Netflix released the limited documentary series Mr. McMahon Mastermind Madman on September 25th. After each episode, I am going to give my thoughts on it.
Episode 1is titled "Junior"
The first episode dives into the early years of Vince, personally and professionally. For most wrestling fans, the really wasn't anything here about Vince that we were already aware. He lived with his Mom and abusive step dad in a trailer park until going to live with his father in his teens. He worked for his father in the wrestling business doing various jobs. When his father wanted to retire, it was assumed that Gorilla Monsoon would take the reins. Vince, however, brought a proposition to Vince Sr. Jr would buy the company from Sr by making installment payments. If Jr. were to miss a payment, Sr. could then sell to someone else and keep whatever monies Jr. had paid. HIs dad agreed thinking Jr would never be able to make all the payments. Vince proved them wrong.
Vince's views on other wrestling organizations during his national expansion were $%ck them. He was going to go into their territory with his product. If they wanted to compete. Fine. Put up or shut. It's America. Capitalism reigns. The good ol' boy territory network is a thing of the
They delved into Vince crowning Hogan as the Golden Boy for his company. Dusty Rhodes was actually Vince's first choice; however, Dusty didn't believe what Vince wanted to do was viable. His crowning achievement of WrestleMania was also discussed. How Vince and Linda mortgaged everything they had on that show.
The big takeaway, for me, was how one question brought two opposing views. When asked if Vince loved his dad, Hogan stated that he did. Tony Atlas, on the other hand, thought he didn't because Vince was going against how his Father thought the business should be ran.
Throughout episode one you got the feeling that Vince craved his Father's affection and approval. No hugs. He received pats on the back. It wasn't until later that Sr. would tell Vince he was proud of what Jr. accomplished. His Dad didn't tell Vince I love you until the day before Sr. passed away