Career Timeline of Vince McMahon: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Vince McMahon made an impact.
Vincent Kennedy McMahon is an American businessman and former professional wrestling promoter, best known as the driving force behind WWE, the world's largest professional wrestling promotion, which he co-founded with his wife, Linda. Besides wrestling, McMahon has also dabbled in promoting other sports such as bodybuilding with the World Bodybuilding Federation and football with the XFL.
1969: On-Screen Debut for WWE
In 1969, McMahon began appearing on-screen for WWE. He initially served as a personable play-by-play commentator, marking the start of his on-screen presence in the company.
1969: Debut as Ring Announcer for WWWF
In 1969, McMahon made his debut as a ring announcer for the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF)'s All-Star Wrestling, marking his first official role in the family business.
1971: Assigned to Maine Territory
In 1971, McMahon was assigned to a small territory in Maine. It was in Maine where he promoted his first card. He replaced Ray Morgan as the television commentator after 1971.
1976: Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki Match
In 1976, McMahon was involved in the Muhammad Ali versus Antonio Inoki match. This marked his involvement in prominent events within the company.
1979: Pushed for Renaming to WWF
In 1979, McMahon pushed for the renaming of the company to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). This change reflected his growing influence and vision for the company's future.
February 21, 1980: Founded Titan Sports
On February 21, 1980, McMahon officially founded Titan Sports, marking a significant step in his career. The company's headquarters were established in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts.
1982: Titan Sports Acquired Control of CWC
In 1982, Titan Sports, founded by Vince McMahon, acquired control of the Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC) from McMahon's ailing father. This acquisition was a key step in McMahon's takeover of the professional wrestling business.
1982: Purchase of WWE
In 1982, Vincent Kennedy McMahon bought the company from his father, Vincent J. McMahon. This acquisition allowed him to implement his vision for professional wrestling, leading to national expansion and the creation of WrestleMania.
1983: WWF Split from NWA
In 1983, the WWF split from the NWA. This departure signified McMahon's intent to break away from the traditional territorial system and expand nationally.
1984: Recruitment of Hulk Hogan
In 1984, McMahon recruited Hulk Hogan. The addition of Hogan proved to be a pivotal moment, helping to grow the WWF's popularity nationally.
March 31, 1985: Inaugural WrestleMania
On March 31, 1985, Vince McMahon ran the first WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden. This event was available on closed-circuit television and helped launch the "Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection".
1987: WrestleMania III
In 1987, the WWF reportedly drew 93,173 fans to the Pontiac Silverdome for WrestleMania III. The main event was Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant.
1992: Wrestling career of Kevin Wacholz
In 1992, Kevin Wacholz wrestled for WWF as Nailz.
1993: Feud with Jerry Lawler
In 1993, Vince McMahon engaged in a feud with Jerry Lawler, marking the first time he physically interjected himself into a match. This angle was part of a cross-promotion between the WWF and the USWA.
1993: New Generation Era
In 1993, the company entered the New Generation Era. This was one of McMahon's toughest times since taking over the company as business went up and down with various projects.
September 23, 1996: Jim Ross reveals McMahon as WWF Chairman in worked shoot promo
On the September 23, 1996 Monday Night Raw, Jim Ross delivered a worked shoot promo during which he ran down McMahon, outing him as chairman and not just a commentator for the first time in WWF storylines.
March 17, 1997: Beginning of the Mr. McMahon character
The March 17, 1997 WWF Raw Is War is cited by some as the beginning of the Mr. McMahon character, after Bret Hart lost to Sycho Sid in a steel cage match for the WWF Championship, Hart engaged in an expletive-laden rant against McMahon and WWF management.
September 22, 1997: Stone Cold Steve Austin Stunner
On September 22, 1997, Stone Cold Steve Austin gave McMahon a Stone Cold Stunner, beginning the Austin-McMahon rivalry.
November 1997: Replaced as Commentator
In November 1997, McMahon no longer served as play-by-play commentator for television matches. McMahon had held the role regularly since 1971.
