Career Timeline of Vince McMahon: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Vince McMahon made an impact.
Vince McMahon is an American businessman and former professional wrestling promoter, best known as the driving force behind the global success of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). He and his wife Linda co-founded the modern WWE, transforming it into a media and entertainment empire. Beyond wrestling, McMahon has explored ventures in other sports, including the World Bodybuilding Federation and the XFL football league, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and ambition to diversify into various entertainment sectors. He also owns Alpha Entertainment.
1963: WWF First Splits from NWA
In 1963, the WWF initially split from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
1968: Graduation from East Carolina University
In 1968, McMahon graduated from East Carolina University with a business degree before pursuing a role in his father's wrestling promotion.
1969: Debut as Ring Announcer
In 1969, McMahon made his debut as a ring announcer for the WWWF's All-Star Wrestling.
1969: First WWE Appearance
In 1969, McMahon made his first on-screen appearance for WWE as a play-by-play commentator.
1969: McMahon Begins Ring Announcing
In 1969, Vince McMahon began appearing on untelevised WWWF events as a ring announcer, marking the start of his on-screen presence in the wrestling world.
1971: Assignment to Maine Territory and Commentary Role
In 1971, McMahon was assigned to a small territory in Maine where he promoted his first card. Later in 1971, he became the play-by-play commentator for television matches, replacing Ray Morgan.
1971: McMahon's Commentary Debut
In 1971, Vince McMahon made his commentary debut, replacing Ray Morgan after a pay dispute. This opportunity allowed McMahon to appear on television, despite his father's preference for promoters to stay off-screen.
1971: WWF Rejoined NWA
In 1971, the WWF rejoined the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
1976: Promotion of Ali vs. Inoki Match
In 1976, McMahon assisted his father with the promotion of the Muhammad Ali versus Antonio Inoki match.
1977: McMahon Involved in Physical Altercation on WWF Television
In 1977, Vince McMahon and Arnold Skaaland were struck from behind by Captain Lou Albano on WWF television as part of a kayfabe "Manager Of The Year" storyline.
1979: Push for WWF Renaming
In 1979, McMahon pushed for the renaming of the company to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
1979: Vince and Linda McMahon Purchase Cape Cod Coliseum and Buccaneers
In 1979, Vince and Linda McMahon purchased the Cape Cod Coliseum and the Cape Cod Buccaneers of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League, expanding their business interests beyond professional wrestling.
February 21, 1980: Foundation of Titan Sports
On February 21, 1980, McMahon officially founded Titan Sports, establishing its headquarters in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts.
1982: Purchase of WWE
In 1982, McMahon bought the company from his father, Vincent J. McMahon. This acquisition allowed him to begin monopolizing the wrestling industry.
1982: Titan Acquires CWC
In 1982, Titan acquired control of the CWC from McMahon's ailing father and his partners, marking a transition in leadership and ownership.
1983: WWF Splits from NWA
In 1983, the WWF split from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), a governing body for regional territories, signifying McMahon's intent to operate independently and expand nationally.
1984: Recruitment of Hulk Hogan and Creation of Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection
In 1984, McMahon recruited Hulk Hogan to be the WWF's megastar. McMahon created the Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection by incorporating pop music stars into wrestling storylines.
1984: McMahon Maintains Commentary Role
Since 1984 Vince McMahon maintained his role as the regular play-by-play commentator, portraying himself as mild-mannered and diplomatic.
March 31, 1985: First WrestleMania
On March 31, 1985, McMahon ran the first WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden, available on closed-circuit television, revolutionizing professional wrestling events.
1985: Andre the Giant Grabs McMahon During Interview
In 1985, Andre the Giant grabbed Vince McMahon by the collar during an interview on Tuesday Night Titans, showing his irritation at McMahon's questions regarding his feud with Big John Studd.
1986: McMahons Begin Supporting Special Olympics
In 1986, Vince and Linda McMahon began supporting the Special Olympics, influenced by their friendship with NBC producer Dick Ebersol and Susan Saint James.
1987: WrestleMania III
In 1987, WWF drew 93,173 fans to the Pontiac Silverdome for WrestleMania III, which featured Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant.
