Key Takeaways:
– Vince McMahon's Netflix documentary “Mr. McMahon” sparks backlash for an awkward comment by his daughter Stephanie McMahon about Mike Tyson.
– Stephanie McMahon's 2013 interview resurfaces in the documentary, igniting controversy.
– Wrestling legend Madusa declines to participate in the documentary series, while Rob Van Dam also turns down an interview request.
The Netflix Documentary: A Peek into WWE's Controversial Past
Vince McMahon needs no introduction in the wrestling arena. With his sheer determination and dedication, McMahon and his wife, Linda Edwards, founded WWE and took it to new heights, establishing it as the leading pro-wrestling promotion globally.
Though his journey involved several ups and downs, sparking numerous discussions, his life became the focus of the Netflix documentary titled “Mr. McMahon.” However, a recent episode stirred the pot, featuring Stephanie McMahon, his daughter, making a controversial remark about Mike Tyson.
The Stephanie McMahon-Tyson Controversy
Stephanie McMahon, by recounting WWE's decision to involve Mike Tyson in 1998 sparked a viral backlash. Twenty-six years earlier, Tyson had been arrested for sexual assault, which led to him serving half of his six-year imprisonment sentence. Despite his criminal record, Tyson was offered the chance to participate in WrestleMania 14. His wrestling debut materialized due to a hefty contract, rumored to be around $3 million, led by Vince and his son, Shane McMahon.
As part of the documentary, Stephanie's 2013 comments arising from the questionable Tyson decision were revisited. Taken aback by any error her team suggested, her response was caught on camera and since the docuseries' release on September 25th, this has caused quite a stir.
Declines and Opt-Outs for the Documentary
As the compelling Netflix docuseries dives into WWE's rich and controversial history, certain prominent wrestling figures were noticeable by their absence, notably Madusa and Rob Van Dam.
Madusa, famed for her notable career in the wrestling world, was approached to be interviewed for the documentary. Yet, she declined the invitation despite her significant impact, including her reign as a three-time WWF Women's Champion. During a conversation on a podcast, she confirmed that she was approached for an interview but chose to opt-out. Her decision stemmed from her gut instinct, which she maintained took precedence over all else.
Rob Van Dam, another wrestling icon, cited that participating in the project would contradict his current position in the industry, therefore resulted in him also declining multiple interview requests. However, despite his reluctance to participate, he expressed keen interest in watching the series.
A Hope for Diverse Coverage
Van Dam hopes that the docuseries would cover a variety of aspects of the story rather than just concentrating solely on the major highlights. It is this diversity that is at the heart of the wrestling industry, reflecting its ups and downs over the years.
While the documentary series has encountered bumps on the road, it provides an in-depth view into McMahon's life and the WWE's history. With all the controversy it has incited, “Mr. McMahon” undoubtedly offers intriguing insight into wrestling's vibrant past. Therefore, wrestling enthusiasts, and those seeking an enlightening watch, can stream the documentary “Mr. McMahon” on Netflix.
