Vince McMahon Slams Upcoming Netflix Docuseries About His Controversies, Calls It ‘Misleading’ and ‘Deceptive’

Mar. 15, 2025

Vince McMahon.Photo:Jesse Grant/WireImage

Jesse Grant/WireImage

After watching an early cut of the upcoming Netflix docuseriesMr. McMahon, former WWE CEOVince McMahonclaims the show’s depiction of his life is “deceptive” and “misleading.”

“I don’t regret participating in this Netflix documentary,” McMahon began in his statement. “The producers had an opportunity to tell an objective story about my life and the incredible business I built, which were equally filled with excitement, drama, fun, and a fair amount of controversy and life lessons.”

McMahon pivoted, “Unfortunately, based on an early partial cut I’ve seen, this doc falls short and takes the predictable path of conflating the ‘Mr. McMahon’ character with my true self, Vince,” adding that the “title and promos alone make that evident.”

McMahon went on to claim that “a lot” of his story has been “misrepresented or left out entirely in an effort to leave viewers intentionally confused,” accusing the show’s producers of using “typical editing tricks with out of context footage and dated soundbites” in an effort to “distort the viewers’ perception and support a deceptive narrative.”

Vince McMahon.Ethan Miller/Getty

The WWE founder added, “In an attempt to further their misleading account, the producers used a lawsuit based on an affair I ended as evidence that I am, in fact, ‘Mr. McMahon.’ "

Netflix did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

According toThe Hollywood Reporter,the Netflix series addresses McMahon’s career as well as the “dark side of the business,” including his 90’s steroid abuse scandal and allegations of sexual misconduct.

In January 2024, McMahon resigned as executive chairman of the WWE and UFC’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, after a former employee filed a lawsuit claiming that she was subjected to “physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault and trafficking” while working at the company.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

He had previouslystepped down as chairman and CEO of the WWEin June 2022 andannounced his retirement a month after, amidan investigationinto allegations hepaid a former employee $3 millionto hide their affair.

The investigationclosed in November 2022, and McMahon was unanimously elected executive chairman of the board in January 2023. When the WWE and UFCmerged in September to create TKO Group Holdings, McMahon was appointed executive chairman.

Vince McMahon.Michael N. Todaro/Getty

Michael N. Todaro/Getty

The January 2024 lawsuit came from former employee Janel Grant. The company was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut against McMahon, WWE executive John Laurinaitis and the company.

The statement continued: “However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners, and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors, effective immediately.”

Mr. McMahonpremieres on Netflix on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

source: people.com