May 26, 1990: McMahon Reacts to Hulk Hogan's Attack on WWF Superstars of Wrestling
On the May 26, 1990, episode of WWF Superstars of Wrestling, Vince McMahon was seen screaming at medics and WWF personnel after Hulk Hogan was attacked by Earthquake during a segment of The Brother Love Show, expressing his concern for Hogan's well-being.
1990: McMahon Founds the World Bodybuilding Federation
In 1990, Vince McMahon founded the World Bodybuilding Federation (WBF) organization.
September 28, 1991: Roddy Piper Accidentally Hits McMahon with Chair
On the September 28, 1991, episode of WWF Superstars of Wrestling, Roddy Piper mistakenly hit Vince McMahon with a folding chair aimed at Ric Flair, leading to McMahon being taken out of the arena on a stretcher.
1992: Closure of the World Bodybuilding Federation
In 1992, Vince McMahon's World Bodybuilding Federation (WBF) folded.
November 8, 1993: Randy Savage Hurls McMahon to the Floor
On the November 8, 1993, episode of Monday Night Raw, Randy Savage hurled Vince McMahon to the floor in an attempt to attack Crush after McMahon attempted to restrain him.
1993: McMahon Commentates on Monday Night Raw
In 1993, Vince McMahon served as a commentator on Monday Night Raw when the shows initially started.
1993: Start of New Generation Era
In 1993, the company entered the New Generation Era, which became one of McMahon's toughest times since taking over due to fluctuating business performance.
September 23, 1996: Jim Ross Reveals McMahon as Owner on WWF Television
On the September 23, 1996, episode of Monday Night Raw, Jim Ross delivered a worked shoot promo, outing Vince McMahon as chairman and not just a commentator for the first time in WWF storylines.
March 17, 1997: Bret Hart Rants Against McMahon, Beginning of Mr. McMahon Character
The March 17, 1997, episode of WWF Raw Is War is cited as the beginning of the Mr. McMahon character. After Bret Hart lost to Sycho Sid, he engaged in an expletive-laden rant against McMahon and WWF management after shoving McMahon to the ground when he attempted to conduct a post-match interview. McMahon then nearly cursed out Hart while commentating but was calmed down by Ross and Lawler.
September 22, 1997: Stone Cold Steve Austin assaults Owen Hart and Vince McMahon
On September 22, 1997, during the first-ever Raw broadcast from Madison Square Garden, Stone Cold Steve Austin interrupted Owen Hart's speech and assaulted him. When Austin appeared ready to fight the NYPD officers who intervened, Vince McMahon entered the ring to lecture him, resulting in Austin attacking McMahon with a Stone Cold Stunner and getting arrested. This September 22, 1997 incident marked the beginning of the Austin-McMahon rivalry.
November 1997: End of Commentary Role
In November 1997, McMahon regularly maintained his play-by-play commentator role.
1997: Adoption of Mr. McMahon Character
In 1997, McMahon adopted the character of Mr. McMahon, a villainous tyrant obsessed with control of WWE.
1997: Initiation of WWF Attitude Era
In 1997, McMahon cemented the WWF as the preeminent wrestling promotion by initiating a brand strategy that eventually returned the WWF to prominence. The concept became known as "WWF Attitude" and McMahon commenced the new era when manipulating the WWF Championship away from Bret Hart at Survivor Series.
1997: Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series
In 1997, the Montreal Screwjob occurred at Survivor Series, a controversial event involving Bret Hart.
January 11, 1999: McMahon Participates in "Corporate Rumble"
On January 11, 1999, Vince McMahon participated in a "Corporate Rumble" on Raw as an unscheduled participant, but was eliminated by Chyna.
June 24, 1999: McMahon Appears on Late Night with Conan O'Brien
On June 24, 1999, McMahon appeared on the Late Night with Conan O'Brien show and referred to Ted Turner as his rival.
October 1999: WWF Initial Public Offering
In October 1999, McMahon led the WWF in an initial public offering of company stock, marking a significant financial milestone.
March 13, 2000: McMahon returns to WWF television helping The Rock
On the March 13, 2000, Raw Is War, Vince McMahon returned to WWF television, assisting The Rock in regaining his WWF title shot from the Big Show and attacking Shane McMahon and Triple H.