December 1997: McMahon vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
In December 1997, on Raw Is War, Mr. McMahon demanded that Stone Cold Steve Austin defend his Intercontinental Championship against The Rock. Austin forfeited the title after attacking The Rock and knocking McMahon off the ring ropes.
1997: Adoption of Mr. McMahon Character
In 1997, McMahon adopted the character of Mr. McMahon. This marked a significant shift in his on-screen persona, transforming him into a villainous tyrant.
1997: Initiated WWF Attitude Era
In 1997, McMahon initiated a new brand strategy that eventually returned the WWF to prominence. He commenced the new era when manipulating the WWF Championship away from Bret Hart at Survivor Series (now known as the "Montreal Screwjob").
December 1998: Austin vs. Undertaker
In December 1998, Mr. McMahon restarted his feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin, forcing Austin to face The Undertaker in a Buried Alive match with Royal Rumble qualification on the line. Austin won with help from Kane.
1998: Deadly Games Tournament
In 1998, at Judgement Day, with no champion crowned, Mr. McMahon ordered a 14-man tournament called Deadly Games at Survivor Series to determine the WWF Champion. McMahon favored Mankind in the tournament.
January 11, 1999: Corporate Rumble
On January 11, 1999, at Rock Bottom: In Your House, Mr. McMahon reversed the decision in a Mankind vs. The Rock match, returning the belt to The Rock. McMahon participated in a "Corporate Rumble" on Raw, but was eliminated by Chyna.
May 1999: Joins the Union
In May 1999, Mr. McMahon became a member of The Union. McMahon's son Shane merged the corporation with The Undertaker's Ministry of Darkness to form the Corporate Ministry.
October 1999: WWF Initial Public Offering
In October 1999, McMahon led the WWF in an initial public offering of company stock. The stock was offered during the height of the Attitude Era.
1999: Feud with Triple H
In 1999, Mr. McMahon feuded with Triple H, focusing on Triple H's storyline marriage to Stephanie McMahon, culminating at Armageddon. Stephanie turned on McMahon, and McMahon disappeared from WWF television.
March 13, 2000: Return to WWF Television
On March 13, 2000, Mr. McMahon returned to WWF television on Raw Is War, helping The Rock win his WWF title shot back from The Big Show. He also attacked Shane McMahon and Triple H.
2000: King of the Ring
In 2000, at King of the Ring, Mr. McMahon, Shane, and Triple H faced The Brothers of Destruction and The Rock in a six-man tag team match. Mr. McMahon was pinned by The Rock. He later fired Mick Foley as WWF Commissioner.
February 26, 2001: Humiliates Trish Stratus
On February 26, 2001, Mr. McMahon and Stephanie humiliated Trish Stratus on Raw. McMahon aligned with Stephanie against Shane.
2001: Purchase of WCW
In 2001, WWE purchased and absorbed World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This acquisition eliminated a major competitor and solidified WWE's dominance in the professional wrestling industry.
January 20, 2002: Street Fight vs. Ric Flair
On January 20, 2002, Mr. McMahon faced Ric Flair in a Street Fight at the Royal Rumble, which Flair won. As co-owners, McMahon became the owner of SmackDown!.
May 5, 2002: Announcement of Name Change to WWE
On May 5, 2002, World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. announced it would be changing both its company name and the name of its wrestling promotion to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) after losing a lawsuit with the World Wildlife Fund.
June 24, 2002: WWE Transitions to Ruthless Aggression Era
On June 24, 2002, McMahon officially referred to the new era as "Ruthless Aggression". The period still featured elements of the Attitude Era, including violence, sex, and profanity, but had less politically incorrect content.
January 28, 2003: Acquired the Assets of ECW
On January 28, 2003, McMahon acquired the assets of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). This acquisition further consolidated WWE's position in the professional wrestling market.
