(Credit: Netflix)

Last week, Netflix made the announcement that a documentary series surrounding WWE co-founder and former CEO Vince McMahon, entitled Mr. McMahon, is in the works. Now, the streaming service has unveiled the first trailer for the project, which reveals some crucial details about the series, including some of the cast members willing to give their account of McMahon to camera.

It was all the way back in 1982 that McMahon first purchased WWF (later renamed to WWE), ushering in the era of modern professional wrestling that has since become a global phenomenon. Over the years, the leadership and business tactics of McMahon have been instrumental in carving out a space for professional wrestling in the forefront of popular culture. However, over his many years in power, the businessman has attracted a great deal of controversy for his actions.

In the opening seconds of Netflix’s docuseries trailer, McMahon can be heard uttering, “People have wondered who I really am. Portrayal of me is I’m a bad guy,” dramatically adding, “But no one really knows me.” This persona is then backed up by a variety of wrestling stars, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, Hulk Hogan, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Bret “The Hitman” Hart.

“I’m a bad guy” feels like a pretty colossal understatement when looking at some of the allegations levelled against McMahon over the years. Most notably, back in 1992, former WWE referee Rita Chatterton accused McMahon of sexual assault and rape. The CEO later settled out of court with Chatterton for an undisclosed fee. However, this incident is not the only time McMahon has been accused of gross sexual misconduct.

Reportedly, many of the interviews included in Netflix’s Mr. McMahon documentary were conducted some time ago, prior to allegations of hush money and sexual assault which, eventually, led the co-founder to step away from WWE in 2022, before finally retiring in 2024. However, the series is said to focus on wrestling’s various scandals, so it is possible that it will offer some insight into these incidents.

Predominantly, the series is said to focus on the unhealthy practices of professional wrestling, particularly in the early days. From the untimely death of multiple wrestlers to the unavoidable use of steroids, it is promised that all will be laid bare within Mr. McMahon. “This six-episode series offers a deep dive into McMahon’s life and his enduring franchise,” Netflix said of the series in a synopsis.

Aside from the variety of famous wrestlers, the series is also set to include interviews from some of the journalists who were involved in exposing McMahon’s various sexual assault allegations and misconduct cases. The series is one of many different documentaries heading to the platform in the coming few months.