2000: Launch of the XFL
In 2000, Vince McMahon ventured outside professional wrestling and launched the XFL, a professional American football league.
February 2001: XFL League Begins
In February 2001, the XFL league, founded by Vince McMahon, began its operations, with McMahon himself making an appearance at the inaugural game.
March 23, 2001: Acquisition of WCW
On March 23, 2001, McMahon acquired World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from Turner Broadcasting System, ending the Monday Night War.
April 1, 2001: ECW Files for Bankruptcy
On April 1, 2001, Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) filed for bankruptcy, leaving WWF as the last major wrestling promotion.
2001: McMahon Acquires World Championship Wrestling
In 2001, Vince McMahon acquired World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from AOL Time Warner, expanding WWE's dominance in the professional wrestling industry.
2001: Demise of WCW Impacts WWE Strategy
In 2001, WCW's demise allowed WWE to shift its strategy away from the intense competition of the Attitude Era, focusing on a more sophisticated and scripted approach, according to Vince McMahon.
2001: Purchase of WCW
In 2001, WWE purchased and absorbed World Championship Wrestling (WCW), marking a significant consolidation in the professional wrestling industry.
January 20, 2002: McMahon faces Ric Flair in a Street Fight at Royal Rumble
On January 20, 2002, at the Royal Rumble, Vince McMahon faced Ric Flair in a Street Fight, which Flair won. This stems from Flair declaring himself co-owner of the WWF, infuriating McMahon.
May 5, 2002: Announcement of Name Change to WWE
On May 5, 2002, World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. announced that it would be changing its name to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) following a lawsuit initiated by the World Wildlife Fund.
June 24, 2002: WWE Officially Names Ruthless Aggression Era
On June 24, 2002, WWE officially named its new era as the "Ruthless Aggression Era." This era maintained many elements of the previous Attitude Era but reduced politically incorrect content while increasing the emphasis on wrestling.
January 28, 2003: Acquisition of ECW Assets
On January 28, 2003, McMahon acquired the assets of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) after the company declared bankruptcy.
February 13, 2003: McMahon tries to derail Hulk Hogan's return on SmackDown!
On February 13, 2003, on SmackDown!, Vince McMahon attempted to disrupt Hulk Hogan's return after a five-month break but was knocked out by Hogan with a running leg drop.
2003: Purchase of ECW Assets
In 2003, WWE purchased the assets of the defunct Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), further expanding its control over the professional wrestling landscape.
2006: Feud with DX
In 2006, Vince McMahon feuded with D-Generation X (DX). Along with Shane and the Spirit Squad, McMahon lost to Eugene on July 10. At SummerSlam in 2006, the McMahons were defeated by DX in a tag team match. At Unforgiven, the McMahons teamed with The Big Show in a Hell in a Cell match against DX but lost, ending the rivalry.
2006: McMahons Donate $2.5 Million for Tennis Facility
In 2006, Vince and Linda McMahon paid $2.5 million for the construction of a tennis facility in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.
January 2007: Feud with Donald Trump
In January 2007, Vince McMahon began a feud with Donald Trump, culminating in a Hair vs. Hair match at WrestleMania 23. Trump's representative won, leading to McMahon's head being shaved bald by Trump and Bobby Lashley.
June 11, 2007: Mr. McMahon "Presumed Death" Storyline
On June 11, 2007, WWE aired a segment where Mr. McMahon's limousine exploded, leading to the character being "presumed dead" as part of a storyline. The angle was reported on WWE.com as a legitimate occurrence.
February 2008: Hornswoggle storyline
In February 2008, John "Bradshaw" Layfield revealed that Hornswoggle was not McMahon's son but Finlay's. The scam was thought up by Shane, Stephanie and Linda McMahon, along with Finlay.
July 2008: WWE Programs Shift to TV-PG Ratings
In July 2008, all WWE programs transitioned to TV-PG ratings. Vince McMahon stated that this move, along with the demise of WCW in 2001, allowed WWE to refine its storytelling and appeal to corporate sponsors by cutting the "excess" of the Attitude Era.
2008: McMahons Donate Over $8 Million in Grants
In 2008, Vince and Linda McMahon donated over $8 million in grants to Fishburne Military School, Sacred Heart University, and East Carolina University. The majority of their donations were toward capital expenditures.