February 13, 2003: Hogan's Return
On February 13, 2003, Mr. McMahon tried to derail Hulk Hogan's return on SmackDown!, but Hogan knocked him out. This led to McMahon facing Hogan at WrestleMania XIX.
2003: Purchase of ECW Assets
In 2003, WWE purchased the assets of the defunct Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). This acquisition further consolidated WWE's position in the professional wrestling market.
December 26, 2005: Reviews Bret Hart's DVD
On December 26, 2005, Mr. McMahon personally reviewed Bret Hart's DVD on Raw. He threatened Shawn Michaels, saying, "I screwed Bret Hart. Shawn, don't make me screw you".
2005: Trial of Eric Bischoff
In late 2005, Mr. McMahon began a feud with Eric Bischoff, holding "The Trial of Eric Bischoff" where McMahon served as the judge and "fired" Bischoff.
2006: Feud with Shawn Michaels
In 2006, Mr. McMahon continued to feud with Shawn Michaels, including a Montreal Screwjob reference at Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII and a match at WrestleMania 22.
2006: Feud with D-Generation X
In 2006, Mr. McMahon feuded with Triple H. Michaels saved Triple H and the two reformed D-Generation X (DX). This led to a feud between the McMahons and DX.
2006: Bischoff's Return
In late 2006, Bischoff returned on Raw to announce his book release. He blasted remarks at McMahon, saying that there would be no McMahon if not for Bischoff's over-the-top rebellious ideas, and that D-Generation X was nothing but a rip off of the New World Order.
January 2007: Feud with Donald Trump
In January 2007, Mr. McMahon started a feud with Donald Trump, leading to a Hair vs. Hair match at WrestleMania 23. McMahon's hair was shaved bald after his representative lost the match.
June 11, 2007: Mr. McMahon presumed dead
On June 11, 2007, WWE aired a segment where Mr. McMahon entered a limousine that exploded. WWE.com reported Mr. McMahon was "presumed dead" as part of a storyline. The show went off-air shortly after.
February 2008: Hornswoggle is revealed not to be McMahon's son
In February 2008, John "Bradshaw" Layfield revealed that Hornswoggle was not McMahon's son but Finlay's. It turned out that the scam was thought up by Shane, Stephanie and Linda McMahon, along with Finlay.
January 5, 2009: Chris Jericho says McMahon will return to Raw soon
On January 5, 2009, Chris Jericho told Stephanie McMahon that McMahon would be returning to Raw soon.
January 4, 2010: McMahon confronts Bret Hart on Raw
On January 4, 2010, McMahon confronted Bret "The Hitman" Hart for the first time since the Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997, seemingly burying the hatchet but then kicking Hart in the groin.
April 7, 2011: WWE becomes an orphan initialism
On April 7, 2011, McMahon's company ceased using the full name World Wrestling Entertainment and henceforth referred to itself solely as WWE to reflect WWE's global entertainment expansion.
June 11, 2012: McMahon gives Laurinaitis a job evaluation
On June 11, 2012, McMahon returned to give a job evaluation to John Laurinaitis. After a conflict with Cena and Big Show, McMahon declared that if Big Show lost his match at No Way Out, Laurinaitis would be fired.
June 2013: McMahon family dispute begins
From June 2013, members of the McMahon family began to dispute various elements of the control of WWE, such as the fates of Daniel Bryan, and of Raw and SmackDown general managers Brad Maddox and Vickie Guerrero.
2013: McMahon breaks his pelvis after an attack by Brock Lesnar
In 2013, during a performance review on Paul Heyman, Vince McMahon was assaulted by Brock Lesnar, who attacked him with the F-5, breaking his pelvis and requiring surgery.
November 3, 2014: McMahon makes stipulation for Survivor Series match
On November 3, 2014, McMahon returned to Raw, making a stipulation that if Team Cena defeated Team Authority at Survivor Series, The Authority would be removed from power.
2014: Donations to Republican Party Causes
In 2014, Vince and Linda McMahon donated $1 million to federal candidates and political action committees affiliated with the Republican Party.
