Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Vince McMahon

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Vince McMahon.

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.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

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.

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.

February 26, 2001: McMahon and Stephanie Humiliate Trish Stratus

On February 26, 2001, Vince McMahon and his daughter Stephanie humiliated Trish Stratus on Raw by dumping sewage on her. McMahon declared Stephanie as "daddy's little girl" and Trish as "daddy's little toy". The McMahons then aligned together against Shane. This was on the February 26, 2001 edition of Raw.

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December 26, 2005: McMahon reviews Bret Hart's DVD on Raw

On December 26, 2005, Vince McMahon personally reviewed Bret Hart's DVD on Raw. Shawn Michaels appeared, leading to McMahon warning Michaels, "I screwed Bret Hart. Shawn, don't make me screw you."

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February 1, 2006: Sexual Harassment Accusation at Tanning Bar

On February 1, 2006, McMahon was accused by a worker at a tanning bar in Boca Raton, Florida, of sexual harassment. The worker alleged that McMahon showed her nude photos of himself and also groped and attempted to kiss her. The incident was reported to police on February 1, 2006.

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.

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.

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.

June 27, 2011: CM Punk's "Pipe Bomb" promo

On June 27, 2011, CM Punk delivered a scathing on-air speech criticizing WWE and Vince McMahon. McMahon suspended Punk but then reinstated him at the behest of John Cena.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

February 1, 2024: John Laurinaitis Accuses McMahon of Sexual Misconduct

On February 1, 2024, John Laurinaitis, through his attorney, accused Vince McMahon of sexual misconduct, claiming McMahon had power and control over him.

February 2, 2024: Investigation Launched into McMahon

On February 2, 2024, federal authorities in New York launched an investigation into sexual assault and sex trafficking allegations against McMahon. Federal agents executed a search warrant for McMahon's phone and delivered a subpoena for documents related to allegations of "rape, sex trafficking, sexual assault, commercial sex transaction, harassment or discrimination" against current or former WWE employees.

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.

January 10, 2025: McMahon Fined by SEC for Hush Money Payments

On January 10, 2025, Vince McMahon was fined over $1.7 million by the Securities and Exchange Commission for undisclosed hush money payments from 2019 to 2022 to two women while he was with WWE.