on the day of the Rumble, but actually took place the day before.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=15391 |title=McMahon situation to get more publicity |first=Dave |last=Meltzer |magazine=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|access-date=July 2, 2007 |date=February 2, 2006|archive-date=April 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410183409/http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=15391|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 25, it was reported that no charges would be filed against McMahon as a result of the investigation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Digest |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2006-03-25/news/0603250062_1_consecutive-life-cancer-treatment-life-terms|access-date=March 9, 2016 |work=Sun-Sentinel |date=March 25, 2006|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310024927/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2006-03-25/news/0603250062_1_consecutive-life-cancer-treatment-life-terms|url-status=dead}}</ref>

A separate tanning spa worker, who alleged that McMahon [[sexually assaulted]] her in California in 2011, filed a lawsuit against McMahon in December 2022.<ref name=RLawsuit />

=== Hush-money settlements and nondisclosure agreements ===

The WWE board, which McMahon controlled, began investigating a $3 million hush-money settlement that McMahon paid over an alleged affair with a former employee of the company in April 2022. The investigation also revealed other nondisclosure agreements related to misconduct claims by other women in the company against McMahon and executive [[John Laurinaitis]], totaling $12 million.<ref>{{cite news |last=Calia |first=Mike |title=WWE board investigates secret $3 million hush payment by CEO Vince McMahon, report says |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/15/wwe-board-investigates-secret-3-million-hush-payment-by-vince-mcmahon.html |access-date=June 15, 2022 |publisher=CNBC |date=June 15, 2022 |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623052118/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/15/wwe-board-investigates-secret-3-million-hush-payment-by-vince-mcmahon.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Ted |last2=Palazzolo |first2=Joe |title=WWE Board Probes Secret $3 Million Hush Pact by CEO Vince McMahon, Sources Say |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwe-board-probes-secret-3-million-hush-pact-by-ceo-vince-mcmahon-sources-say-11655322722 |access-date=June 15, 2022 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=June 15, 2022 |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622170839/https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwe-board-probes-secret-3-million-hush-pact-by-ceo-vince-mcmahon-sources-say-11655322722 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Palazzolo |first1=Joe |last2=Mann |first2=Ted |last3=Flint |first3=Joe |title=WWE's Vince McMahon Agreed to Pay $12 Million in Hush Money to Four Women |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=July 8, 2022 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwes-vince-mcmahon-agreed-to-pay-12-million-in-hush-money-to-four-women-11657289742|url-access =subscription|access-date =July 23, 2022|archive-date =July 8, 2022|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20220708171559/https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwes-vince-mcmahon-agreed-to-pay-12-million-in-hush-money-to-four-women-11657289742|url-status =live}}</ref> By October 2022, the WWE had disclosed $19.6 million in unrecorded payments McMahon made to settle sexual misconduct claims between 2006 and 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stebbins |first=Jack |title=WWE discloses another $5 million in McMahon payments, delays earnings report |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/10/wwe-discloses-5-million-in-mcmahon-payments-delays-earnings-report.html |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=CNBC |date=August 10, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405091452/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/10/wwe-discloses-5-million-in-mcmahon-payments-delays-earnings-report.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2022, McMahon stepped down as CEO and chairman of WWE, but continued to oversee content development.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chapman |first1=Michelle |title=Vince McMahon will step down during WWE misconduct probe |url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-vince-mcmahon-wrestling-28e22d3c652591f42d47ef0285564623 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |date=June 17, 2022 |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622022438/https://apnews.com/article/sports-vince-mcmahon-wrestling-28e22d3c652591f42d47ef0285564623 |url-status=live}}</ref> He later announced his retirement on July 22, 2022,<ref name="retirement">Kelley, Lora. [https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/22/business/vince-mcmahon-retires-wwe.html "Vince McMahon retires from W.W.E. after stepping down amid a board investigation."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722234734/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/22/business/vince-mcmahon-retires-wwe.html |date=July 22, 2022 }} ''[[The New York Times]]''. July 22, 2022.</ref> only to return six months later.<ref name="Rsettlement" /> In January 2024, after reports on the sexual assault accusations by Janel Grant, McMahon resigned again, resigning from WWE parent company [[TKO Group Holdings|TKO]].<ref name=resigned202401 />

