Mr. McMahon

"When we stop growing, we die" is what McMahon said. It is ironic because the man has not grown emotionally since his adolescence. Paul Heyman, the voice of reason among the talking heads, said it best, that McMahon is overcompensating for the deprivation that he endured in the first 12 years of his life. He was abandoned by his biological father and severely abused by his stepfather, resulting in a core belief of defectiveness. Nothing he has ever achieved, no amount of success or adoration, will ever truly be enough to heal that inner child who still feels inadequate because daddy left him.

It may be true that, without McMahon's voracious appetite to make something of himself, we would not have the behemoth that is the WWE. However, his true legacy lies in normalising domestic violence, fuelling misogyny and encouraging toxic masculinity in the storylines he conceived of to achieve ever higher ratings, including putting his own family drama on full display in his shows. What kind of person accuses his daughter of being selfish for not wanting her wedding televised on pay-per-view, and then arranges a wrestling match against him to humiliate her?

Despite his insistence that Mr. McMahon is only a character, it is nevertheless one borne out of and embodying his unconscious desires, a medium through which he can express his true self with impunity. Mr. McMahon was his Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free card; "Oh, I did something wrong? That was my character, not me". He is not a role model to any man, not even his son, from whom he withheld affection and validation the same way that his own father did to him. This man lives in the fantasy that he does not perpetuate abuse in spite of his abusive childhood and clear evidence to the contrary. This documentary is one of abuse and the legacy of abuse, more than it is about wrestling, and it need not have been six hours long.

The first episode of Netflix's docuseries "Mr. McMahon" dives deep into the life and career of Vince McMahon, the controversial figure behind WWE. Directed by Chris Smith, known for his work on "Tiger King," the series sets out to explore the rise and fall of McMahon, offering a comprehensive look at his impact on professional wrestling and the darker aspects of his legacy.

The episode begins by establishing McMahon's early life and his initial foray into the wrestling business. It paints a picture of a man driven by ambition and a desire to transform the wrestling industry. Through interviews with McMahon himself, his family, and various WWE personalities, the episode provides a multifaceted view of his character. McMahon's charisma and business acumen are highlighted, but so are his ruthless tactics and controversial decisions.

One of the standout elements of the episode is its use of archival footage and interviews. Smith has meticulously compiled over 100 hours of interviews, capturing candid moments with McMahon and those close to him. This footage is interwoven with clips from WWE's history, creating a narrative that is both engaging and informative. The episode does not shy away from the controversies that have surrounded McMahon, including allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking. These issues are addressed head-on, providing a stark contrast to the public persona McMahon has cultivated over the years.

The episode also delves into the evolution of WWE under McMahon's leadership. It explores how he transformed the company from a regional promotion into a global entertainment powerhouse. Key moments, such as the creation of WrestleMania and the rise of iconic wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and The Rock, are covered in detail. The episode highlights McMahon's ability to innovate and adapt, but it also underscores the ethical compromises he made along the way.

One of the most compelling aspects of the episode is its portrayal of McMahon as a complex and often contradictory figure. On one hand, he is shown as a visionary who revolutionized professional wrestling. On the other, he is depicted as a manipulative and morally ambiguous individual. This duality is captured through interviews with WWE insiders, journalists, and former wrestlers. Their testimonies provide a nuanced perspective on McMahon's legacy, revealing both admiration and resentment.

The episode's pacing is well-executed, balancing historical context with personal anecdotes. It moves seamlessly between different time periods, offering a cohesive narrative that keeps viewers engaged. The editing is particularly noteworthy, as it juxtaposes McMahon's public statements with behind-the-scenes revelations. This technique effectively exposes the gap between his public image and the reality of his actions.

However, the episode is not without its flaws. Some critics have pointed out that it does not delve deeply enough into the experiences of McMahon's victims. While the allegations against him are mentioned, the focus remains largely on his career and influence. This has led to some criticism that the series is too sympathetic towards McMahon, failing to fully hold him accountable for his actions.

Despite these shortcomings, the first episode of "Mr. McMahon" is a compelling start to the series. It offers a detailed and balanced look at one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling. The episode succeeds in capturing the complexity of McMahon's character, providing viewers with a thought-provoking exploration of his legacy.

In conclusion, the first episode of "Mr. McMahon" sets the stage for a gripping docuseries that promises to delve into the highs and lows of Vince McMahon's career. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews, and expert storytelling, it paints a vivid picture of a man who has left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. Whether you are a wrestling fan or simply interested in the story of a controversial figure, this episode is a must-watch.

The dark side of one of the most entertaining spectales in the world ? YES PLEASE. See the true colors of one of the most impressive self made billionaires and pioneers in modern sports and entertainment. All the controversy and ups and downs that went on through Mcmahon and the industry told broad and openly by the most important , influential and respected people involved. Each episode tackles what each era of the wrestling business dealt with and it's shocking that it never ceased to exist. How can something so pure and real as wrestling have total different face to it once you see it through the eyes of this show. A MUST WATCH.

I was excited to learn there would be a documentary coming out about Mr. McMahon and WWE. I have been a wrestling fan since I was a kid and still in many respects still am. I was fortunate to watch the attitude era when Stone Cold and The Rock electrified the audiences. It was enjoyable to see the history of WWE, Vince Senior and the legacy of superstars over the decades to the present day. There were some big personalities, challenges, the Monday night wars with WCC that made each episode great to watch.

Love him or hate him, I respect the businessman instincts and creativity Vince brought to the industry to make it what it is today. In regards to the recent allegations, he made his bed and now he has to sleep in it. Highly recommend this documentary, especially if you are or have been a wrestling fan.

I started following the WWF in the mid-70's with Bruno Sammartino, all the way through the Hulk Hogan era, and then only sporadically after that with Stone Cold and The Rock. So I have to say I was probably looking forward to this more than just about anything that has been released on streaming in the last few years.

Professional wrestling used to be so secretive, but now that McMahon has admitted the whole thing is more entertainment than a sport, many of the secrets have been revealed. I've seen some things over the last few years that have revealed some of it, and this documentary confirmed and revealed more for me.

As for Vince McMahon, he is a very polarizing, complex man. Think along the lines of Bobby Knight, Donald Trump, Woody Hayes, or George Steinbrenner. So I'm not sure what to think about him as a person, but as a businessman, he is a genius to do what he did with the transformation of professional wrestling.

Most documentaries on streamers are endless, and should be cut down. Conversely, this is only six episodes long. I think this could have easily been 10 episodes, and still would have been interesting.