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Netflix and WWE have created a unique partnership that will completely change how fans consume the product. At the turn of the new year, we will start tuning into the global streaming platform for our Monday night weekly. The platform already airs some WWE-related content, such as the new docuseries based on former boss, Vince McMahon.
Mr. McMahon has been the topic of many conversations lately, most of which are not that flattering. With that said, Vince is responsible for several historical WWE moments, and his contributions will have an impact on the business forever. Today we take a look at some of those memorable moments.
Here is our list of the four most prolific moments in Vince McMahon's WWE career:
#4 - Vince McMahon takes control of WWF in 1982
Over seven decades ago, Vince McMahon Sr. started Capitol Wrestling Corporation. His company was one of the pillars of the massive territory era success. Throughout the years, Sr. kick-started a boom in the industry that would help his son catapult professional wrestling into the global juggernaut we know today.
In 1980, Vince Sr.'s son created his own company, Titan Sports, Inc. This would become the parent company of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Two years later, a vibrant 36-year-old Vince McMahon Jr. bought out his father's company, which would begin a legacy no one could have predicted.
With the creation of WrestleMania, Hulkamania, The Attitude Era, etc., Vince took his company into the mainstream, in front of more eyes than ever.
#3 - Things that go BOOM: Limo explodes on WWE RAW
2007 was a bit of a transitional time for WWE. This was at the tail-end of the Ruthless Aggression Era, which was the period in which John Cena was being established as a top star. Other major names, such as Randy Orton, were also on the rise. However, the former Chairman was the center of attention for one particular episode of RAW in June.
Billed as the "Vince McMahon appreciation night," WWE RAW took over the Wachovia Arena for a night that would shock the world. As a somber McMahon made his exit through a line of stars and staff, the cameras shifted to a waiting limousine outside of the arena.
As Vince entered the limo, he closed the door, and then the car exploded into flames. It's worth noting that this storyline was scrapped once the news broke of the tragic Chris Benoit family situation.
#2 - March 31, 1985: WrestleMania 1 changes the wrestling landscape forever
In the early 1980s, professional wrestling was taking off like never before. The territories all around the country were thriving. One of the main reasons for the sudden surge was an event created by Dusty Rhodes, called Starrcade. Jim Crockett Promotions was enjoying a massive push from Starrcade. Meanwhile, Vince McMahon had an idea of his own. This idea would become the global phenomenon known as WrestleMania.
Hulkamania was runnin' wild in WWF, but WrestleMania would prove to be the one thing Vince needed to put him on the track to domination. March 31, 1985, was the date for the inaugural WrestleMania. McMahon brought in mainstream celebrities like Mr. T and Cyndi Lauper to help propel the product in front of more eyes than ever. The success of The Show of Shows has helped carry the event to where it is today, which is the most hyped annual wrestling event in the world.
#1 - March 26, 2001: "I own WCW"
The Monday Night Wars between WWE and WCW was one of the most exciting times to ever be a wrestling fan. Week after week, each company went to battle for ratings supremacy. Superstars like The Rock, Triple H, and Stone Cold Steve Austin helped WWE hold their own in the ratings war while WCW was represented by the likes of Sting, Ric Flair, and the nWo.
As the ratings wars began to settle, the landscape started to shift and WCW began to go on a rapid downhill slump. Meanwhile, Vince was igniting the business with The Attitude Era. Fans were noticing the overall quality of production was lacking in WCW. Some fans speculated that the company may just fold completely, and simply disappear. But Vince had other plans, and during an episode of Monday Nitro, Mr. McMahon made an appearance via satellite with a message for the WCW fans:
"Imagine that, me, Vince McMahon, on WCW television. How is that possible? Well, there's only one way. See, it was only a matter of time before I, Vince McMahon, bought WCW. That's right, I own WCW.... the very fate of WCW is in my hands."
After taking control of WCW, Vince combined the two companies, creating the juggernaut fans enjoy to this day.