=== Janel Grant ===

In January 2024, a lawsuit was filed by Janel Grant, a former employee at [[Titan Towers|WWE global headquarters]] between 2019 and 2022. Grant alleged that McMahon had coerced her into a sexual relationship and, along with the WWE executive John Laurinaitis and a WWE wrestler who was also a former [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] fighter,{{efn|name=lower-aplha|The WWE/UFC talent in question was not named in the lawsuit, but was identified by ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' as [[Brock Lesnar]].}} [[Sex trafficking|sexually trafficked]] her, and repeatedly sexually assaulted her during 2020–2021. Grant alleged that she was subjected to "extreme cruelty and degradation" by McMahon, including being defecated upon during a sexual encounter. Grant stated that McMahon had agreed to pay her $3 million in 2022 in return for a NDA, but stopped paying after only $1 million had been paid following the initial public emergence of the sexual misconduct allegations the same year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Safdar |first1=Khadeeja |title=Vince McMahon Accused of Sex Trafficking by WWE Staffer He Paid to Keep Quiet |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/vince-mcmahon-accused-of-sex-trafficking-by-wwe-staffer-he-paid-to-keep-quiet-0b19b21c |access-date=January 25, 2024 |url-access=subscription |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240125190915/https://www.wsj.com/business/vince-mcmahon-accused-of-sex-trafficking-by-wwe-staffer-he-paid-to-keep-quiet-0b19b21c |archive-date=January 25, 2024}}</ref> One day after the report of the claims, on January 26, ''Deadline'' confirmed that McMahon had resigned from TKO. In a statement, McMahon denied the allegations, and said the decision was made "out of respect for the WWE Universe, TKO, shareholders, and business partners."<ref name=resigned202401 />

On May 30, Grant agreed to “stay her case" against McMahon for six months at the request of the [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]], who were launching an investigation into the McMahon allegations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former WWE employee suing Vince McMahon agrees to pause her case pending a federal investigation, lawyer says|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-wwe-employee-suing-vince-mcmahon-agrees-pause-case-pending-fede-rcna154727|date=May 30, 2024|accessdate=June 1, 2024|work=[[NBC News]]}}</ref>

=== John Laurinaitis ===

On February 1, 2024, [[John Laurinaitis]], former WWE executive and a co-defendant in the Janel Grant sex trafficking suit, released a statement through his attorney that accused McMahon of sexual misconduct. Laurinaitis, through his attorney, accused McMahon of holding "power" and "control" over him and of making "dictatorial sexual demands with repercussions if not met."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/epv757/co-defendant-in-vince-mcmahon-sex-trafficking-lawsuit-says-he-was-a-victim-too |title=Co-Defendant in Vince McMahon Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Says He Was a Victim Too |date=February 1, 2024|access-date=February 2, 2024 |magazine=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] |author=Marchman, Tim}}</ref>

=== Federal sexual assault and trafficking investigation ===

On February 2, 2024, ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' reported that federal authorities in New York had launched an investigation into sexual assault and sex trafficking allegations made against McMahon. Federal agents had previously executed a search warrant for McMahon's phone and delivered a [[Subpoena duces tecum|subpoena]] to him for documents related to any allegation of "rape, sex trafficking, sexual assault, commercial sex transaction, harassment or discrimination" against current or former WWE employees. The individuals named in the grand jury subpoena included a WWE contractor who was allegedly sent unsolicited nude photos and sexually harassed by McMahon, a former WWE wrestler who said McMahon coerced her into giving him oral sex, former WWF referee Rita Chatterton, who McMahon reportedly reached a multimillion-dollar settlement with after an allegation of sexual assault, a spa manager who said McMahon assaulted her at a Southern California resort, and a former WWE employee who alleged the head of talent relations at the company at the time, John Laurinaitis, demoted her after she ended a sexual relationship with him.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/federal-prosecutors-investigate-vince-mcmahon-sex-trafficking-allegations-460a6822 |title=Federal Prosecutors Investigate Vince McMahon Sex-Trafficking Allegations |date=February 2, 2024|access-date=February 2, 2024 |author=Palazzolo, Joe |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WWE founder Vince McMahon is under federal investigation surrounding sex trafficking allegations, sources say |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/wwe-founder-vince-mcmahon-federal-investigation-surrounding-sex-traffi-rcna136941 |website=NBC News |access-date=4 May 2024 |language=en |date=2 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Whitfill Roeloffs |first1=Mary |title=Billionaire WWE Founder Vince McMahon Under Federal Sex Trafficking Investigation, Report Says |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2024/02/02/billionaire-wwe-founder-vince-mcmahon-under-federal-sex-trafficking-investigation-report-says/ |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Vince McMahon, former WWE exec, under federal investigation: Sources |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/vince-mcmahon-former-wwe-exec-federal-investigation-sources/story?id=106897582 |website=ABC News |access-date=4 May 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life ==

