Mr. McMahon

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.

Big wrestling fan here, already knew most of the stories that were told, though I did learn some things I didn't know, like for example things about Vince's childhood. Thought the production was really good & watched it all in one day, but the single most important thing people need to know about this is that it was mostly recorded in 2021 which means that you have to wait until the final episode for all the recent allegations. This is why I understand why wrestling fans especially, will have maybe expected more cause they already heard many of the stories, but I still think its a good watch, not an epic watch but a good one, where you will also learn more about other wrestlers from the way they speak about Vince.

"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.

Don't expect a big beat up of Vince McMahon here. Being mostly filmed before the last damaging allegations, this is more a focus on Vince McMahons business mind - and how he swallowed the whole wrestling world under his ruthless ambition and business acumen.

It's at its most interesting giving an insight into the workings of Vince McMahons mind, he reveals more than he needs to at times (including how he has sometimes said things to get ahead and sway/program others as promotion), the other most interesting is the history of WWE. I learnt a lot although some WWE die-hards will prefer the Dark Side of the Ring.

It doesn't shy away from the allegations, and is better for it. Bret Hart, Dave Meltzer and Eric Bischoff are great interviews. Vince is too reserved at times. He's a brilliant mind, and a brilliant villian, but potentially not a good guy. Time will tell so enjoy this documentary for what it is.

Vince McMahon took WWE (WWF) to new heights, fending off competition, scandals, even deaths, but where do the lines blur between Vince McMahon and his on screen character, Mr McMahon.

It is genuinely like a soap opera, it's so outlandish, so over the top, so extreme, the characters feel exactly that, unlike any possible real person, and that's the appeal I guess, it's almost like a real life cartoon.

It's unreal, even for someone who gave up on wrestling probably in about 1998. McMahon is shown in the titles as a slightly crazed looking puppet master, and that's exactly what he is.

It's pinch of salt stuff, that is until the final episode, where it takes a dramatic shift, and suddenly feels very real.

Very well made, goofy interviews, as well as some very serious ones. It explores various different elements of wrestling, the people, the business, the mistakes, deaths and injuries, it even talks about its bright future.

Great entertainment.

9/10.