Guide Note

Vince McMahon is a wrestling promoter and is chairman of the board/majority owner of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Fast Facts

1. Born: August 24, 1945
2. Birthplace: Pinehurst, North Carolina
3. Chairman of WWE
4. Height: 6'2"
5. Weight: 248 lbs
6. Debut: 1971
7. Resides: Greenwich, Connecticut
8. Acquired WCW in 2001

In 1980, Vincent Kennedy McMahon purchased Capitol Wrestling Corporation from his father. McMahon saw wrestling as more of an entertainment outlet than an actual sport, and began to expand the company beyond the established northeastern territory. McMahon named his promotion the World Wrestling Federation (WWF for short) and began syndicating WWF television shows to stations across the country. Rival wrestling promoters were displeased with MaMahon's tactics of expansion and marketing, as they were now in competition with his rapidly growing company.

McMahon began signing and developing top talents like Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper. More stars like Andre the Giant, Jimmy Snuka, and Ricky Steamboat would soon follow as the WWF began to become more mainstream. The first WrestleMania was held in 1985 and was a huge success.

McMahon was able to acquire his biggest competitor (WCW) in 2001, followed by ECW in 2003. This made WWE the only major wrestling promotion in the United States. McMahon has also created WWE Films, a production company to produce movies starring various WWE Superstars.

McMahon has also been a main character in WWE storylines. He soon became the heel character of "Mr. McMahon", an egotistical and maniacal boss. The gimmick was created out of the real life hatred fans had for McMahon after the Montreal Screwjob in 1997. McMahon even participated in wrestling matches as a competitor, and is credited with winning the 1999 Royal Rumble. He is also a former WWE Heavyweight Champion and ECW Champion.