[[File:Vince McMahon, Triple H, Shane McMahon, John W. Troxell.jpg|thumb|McMahon talks to Command Sgt. Maj. [[John W. Troxell]] before the 2016 [[WWE Tribute to the Troops]] event, as his son [[Shane McMahon|Shane]] and son-in-law [[Triple H|Paul Levesque]] look on]]

=== Family ===

McMahon married [[Linda McMahon|Linda Edwards]] on August 26, 1966, in [[New Bern, North Carolina]]. The two met in church when she was 13 and he was 16; at that time, he was known as Vinnie Lupton, using his stepfather's surname. They were introduced by his mother.<ref>{{cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |title=Vicki Askew, mother of WWE's Vince McMahon, dies at 101 years old |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/vicki-askew-wwe-vince-mcmahon-mother-dies-at-101|access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=WON/F4W – WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results |date=January 29, 2022 |language=en|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203015322/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/vicki-askew-wwe-vince-mcmahon-mother-dies-at-101|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Victoria "Vicki" Hanner Askew – View Obituary & Service Information |url=https://www.shmfh.com/obituaries/Victoria-Vicki-Askew/|access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=Victoria "Vicki" Hanner Askew Obituary |language=en|archive-date=February 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202101113/https://www.shmfh.com/obituaries/Victoria-Vicki-Askew/|url-status=live}}</ref> At some point prior to 2022, the two separated, but did not get a divorce.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2022 |title=Vince McMahon And Wife Linda No Longer Together |url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/vince-mcmahon-wife-linda-no-longer-together/ |access-date=January 30, 2024 |website=itrwrestling.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Vince and Linda McMahon have two children together: [[Shane McMahon|Shane]], who left WWE in 2010 and returned in 2016, and [[Stephanie McMahon|Stephanie]], who continued to be active in a backstage role and onscreen from the 1990s until resigning in 2023. The two also have six grandchildren; Shane and his wife Marissa Mazzola have three sons named Declan, Kenyon, and Rogan, while Stephanie and her husband [[Triple H|Paul "Triple H" Levesque]] have three daughters named Aurora, Murphy, and Vaughn.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rxmuscle.com/hmr-radio-show/2424-jefftheproducer-hmr.html |title=Heavy Muscle Radio/Access Bodybuilding: (1–3–11):TRIPLE H! Plus, Dr. Scott Connelly!|access-date=January 3, 2011 |publisher=rxmuscle.com|archive-date=March 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313055050/http://rxmuscle.com/hmr-radio-show/2424-jefftheproducer-hmr.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Wealth ===

