Vince McMahon, the former CEO and Chairman of WWE, has been a controversial figure both on and off-screen throughout his career. His outrageous on-screen persona, “Mr. McMahon,” has been involved in some of the most shocking and memorable segments in WWE history. Let’s rank the most controversial Vince McMahon WWE segments that have left fans talking for years.
5. Vince McMahon Makes Out with Trish Stratus in front of his wife
In a storyline that blurred the lines between fiction and reality, McMahon engaged in an on-screen affair with Trish Stratus
The Controversial Scene
During a RAW segment in 2001, McMahon made out with Stratus just a few feet away from his wife, who was in a wheelchair.
Public Outrage
This segment was widely criticized for its insensitivity and the disrespect shown to McMahon’s real-life wife.
4. Vince McMahon Makes Trish Stratus Bark Like a Dog
In a segment that pushed the boundaries of taste and decency, McMahon humiliated WWE star Trish Stratus on live TV
The Degrading Act
McMahon forced Stratus to get on her knees, bark like a dog, and then strip down to her underwear in front of a cheering crowd
Public Reaction
While the Attitude Era audience cheered, this segment has since been heavily criticized for its degrading treatment of women in recent years.
3. Vince McMahon Chokes His Daughter Stephanie
In a disturbing display of on-screen violence, McMahon physically assaulted his own daughter during an “I Quit” match
The Match
Vince booked himself against Stephanie in a match where he repeatedly slammed her around the ring
The Shocking Conclusion
The segment ended with Vince choking Stephanie with a steel pipe, forcing his wife to throw in the towel to stop the assault
2. Vince McMahon Takes on God
In perhaps one of the most controversial storylines of his career, McMahon feuded with God himself
The ‘Blasphemous’ Angle
During a feud with Shawn Michaels, McMahon not only mocked Michaels’ religious beliefs but also claimed to be equal to God.
Backlash and Criticism
This storyline faced significant backlash, with many viewers finding it offensive and inappropriate for television.
1. Vince McMahon Uses the N-Word
In one of the most shocking and offensive moments in WWE history, Vince McMahon used the N-word on live television
The Incident
During a backstage segment with John Cena, McMahon casually used the racial slur, with Booker T standing just a few feet away
The Fallout
This incident sparked outrage and criticism, with many calling out McMahon for his irresponsible and racist behavior.
Honorable Mentions
- The Montreal Screwjob: While not a scripted segment, this real-life double-cross remains one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history.
- The Higher Power Reveal: McMahon’s unveiling as the leader of the Ministry of Darkness shocked audiences.
- McMahon-Helmsley Era: The revelation of Stephanie McMahon’s alliance with Triple H kicked off a dominant heel faction.
- Vince McMahon’s Limo Explosion: A storyline where McMahon appeared to die in a limo explosion, which was later dropped due to real-life tragedy.
Vince McMahon’s controversial segments have often pushed the boundaries of good taste and acceptable content on television. While some of these moments are remembered as peak entertainment of the Attitude Era, others are viewed as examples of how far wrestling storylines can go astray.