Vince McMahon has spoken out against Netflix’s “misleading” docuseries about his controversial WWE career ahead of its premiere.
The documentary, which looks back at McMahon’s controversial career as founder of the famed wrestling promotion, will air on September 25.
A trailer for the series, titled ‘Mr McMahon’, suggests it will reveal the numerous scandals the 79-year-old billionaire has been embroiled in, including recent allegations of sex trafficking.
In recent years, he has also faced allegations of sexual misconduct and hush money payments totaling nearly $15 million, leading to his initial departure from WWE in 2022.
Ahead of the show’s premiere this week, McMahon released a statement condemning Netflix for using “editing tricks” to lead viewers down the wrong path and “mistakenly” playing the character he used to play in WWE for his true self.
Vince McMahon has spoken out against Netflix’s “misleading” docuseries about his WWE career
“I have no regrets about participating in this Netflix documentary,” she said in the statement. “The producers had the opportunity to tell an objective story about my life and the incredible business I built, which was equally filled with emotion, drama, fun and a fair share of controversy and life lessons.
‘Unfortunately, based on an early partial cut I’ve seen, this documentary falls short and takes the predictable route of conflating the “Mr. McMahon” character with my true self, Vince. The title and promos alone give that away.
‘Much has been misinterpreted or omitted entirely in an intentional effort to confuse viewers. Producers use typical editing tricks with out-of-context images and dated audio clips, etc. to distort viewers’ perception and support a misleading narrative.
‘In an attempt to promote their misleading story, producers are using a lawsuit based on an affair I ended as evidence that I am, in fact, “Mr. McMahon.”
“I hope the viewer keeps an open mind and remembers that there are two sides to every story.”
Netflix announced the series in late August alongside an official poster, writing that it “chronicles the rise and fall of the controversial WWE founder.”
McMahon is currently leading a sex trafficking investigation involving a former staff member.
‘Mr. McMahon’ is produced by Tiger King producer Chris Smith and Bill Simmons.
The show is said to feature interviews with “McMahon prior to his resignation, his family and some of the most iconic names in wrestling history, as well as the journalists who uncovered the allegations against McMahon.”
McMahon initially acquired what was then known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1982 from his father after working as a ringside announcer, before building it into an international entertainment powerhouse.
While in charge, he took the promotion to new heights. Part of his expansion included acquiring rivals ECW and WCW in the early 2000s.
The charismatic character would continue to play an important role behind the scenes, appearing regularly in front of the camera.
He stepped down as CEO of the World Wrestling Entertainment brand after allegations of sexual misconduct began to surface in 2022.
A year later, McMahon returned to the table when the UFC partnered with WWE to form TKO, becoming a combat sports and entertainment giant. He assumed the role of WWE’s executive chairman.
However, in January 2024, McMahon resigned from that position after reports of an alleged sex trafficking scheme first emerged.
The case remains under investigation with former WWE employee Janel Grant in charge.