2014: McMahon steps aside from on-screen authority role
In early 2014, Vince McMahon stepped aside from his on-screen authority role to evaluate Triple H and Stephanie's control of the company after they created The Authority.
December 14, 2015: McMahon aligns with The Authority
On December 14, 2015, McMahon aligned himself with The Authority, confronting Roman Reigns and granting him a WWE World Heavyweight Championship rematch with a stipulation.
January 4, 2016: McMahon serves as special guest referee
On the January 4, 2016, episode of Raw, McMahon made himself special guest referee in Reigns' rematch against Sheamus, where Reigns won after McMahon was knocked out.
2016: Shane McMahon Returns to WWE
In 2016, Shane McMahon returned to WWE.
April 3, 2017: McMahon announces Kurt Angle as Raw General Manager
On the April 3, 2017, episode of Raw, McMahon returned to announce Kurt Angle as the new Raw General Manager and the upcoming Superstar Shake-up.
January 22, 2018: McMahon returns to Raw 25 Years
On January 22, 2018, McMahon returned on Raw 25 Years, calling the WWE Universe "cheap" and turning heel once again. He was later confronted and stunnered by Stone Cold Steve Austin.
December 17, 2018: McMahon family promises to shake things up on Raw and SmackDown
On the December 17, 2018, episode of Monday Night Raw, McMahon returned with his family, promising to shake things up and announcing that the four of them would collectively run Raw and SmackDown Live.
2019: McMahon enters the feud between Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston
In early 2019, McMahon entered in the feud between Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston, not letting that latter receive a WWE championship match at WrestleMania.
April 7, 2021: AEW Dynamite defeats WWE NXT in the Wednesday Night Wars
On April 7, 2021, AEW Dynamite emerged victorious against WWE NXT in the Wednesday Night Wars, leading to NXT moving to Tuesday nights.
April 10, 2021: McMahon welcomes fans back at WrestleMania 37
McMahon appeared at WrestleMania 37 on April 10, 2021, to welcome the fans back in person after a year of halting live events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 22, 2021: McMahon Investigates Cleopatra's Egg Theft and Rewards Austin Theory
On November 22, 2021, Vince McMahon launched an investigation on Raw to find out who stole Cleopatra's Egg, given to him by The Rock. Austin Theory revealed himself as the thief, and McMahon rewarded him with a WWE Championship match against Big E.
June 2022: McMahon Steps Down as CEO and Chairman
In June 2022, Vince McMahon stepped down as CEO and chairman of WWE, but continued to oversee content development.
June 17, 2022: Vince McMahon steps down as chairman and CEO of WWE
On June 17, 2022, Vince McMahon voluntarily stepped down as chairman and CEO of WWE pending an internal investigation, with Stephanie McMahon named interim CEO and chairwoman.
July 2022: McMahon Retires from WWE
In July 2022, Vince McMahon announced his retirement from WWE, marking the end of an era.
July 22, 2022: McMahon Announces Retirement from WWE
On July 22, 2022, Vince McMahon announced his retirement from WWE, only to return six months later.
2022: Last On-Screen Appearance for WWE
In 2022, McMahon appeared on-screen for WWE for the last time. This brought an end to McMahon's long history of on-screen performances for the company.
January 6, 2023: Vince McMahon plans return to WWE as executive chairman
On January 6, 2023, it was announced that McMahon was planning a return to WWE as executive chairman, ahead of upcoming media rights negotiations and also to explore a potential sale of the company. Also on January 6, Vince McMahon was appointed back to the WWE Board of Directors.
January 2023: Return to WWE as Executive Chairman
In January 2023, McMahon's return to WWE as executive chairman was confirmed. This marked a reversal of his previous departure from the company's leadership.
2023: Stephanie McMahon Resigns from WWE
In 2023, Stephanie McMahon resigned from her backstage and onscreen roles at WWE.
January 26, 2024: Vince McMahon resigns from TKO
On January 26, 2024, McMahon resigned from TKO following a report about alleged sexual assaults.
