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The most controversial “Mr. McMahon” character segments that aired on WWE television

Albert Irving

The “Mr. McMahon” character, portrayed by Vince McMahon, was involved in some of WWE’s most controversial segments, often pushing the boundaries of decency and good taste. Here’s a list of several television segments involving the character that received criticism over the years…

Mocking announcer Jim Ross’ real-life health problems

In a 2012 episode of RAW, Mr. McMahon mocked Jim Ross in a skit that saw him exaggeratedly imitate Ross’ facial paralysis. McMahon appeared on screen making distorted facial expressions and speaking in a slurred manner, intended to parody Ross’ appearance and speech due to his condition.

The segment was heavily criticized by fans and media for being insensitive and mean-spirited. Bell’s palsy is a serious medical condition, and many felt that making light of Ross’ real-life struggles for comedic purposes was not only unnecessary but deeply offensive.

Mr. McMahon vs. “God”

During a feud with Shawn Michaels, who had found religion in real life, Mr. McMahon incorporated a highly controversial angle where he booked a match pitting himself and his son Shane McMahon against Michaels and “God” at Backlash 2006.

This storyline was criticized for being blasphemous and offensive to religious viewers. The angle was seen as McMahon pushing the envelope too far for shock value, and it remains one of the most uncomfortable WWE storylines to date.

Usage of the “N” word

In a backstage segment, Mr. McMahon’s character casually used the N-word while addressing John Cena backstage, with Booker T and his wife Sharmell standing nearby, both visibly shocked.

The segment was met with backlash due to McMahon’s use of a racial slur, especially in the context of a predominantly white-led entertainment company. It was criticized for being highly inappropriate and unnecessary, further exacerbating discussions around racism in WWE.

Making Trish Stratus bark like a dog

During an angle where Mr. McMahon manipulated and mistreated Trish Stratus (who was portrayed as being romantically involved with him), McMahon publicly humiliated her in an extreme fashion. On an episode of RAW, McMahon forced Stratus to strip down to her underwear and crawl around the ring on her hands and knees while barking like a dog.

The segment was criticized for its overt sexism, as it involved the public degradation of a female performer in a highly demeaning way. Forcing a woman to crawl and bark like a dog played into harmful stereotypes and objectified women on a large stage.

Choking out his daughter Stephanie with a lead pipe in a match

“I Quit” match against his daughter Stephanie McMahon at No Mercy 2003 was highly controversial due to its disturbing family dynamic and portrayal of domestic violence. In the storyline, Mr. McMahon was portrayed as an unrelenting, abusive father trying to force his daughter to give up control of SmackDown, which she ran as general manager at the time.

The sight of a father violently attacking his daughter in a wrestling match was unsettling for many viewers, as Vince physically overpowered Stephanie with punches and aggressive moves, culminating in her mother, Linda McMahon, throwing in the towel to stop the match.

Making fun of Sabu’s ring attire

On an episode of ECW, Mr. McMahon referred to Sabu as looking like a member of the Taliban, which was seen as highly offensive.

This remark was criticized for being derogatory and inflammatory, particularly given the sensitive political climate. Associating Sabu, a wrestler of Middle Eastern heritage, with terrorism was seen as both a tasteless joke and an unnecessary perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. The comment reflected WWE’s sometimes problematic history of using racial and ethnic stereotypes for shock value in its storylines, and it alienated viewers who felt the joke was inappropriate and disrespectful toward Middle Eastern cultures.