January 5, 2009: Chris Jericho and Stephanie McMahon confrontation
On January 5, 2009, Chris Jericho told Stephanie McMahon that McMahon would be returning to Raw soon.
January 19, 2009: Vince McMahon returns to Raw
On January 19, 2009, Vince McMahon returned to Raw, as a face, and supported his daughter's decision on Chris Jericho, but Stephanie rehired him. Randy Orton then assaulted McMahon after harassing Stephanie.
January 4, 2010: Confrontation with Bret Hart
On January 4, 2010, Vince McMahon, confronted Bret "The Hitman" Hart for the first time since the Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997, seemingly burying the hatchet. However, McMahon kicked Hart in the groin.
April 7, 2011: WWE Changes Name to Orphan Initialism
On April 7, 2011, Vince McMahon's company ceased using the full name World Wrestling Entertainment and began referring to itself solely as WWE, an orphan initialism. The goal was to reflect a global entertainment expansion beyond wrestling with a focus on television, live events, and film production.
June 11, 2012: Firing of John Laurinaitis
On June 11, 2012, Vince McMahon returned to evaluate John Laurinaitis. After an incident involving Cena and Big Show, McMahon declared Laurinaitis would be fired if Big Show lost at No Way Out, which occurred.
2012: Planned Launch of the WWE Network
In 2012, WWE planned to launch the WWE Network as part of a shift towards a non-scripted programming model. However, the launch was later pushed back to 2014.
June 2013: Family disputes over WWE control
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: Feud with CM Punk and Brock Lesnar
In 2013, Vince McMahon told CM Punk that if The Shield interfered in his match with The Rock, Punk would forfeit the WWE Championship. He was later assaulted by Brock Lesnar, breaking his pelvis.
February 2014: Launch of WWE Network
In February 2014, Vince McMahon helped launch an over-the-top streaming service called the WWE Network.
May 16, 2014: Net Worth Drop
On May 16, 2014, McMahon's net worth dropped to an estimated $750 million after his WWE stock fell $350 million due to a price drop following disappointing business outcomes.
November 3, 2014: Return and stipulation for The Authority
On November 3, 2014, Vince McMahon returned, making a stipulation that if Team Cena defeated Team Authority at Survivor Series, The Authority would be removed from power.
2014: Donation to Republican Party Causes
In 2014, Vince and Linda McMahon donated $1 million to federal candidates and political action committees, including Karl Rove's American Crossroads and America Rising. They also donated $5 million to Donald Trump's former charity, the Donald J. Trump Foundation.
2014: WWE Network Launch
In 2014, the WWE Network was launched as part of WWE's new company model which focused on television, live events and film production.
2014: Stepping 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.
December 14, 2015: Alignment with The Authority
On December 14, 2015, Vince McMahon aligned himself with The Authority, granting Roman Reigns a WWE World Heavyweight Championship rematch against Sheamus with a stipulation.
January 4, 2016: Special guest referee and retaliation against Reigns
On January 4, 2016, Vince McMahon was special guest referee in Reigns' rematch against Sheamus, where Reigns won. McMahon then announced Reigns would defend his title at the Royal Rumble against 29 other men.
April 3, 2017: Return to Raw, Announces Kurt Angle as GM
On April 3, 2017, Vince McMahon returned to Raw to announce Kurt Angle as the new Raw General Manager and the upcoming Superstar Shake-up.
2017: McMahon Establishes Alpha Entertainment
In 2017, Vince McMahon established Alpha Entertainment, a separate entity from WWE.
January 22, 2018: Appearance on Raw 25 Years
On January 22, 2018, Vince McMahon returned on Raw 25 Years to address the WWE Universe, and turned heel once again by calling them 'cheap'.
January 25, 2018: Vince McMahon Announces Resurrection of the XFL
On January 25, 2018, Vince McMahon announced the resurrection of the XFL.
December 17, 2018: McMahon Family Promises to Shake Things Up
On December 17, 2018, Vince McMahon appeared on Monday Night Raw with Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H, promising to shake things up by collectively running Raw and SmackDown Live.