As of 2006, McMahon has a $12 million [[Penthouse apartment|penthouse]] in [[Manhattan]], New York; a $40 million mansion in [[Greenwich, Connecticut]];<ref>{{cite web |url=http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/vince-mcmahons-house/view/google/ |title=Vince McMahon's house in Greenwich, CT (Google Maps) |date=February 19, 2008|access-date=April 27, 2017|archive-date=April 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427194137/http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/vince-mcmahons-house/view/google/|url-status=live}}</ref> a $20 million vacation home;<ref name="V01" /> and a 47-foot sports yacht named ''Sexy Bitch''.<ref name="V01">{{cite video |date=2006 |title=McMahon |medium=DVD |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dixon |first1=Ken |title=The running of the rich: Is wealth changing Connecticut politics? |url=http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/The-running-of-the-rich-Is-wealth-changing-406355.php |access-date=May 6, 2021 |work=[[Stamford Advocate]] |date=March 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100318012407/http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/The-running-of-the-rich-Is-wealth-changing-406355.php |archive-date=March 18, 2010 |location=[[Stamford, Connecticut]] |quote=But they're humble dinghies next to the 47-foot "Sexy Bitch," the sports yacht that Republican Linda McMahon's husband docks in Boca Raton, Fla.}}</ref> His wealth has been noted at $1.1 billion, backing up WWE's claim he was a billionaire for 2001,<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/vincent-mcmahon/ |title=Vincent McMahon |work=Forbes Media|access-date=February 14, 2018|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226003734/https://www.forbes.com/profile/vincent-mcmahon/|url-status=live}}</ref> although he was reported to have since dropped off the list between 2002 and 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-connecticut-senate-wwe-linda-mcmahon-dodd-0916,0,5802894.story |title=WWE's Linda McMahon Seeks GOP Nod For Sen. Chris Dodd's Seat |last=Altimari |first=Daniela |date=September 16, 2009 |work=The Hartford Courant|access-date=April 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001171208/http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-connecticut-senate-wwe-linda-mcmahon-dodd-0916,0,5802894.story|archive-date=October 1, 2009}}</ref> In 2014, McMahon had an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion.<ref name="auto" /> On May 16, 2014, McMahon's worth dropped to an estimated $750 million after his WWE stock fell $350 million due to a price drop following disappointing business outcomes.<ref name="auto" /> In 2015, McMahon returned to the list with an estimated worth of $1.2 billion.<ref name="auto" /> In 2018, his net worth reached $3.6 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/vincent-mcmahon/ |title=Vincent McMahon |website=[[Forbes]]|access-date=February 14, 2018|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226003734/https://www.forbes.com/profile/vincent-mcmahon/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://sportsvirsa.com/richest-athletes/ |title=Richest Athlete |date=September 2021|access-date=October 7, 2021|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007134714/https://sportsvirsa.com/richest-athletes/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Politics ===

Vince and Linda McMahon have donated to various [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] causes, including $1 million in 2014 to federal candidates and [[political action committee]]s, such as [[Karl Rove]]'s [[American Crossroads]] and the research and tracking group [[America Rising]].<ref>{{cite news |first1=Alexander |last1=Burns |first2=Parti |last2=Tarini |url=http://www.politico.com/story/2014/05/linda-mcmahon-mega-donor-2014-elections-107002 |title=McMahon reemerges as mega-donor |work=Politico |date=May 25, 2014 | access-date = March 24, 2016 | archive-date = April 8, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160408121214/http://www.politico.com/story/2014/05/linda-mcmahon-mega-donor-2014-elections-107002 | url-status = live}}</ref> The McMahons have donated $5 million to [[Donald Trump]]'s former charity, the [[Donald J. Trump Foundation]].<ref>{{cite news |first1=Rosalind S. |last1=Helderman |first2=David A. |last2=Fahrenthold |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/a-portrait-of-trump-the-donor-free-rounds-of-golf-but-no-personal-cash/2016/04/10/373b9b92-fb40-11e5-9140-e61d062438bb_story.html |title=Missing from Trump's list of charitable giving: His own personal cash |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 10, 2016 | access-date = April 11, 2016 | archive-date = April 11, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160411123610/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/a-portrait-of-trump-the-donor-free-rounds-of-golf-but-no-personal-cash/2016/04/10/373b9b92-fb40-11e5-9140-e61d062438bb_story.html | url-status = live}}</ref>

== Filmography ==

{|class="wikitable sortable"

!Year

!Title

!Role

!Notes

|2014

|''[[Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery]]''

|Mr. McMahon

|rowspan="6"|Voice

|2015

|''[[The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age SmackDown!]]''

|Mr. McMagma

|2016

|''[[Camp WWE]]''

|rowspan="4"|Mr. McMahon

|2016

|''[[Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon]]''

|2017

|''[[Surf's Up 2: WaveMania]]''

|2017

|''[[The Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania!]]''

|2024

|''[[Mr. McMahon (miniseries)|Mr. McMahon]]''

| Himself

| live-action

== Championships and accomplishments ==

[[File:Vince as ECW champ.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|McMahon as the [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW World Champion]] in 2007]]

[[File:Vince McMahon Walk of Fame.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|McMahon's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame]]

* '''''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'''''

** Best Non-wrestling Performer of the Decade (2010)<ref>{{cite web |last=Eck |first=Kevin |title=Best of the Decade awards |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-best_of_the_decade_awards-story.html |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |date=January 11, 2010|access-date=December 20, 2020|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204084558/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-best_of_the_decade_awards-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

* '''[[Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum]]'''

