Known as the man behind the WWE as we know it today, the controversial Vince McMahon will be the subject of a six-part Netflix docuseries that’s set to debut this September. McMahon purchased the WWF from his father in 1982, taking it to heights no one could have anticipated before renaming it WWE in 2002. He stepped down from the company 20 years later following allegations of sexual misconduct and hush-money payments, but returned long enough in 2023 to facilitate its sale to Endeavor Group Holdings, which merged the WWE and UFC together under one umbrella labeled TKO Group Holdings. While he did manage to serve as executive chairman of the newly-formed entity, McMahon said his final goodbye in January 2024, officially resigning following damning allegations of further sexual misconduct and sex trafficking.
Per Variety, the Netflix docuseries, titled Mr. McMahon, will look to take a deep dive into the early years of the controversial figure, all the way up to the recent misconduct allegations. It promises to be a “no-holds barred” look at McMahon, and features interviews with those closest to the wrestling juggernaut, as well as with the journalists responsible for uncovering the allegations that would ultimately lead to his downfall. Check out the full synopsis below for Mr. McMahon, which premieres September 25 on Netflix.
“Mr. McMahon chronicles the rise and fall of Vince McMahon, controversial businessman and co-founder of WWE. From his transformation of the WWE from a small, regional business into a global entertainment powerhouse to the explosive sexual misconduct allegations that led to his eventual resignation, this six-episode series offers a deep dive into McMahon’s life and his enduring franchise.
“Culled from over 200 hours of interviews with McMahon himself (prior to his resignation), his family members, business associates and some of the most iconic names in wrestling history, as well as the journalists who uncovered McMahon’s allegations — filmmaker Chris Smith (Tiger King) and executive producer Bill Simmons (30 for 30) present an unflinching, no-holds-barred look at one of the most enigmatic figures in sports entertainment.”
Explaining the Recent Vince McMahon Allegations
In January 2024, just days after the WWE announced a $5 billion dollar partnership with Netflix that will see their flagship show, Monday Night Raw, move from its home on USA to the streaming giant in 2025, a lawsuit was filed by former employee Janel Grant. It accused McMahon of sexual abuse and trafficking, explaining in graphic detail the horrific events she was allegedly put through not only at the hands of the legendary promoter, but others in his inner circle, including the former head of talent relations for WWE, John Laurinaitis.
The suit further alleges that despite Grant being dismissed from WWE and signing an NDA in March 2022, McMahon continued to try and traffic her to a wrestler later that year. As such, the lawsuit is currently on hold for now, as the Department of Justice has opened their own probe into McMahon, Laurinaitis and the WWE to investigate the trafficking allegations.
“Ms. Grant has consented to a request by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York to stay her case against Mr. McMahon, WWE and Mr. Laurinaitis, pursuant to a pending non-public investigation,” Grant’s lawyer, Ann Callis, said in a statement earlier this year regarding the DOJ investigation. “We will cooperate with all appropriate next steps.”
With the WWE being as hot as it ever has been business wise, it’s hard to say at this point where this will all land. The allegations could lead to prison time for McMahon and others, thus tarnishing the already blemished reputation of the company. We’ll have more news as it becomes available, and you can check out Mr. McMahon when it debuts on Netflix on September 25.