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It’s impossible to ignore the controversy surrounding the former CEO of WWE, Vince McMahon. Regardless of personal opinions about him, the extent of his prior actions was bound to resurface, given the troubling allegations that have overshadowed his reputation. The ongoing investigation stemming from a case by former employee Janel Grant, which is currently paused at the request of the DOJ, reveals a harrowing narrative of alleged misconduct that lasted an astonishing four years and implicated numerous individuals associated with McMahon. While these developments suggest significant trouble for McMahon, it is noteworthy that WWE itself appears to be thriving, marked by a lucrative buyout by Endeavor Group Holdings — a formidable talent and media conglomerate worth approximately $20 billion — and the announcement of a 10-year streaming deal with Netflix for its flagship show, Monday Night Raw. This arrangement, however, presents potential challenges ahead.
As Netflix gears up to begin streaming RAW live in January 2025, the streaming giant has seemingly taken a definitive stance regarding McMahon’s legacy. On September 25, Netflix will release a six-part documentary series titled Mr. McMahon, which aims to explore the complexities of his tenure in the company. While the promotional material acknowledges McMahon’s role in elevating WWE to unprecedented success, the darker undertones suggested in the trailer indicate a thorough examination of the controversies that have plagued him. This creates a challenging dynamic, as Netflix aims to attract wrestling fans even as it confronts the troubling aspects of their former leader’s reign.
Is Netflix Playing Both Sides of the WWE Debacle?
For many wrestling fans, McMahon’s era of dominance may not be as vivid, particularly newer audiences who may not have experienced the height of his on-screen persona during the Attitude Era (1997–2002) and the Ruthless Aggression Era (2002–2008). Over the past decade and a half, the landscape of professional wrestling has seen significant shifts, with various storylines failing to resonate with dedicated viewers. Yet, longtime fans recall McMahon’s grand entrances and memorable segments, particularly those involving wrestling icons like Stone Cold Steve Austin, which are etched in their memories. While McMahon’s real-life misdeeds raise numerous concerns, his larger-than-life character is intricately woven into the fabric of WWE’s history.
Despite the overall excitement about the documentary, some unnamed WWE employees have reportedly described it as a “hit piece” and an “absolute double burial,” where the term “burial” denotes punitive actions against individuals who have strayed from company norms in wrestling jargon. Rumors suggest that the conclusion of Mr. McMahon will highlight how Paul Michael Levesque, McMahon’s successor, is guiding WWE towards a more unified and positive future, possibly aiming to appeal to viewers in light of the controversial backdrop. For long-time fans, this juxtaposition may be bittersweet, as they grapple with separating McMahon’s contributions from the tumultuous events of his leadership.
The potential repercussions of the documentary may affect viewership; however, it is unlikely that McMahon’s polarizing legacy will derail the overall partnership with Netflix. What remains undeniable is that the Netflix documentary will serve as a significant chapter in the ongoing saga of Vince McMahon, captivating wrestling fans regardless of the narrative it may create. Mr. McMahon is set to stream on Netflix starting September 25.
Source
movieweb.com