** Class of 2011<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwhf.blogspot.com/2010/11/lawler-mcmahon-road-warriors-among-pwhf.html |title=Lawler, McMahon, Road Warriors among PWHF Class of 2011 |work=Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum |date=November 26, 2010|access-date=November 28, 2010|archive-date=March 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315082922/http://pwhf.blogspot.com/2010/11/lawler-mcmahon-road-warriors-among-pwhf.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''

** [[PWI Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (1996) vs. [[Eric Bischoff]]<ref name="Feud of the Year">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwifoty.htm |title=Wrestling Information Archive – Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners – Feud of the Year |access-date=July 18, 2007 |magazine=Pro Wrestling Illustrated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616062707/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwifoty.htm |archive-date=June 16, 2008}}</ref>

** Feud of the Year (1998, 1999) vs. [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]]<ref name="Feud of the Year" />

** Feud of the Year (2001) vs. [[Shane McMahon]]<ref name="Feud of the Year" />

** [[PWI Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2006) vs. [[Shawn Michaels]] in a [[Professional Wrestling Death match|No Holds Barred match]] at [[WrestleMania 22]]<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimoty.htm |title=Wrestling Information Archive – Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners – Match of the Year |access-date=July 26, 2007 |magazine=Pro Wrestling Illustrated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616063308/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimoty.htm |archive-date=June 16, 2008}}</ref>

* '''[[WWE|World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''

** [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW World Championship]] ([[List of ECW World Heavyweight Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship/ |title=ECW Championship official title history|access-date=July 18, 2007 |publisher=WWE.com|archive-date=February 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222160937/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship|url-status=live}}</ref>

** [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/ |title=WWE Championship official title history|access-date=July 18, 2007 |publisher=WWE.com|archive-date=February 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223053803/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/|url-status=live}}</ref>

** [[Royal Rumble]] ([[Royal Rumble (1999)|1999]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/january/1999.htm |title=Royal Rumble 1999 Results|access-date=August 22, 2007 |publisher=PWWEW.net|archive-date=May 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512001103/http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/january/1999.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

* '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards]]'''''

** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Booker|Best Booker]] (1987, 1998, 1999)

** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Promoter of the Year|Promoter of the Year]] (1988, 1998–2000)

** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Non-Wrestler|Best Non-Wrestler]] (1999, 2000)

** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (1998, 1999) vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin

** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic|Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic]] (2003) for "McMahons all over the product"

** Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic (2022) for "appearing on television for a crowd pop after sexual misconduct allegations came out"<ref>{{Cite journal |title=February 2023 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Results of the 2022 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |date=February 2023 |journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://wrestlepurists.com/2022-wrestling-observer-awards-results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228204042/https://wrestlepurists.com/2022-wrestling-observer-awards-results/ |archive-date=February 28, 2023 |title=2022 Wrestling Observer Awards Results |work=WrestlePurists |author=Jaymond P |date=February 24, 2023 |access-date=March 4, 2023}}</ref>

** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Obnoxious|Most Obnoxious]] (1983–1986, 1990, 1993)<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Jan. 22, 1996 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Results of the 1995 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards, 1995 Record Book, Tons More |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |date=January 22, 1996 |journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref>

** [[Worst Feud Award|Worst Feud of the Year]] (2006) with Shane McMahon vs. [[D-Generation X]] (Shawn Michaels and [[Triple H]])

** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Match of the Year|Worst Match of the Year]] (2022) vs. [[Pat McAfee]] at [[WrestleMania 38]]<ref>{{Cite journal |title=February 2023 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Results of the 2022 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |date=February 2023 |journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://wrestlepurists.com/2022-wrestling-observer-awards-results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228204042/https://wrestlepurists.com/2022-wrestling-observer-awards-results/ |archive-date=February 28, 2023 |title=2022 Wrestling Observer Awards Results |work=WrestlePurists |author=Jaymond P |date=February 24, 2023 |access-date=March 4, 2023}}</ref>

** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] ([[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame#Inductees|Class of 1996]])

=== Other awards and honors ===

* [[Boys & Girls Clubs of America]] Hall of Fame (Class of 2015)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-will-be-inducted-into-the-boys-girls-clubs-of-america-25th-annual-hall-of-fame |title=411MANIA – Vince McMahon Will Be Inducted Into The Boys & Girls Clubs of America 25th Annual Hall of Fame|access-date=May 13, 2015|archive-date=July 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710225436/http://411mania.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-will-be-inducted-into-the-boys-girls-clubs-of-america-25th-annual-hall-of-fame/|url-status=live}}</ref>