July 25, 2019: McMahon Announces WWE Will Be More Edgier
On a conference call on July 25, 2019, Vince McMahon announced a new direction for WWE where it would "be a bit edgier, but still remain in the PG environment".
October 2, 2019: Wednesday Night Wars Between NXT and AEW Dynamite Begin
On October 2, 2019, WWE NXT and AEW Dynamite began competing in the Wednesday Night Wars.
April 13, 2020: XFL Files for Bankruptcy
On April 13, 2020, the XFL filed for bankruptcy.
September 2020: Eric Bischoff Reveals McMahon's Tactics During Monday Night War
In September 2020, Eric Bischoff revealed that during the Monday Night War, Vince McMahon attempted to undermine Ted Turner and WCW through various tactics, including criticizing their content and creating anxiety among shareholders.
April 7, 2021: AEW Dynamite Emerges Victorious and WWE NXT Moves to Tuesday Nights
On April 7, 2021, AEW Dynamite emerged victorious in the Wednesday Night Wars, leading WWE NXT to move to Tuesday nights.
April 10, 2021: Welcoming Fans Back at WrestleMania 37
On April 10, 2021, Vince McMahon welcomed fans back in person at Raymond James Stadium for night 1 of WrestleMania 37, after a year of halting live events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 29, 2021: McMahon Downplays AEW as Competition
On July 29, 2021, during a conference call, Vince McMahon stated that he doesn't consider AEW competition and that he was "not so sure what their investments are as far as their talent is concerned".
September 14, 2021: WWE Revamps NXT with Major Changes to "NXT 2.0"
On September 14, 2021, WWE revamped NXT with major changes, launching "NXT 2.0".
2021: McMahon Describes Competition with Ted Turner
In 2021, McMahon described the competition with Ted Turner and Time Warner's assets as a "rising tides" situation.
June 2022: Stepping down as CEO of WWE
In June 2022, McMahon stepped down as CEO and chairman of WWE amidst claims of hush-money agreements and an internal investigation. His daughter, Stephanie McMahon, replaced him.
June 17, 2022: Vince McMahon Steps Down as CEO and Chairman of WWE
On June 17, 2022, Vince McMahon voluntarily stepped down as chairman and CEO of WWE pending an internal investigation, with his daughter Stephanie McMahon being named the interim CEO and interim chairwoman. He continued to oversee WWE creative and content development.
July 2022: McMahon's Retirement from WWE
In July 2022, McMahon retired from WWE amidst scandals and investigations.
2022: Final WWE Appearance
In 2022, McMahon made his final on-screen appearance for WWE.
January 6, 2023: Announcement of Vince McMahon's Plan to Return to WWE
On January 6, 2023, it was announced that Vince McMahon was planning a return to WWE as executive chairman, ahead of upcoming media rights negotiations in 2024 and also to explore a potential sale of the company. WWE published a filing with the SEC, appointing Vince McMahon by himself, George Barrios and Michelle Wilson 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 after his previous retirement.
September 12, 2023: Completion of WWE and UFC Merger
On September 12, 2023, the merger between WWE and UFC as TKO was completed. WWE and UFC continued to operate as separate divisions of TKO, focusing on professional wrestling and mixed martial arts respectively.
January 2024: Janel Grant Lawsuit and McMahon's Resignation
In January 2024, Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against Vince McMahon, alleging sexual assault and trafficking. McMahon resigned from TKO following the report.
January 2024: Resignation from TKO Group Holdings
In January 2024, McMahon resigned from TKO Group Holdings after allegations of sex trafficking and sexual assault. He is also under federal probe.
January 26, 2024: Vince McMahon Resigns from TKO
On January 26, 2024, Vince McMahon resigned from TKO after a report about alleged sexual assaults committed by McMahon was published by The Wall Street Journal. McMahon stated the decision was made "out of respect for the WWE Universe, TKO, shareholders, and business partners."
March 2024: McMahon Files to Sell $411.95 Million Worth of TKO Stock
In March 2024, Vince McMahon filed to sell $411.95 million worth of TKO stock amidst allegations of sexual assault, following a previous sale of shares worth $670.3 million in November.
2024: Upcoming Media Rights Negotiations
In 2024, WWE was set to have upcoming media rights negotiations, which was a factor in Vince McMahon's return as executive chairman.
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