Early Life and Education of Vince McMahon: A Complete Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Vince McMahon, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
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.
1914: Birth of Vincent James McMahon
In 1914, Vincent James McMahon, Vince McMahon's father, was born. His birth was an important part of Vince's early life.
1920: Birth of Victoria Hanner
In 1920, Victoria Hanner, Vince McMahon's mother, was born. Her birth was an important part of Vince's early life.
1943: Birth of Roderick James McMahon III
In 1943, Roderick James McMahon III, Vince McMahon's older brother, was born. His birth was an important part of Vince's early life.
August 24, 1945: Vincent Kennedy McMahon Born
On August 24, 1945, Vincent Kennedy McMahon was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina. This marked the beginning of the life of the man who would later revolutionize the professional wrestling industry.
1963: WWF Left NWA
In 1963, the WWF left the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). This was prior to Vince McMahon's leadership.
1964: Graduation from Fishburne Military School
In 1964, McMahon graduated from Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, Virginia. During his time there, he reportedly struggled due to dyslexia.
August 26, 1966: McMahon Marries Linda Edwards
On August 26, 1966, Vince McMahon married Linda Edwards in New Bern, North Carolina, after meeting in church.
1968: Graduation from East Carolina University
In 1968, McMahon graduated from East Carolina University with a business degree. After working as a traveling salesman, he became eager to assume a managerial role in his father's wrestling promotion.
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.
1971: WWF Rejoined NWA
In 1971, the WWF rejoined the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). This was prior to Vince McMahon's leadership and before eventually splitting again in 1983.
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.
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.
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.
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").
June 24, 1999: Appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien
On June 24, 1999, McMahon appeared on the Late Night with Conan O'Brien show and said he viewed Ted Turner as his rival, stating "All I'll say about Ted is he's a son-of-a-bitch, other than that, he's probably not a bad guy, but I don't like him at all".
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.
April 1, 2001: ECW filed for bankruptcy
On April 1, 2001, Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) filed for bankruptcy leaving WWF as the last major wrestling promotion at that time. Eventually, McMahon acquired the assets of ECW on January 28, 2003.
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.
2001: First claim of McMahon as a Billionaire
WWE claims that Vince McMahon was a billionaire.
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.
2002: Report of McMahon dropped off from the list
Vince McMahon was reported to have since dropped off the list of Billionaires.
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.
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.
2006: McMahon's Assets in 2006
As of 2006, Vince McMahon has a $12 million penthouse in Manhattan, New York; a $40 million mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut; a $20 million vacation home; and a 47-foot sports yacht named Sexy Bitch.
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.
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.
2013: Report of McMahon dropped off from the list
Vince McMahon was reported to have since dropped off the list of Billionaires.
May 16, 2014: McMahon's Net Worth Drops
On May 16, 2014, Vince McMahon's net worth dropped to an estimated $750 million after his WWE stock fell $350 million due to disappointing business outcomes.
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.
2015: McMahon Returns to Billionaires List
In 2015, Vince McMahon returned to the billionaires list with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion.
2018: McMahon's Net Worth Reaches $3.6 Billion
In 2018, Vince McMahon's net worth reached $3.6 billion.
June 2022: Stepped Down as CEO and Chairman of WWE
In June 2022, McMahon stepped down as CEO and chairman of WWE. This decision came in light of claims of hush-money agreements related to affairs with former WWE employees.
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.
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: Separation from Linda McMahon
At some point prior to 2022, Vince and Linda McMahon separated, but did not get a divorce.
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 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.
January 2024: Resignation from TKO
In January 2024, McMahon resigned from TKO after allegations of sex trafficking and sexual assault. This marked a significant and controversial end to his involvement with the company.