* [[Guinness World Records]] – Oldest WWE Champion (September 1999)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/oldest-person-to-win-the-world-wrestling-entertainment-championship |title=Oldest person to win the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship |date=September 14, 1999 |access-date=February 9, 2015|archive-date=February 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209090419/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/oldest-person-to-win-the-world-wrestling-entertainment-championship|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Honorary [[Doctor of Humane Letters]] degree from [[Sacred Heart University]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-mcmahon7may14,0,7480442.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines |title=WWE chief pumps up graduates |last=DeLoma |first=Jamie |date=May 14, 2007 |website=The Advocate|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517060358/http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-mcmahon7may14%2C0%2C7480442.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines|archive-date=May 17, 2007|access-date=May 14, 2007}}</ref><ref name="doctor">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/drmcmahon |title=Mr. McMahon becomes Dr. McMahon |last=Rote |first=Anrdrew |date=May 13, 2007 |website=WWE|access-date=May 14, 2007|archive-date=May 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525103746/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/drmcmahon|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] (2008)<ref>{{cite web |title=Vince McMahon gets a star on Walk of Fame |url=http://www.today.com/id/23661676/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/vince-mcmahon-gets-star-walk-fame/ |website=Today.com |access-date=January 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113113259/http://www.today.com/id/23661676/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/vince-mcmahon-gets-star-walk-fame/ |archive-date=January 13, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

== ''Luchas de Apuestas'' record ==

{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de apuestas|l1=Luchas de apuestas}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"

! style="width:20%;"|Winner (wager)

! style="width:20%;"|Loser (wager)

! style="width:13%;"|Location

! style="width:13%;"|Event

! style="width:13%;"|Date

! style="width:21%;"|Notes

|[[Bobby Lashley]] ([[Donald Trump]]'s hair) || [[Umaga (wrestler)|Umaga]] (Vince McMahon's hair) || Detroit, Michigan || [[WrestleMania 23]] || {{dts|2007|04|01}} || Billed as the "Battle of the Billionaires"

== Notes ==

== References ==

=== Citations ===

* {{cite book|author=Shaun Assael & Mike Mooneyham|title=Sex, Lies and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation|publisher=Crown Publishers|year=2002|isbn=0609606905}}

=== General sources ===

~~==External links==~~

* {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WrFWKBBQzAAC&q=WWE+Legends.+World+Wrestling+Entertainment%2C+Inc.+isbn+0-7434-9033-9&pg=PR4 |last=Solomon |first=Brian |others=World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. |title=WWE Legends |publisher=Pocket Books |year=2006 |page=4 |isbn=0-7434-9033-9}} (via Google Books)

~~{{wikiquote}}{{commons|Category:Vince McMahon|Vince McMahon}}~~

* {{Cite book |author1=[[Shaun Assael]] |author2=Mike Mooneyham|name-list-style=amp |title=Sex, Lies and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation |publisher=Crown Publishers |location=New York |year=2002 |isbn=0-609-60690-5 |oclc=49276567 |url=https://archive.org/details/sexliesheadlocks00shau}}

*[http://www.wwe.com/ Official WWE Website]

*[http://corporate.wwe.com/company/bios/vk_mcmahon.jsp WWE Corporate Bio]

*[http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/mrmcmahon/ WWE Profile]

*[http://fans.wwe.com/mrmcmahon Offical WWE Universe Page]

== External links ==

* [https://www.alphaentllc.com/ Alpha Entertainment official website]

* {{Cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/mr-mcmahon |title=Mr. McMahon's WWE Profile|access-date=February 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114050013/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/mr-mcmahon|archive-date=January 14, 2024|url-status=dead}}

* {{professional wrestling profiles}}

{{S-ttl|title=Executive Chairman of [[WWE]]/[[TKO Group Holdings|TKO]]|years=2023–2024}}

{{S-ttl|title=[[Chief executive officer|CEO]] of [[WWE]]|years=2009–2022}}

{{S-ttl|title=Owner of [[XFL (2020)|Alpha Entertainment]]|years=2017–present}}

{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=WWE status}}

{{Succession box

| title = [[Royal Rumble match|Royal Rumble]] winner

| years = 1999

| with =

| before = [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]]

| after = [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]]

}}

{{s-ttl || title=Oldest living world champion {{age|1945|08|24}}

|years=June 7, 2023 – present}}

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