A new documentary on Netflix seeks to reveal the true nature of Vince McMahon, the former head of WWE, but opinions on its effectiveness are mixed. The six-part series, titled “Mr. McMahon,” named after the character he portrayed in the 1990s, explores his life, extensive career, and the controversies that have surrounded him. It includes interviews with McMahon himself, along with family members, ex-wrestlers, and business partners. However, some critics question whether the series offers any new insights into who McMahon really is.
The documentary arrives amidst serious allegations against McMahon, particularly following a lawsuit filed by a former employee, Janel Grant, who accused him of sex trafficking. McMahon withdrew from filming after these accusations surfaced, and while he has denied the claims as falsehoods, the documentary reportedly does not address this recent controversy substantially. It does, however, explore earlier allegations, including accusations of rape made by WWE’s first female referee, Rita Chatterton, which McMahon adamantly denies. He has characterized the ongoing legal issues with the U.S. government over steroid distribution as harassment.
The portrayal of women in wrestling, particularly during what is known as the Attitude Era, is another focus of the documentary. Former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus recalls that women’s roles were overly sexualized, treating them more as objects than athletes. Other former wrestlers echo this sentiment, reflecting on how those performances would be viewed negatively in today’s society. McMahon’s daughter and other prominent figures in WWE admit that while there were entertaining moments, the treatment of women during that time was problematic.
The documentary also delves into McMahon’s reputation for being a fierce businessman. It recounts infamous incidents like the “Montreal Screwjob,” where McMahon changed the outcome of a match involving Bret Hart to protect WWE’s interests. McMahon himself maintains that such decisions were purely business. He shares insights about his childhood and how his experiences shaped his approach to both business and fatherhood, though he remains ambiguous about the extent to which his character and true self overlap.
Ultimately, the documentary raises questions about identity, with McMahon stating that the lines between his character as “Mr. McMahon” and his real self are often blurred. While many of his associates perceive similarities between the character and the man, McMahon insists they are distinct. As the series closes, viewers are left to navigate the complexity of who Vince McMahon truly is, with the answers remaining elusive.