Vince McMahon is the most notorious and instrumental name in the history of professional wrestling, or as he would call it, "sports entertainment." Growing up in an abusive, dysfunctional household, McMahon suffered through many trials and tribulations before reuniting with his biological father during his childhood.
Since that time, he went on to purchase what would be eventually be known across the globe as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). From McMahon's early on-screen days to what is seen today on occasion, he is a man who has evolved in front of the eyes of wrestling fans while also going through a series of different versions of himself. Though there are plenty of versions, however, only one can be the best.
10 Occasional Appearance Vince [Current]
These days, McMahon will make a sporadic appearance on WWE television. His periodic arrivals are often reserved for big events, historic announcements, or an attempt to grab ratings for a product that has seen a decline in viewers over the years. Vince isn't as young as he used to be, but he still captivates audiences as good as he ever has, regardless of what version shows up on a given night.
9 Rooster Loving Vince [2006]
McMahon hit a point during his career where he appeared to be losing his mind, at least more than he did in the previous years. After getting tormented by D-Generation X with jokes involving roosters (you get the idea), McMahon attempted to remedy the situation by obtaining the services of the Spirit Squad, a group of all-male cheerleaders. Vince also went as far as booking himself and his son in a match against Shawn Michaels and his partner, "God," an obvious poke at HBK's faith. In fact, he even formed his own religion called "McMahonism."
8 Higher Power Vince [1999]
As time passed from a botched wedding to Stephanie McMahon, The Undertaker's path of destruction continued. The "Ministry of Darkness" would eventually merge with "The Corporation" and become known to the world as "The Corporate Ministry."
After a brief battle with a group of superstars, who collectively referred to themselves as "The Union," The Undertaker began to declare that he served a "Higher Power," which was revealed eventually as Vince. McMahon and The Undertaker, who were acting in concert in an attempt to finally rid the WWF of Steve Austin, began to target Stone Cold on a week-to-week basis.
7 Concerned Parent Vince [1999]
When his notorious feud with Austin fizzled, though not extinguished, McMahon was overthrown, or at least seemingly, for corporate supremacy by his son, Shane McMahon. Vince, who was known as a ruthless, evil, and diabolical villain hated by virtually every fan in the world, would, once again, undergo another transformation.
When his daughter, Stephanie, became the target of the Undertaker and his "Ministry of Darkness," the boss displayed another side that was different than the one fans were accustomed to over the previous few years. When the Phenom abducted and attempted to wed Stephanie, who was tied to a giant Undertaker emblem, Stone Cold emerged to make the save. A grateful, emotional Vince was then seen hugging and embracing his daughter while also offering his gratitude toward Austin.
6 The Invasion Vince [2001]
After Vince purchased World Championship Wrestling in real-life, Shane, his son, was revealed as the kayfabe owner. In the ultimate act of defiance toward his father, Shane led his team of WCW superstars and declared war on the entire WWF. However, after Stephanie emerged and stating that she had purchased Extreme Championship Wrestling, things got even more interesting for Vinny Mac.
Nonetheless, after being double-crossed by his kids, who joined forces to oppose their dad, Vince turned face and ultimately led team WWE over team WCW/ECW (The Alliance) in a "winner takes all match" at Survivor Series 2001 and thus, they were forced to disband. McMahon's change of heart didn't last long; however, as he would revert to his old ways soon enough.
5 Kiss My Ass Vince [2001]
The Chairman has done some humiliating things to superstars over the years, like making Trish Stratus bark like a dog. However, nothing may have been more degrading than when McMahon had certain people enter his prestigious club, more specifically, The Kiss My Ass Club. Many people have joined the club over the years, either by choice or by force.
The build-up toward the horrific act usually involved Vince parading around with his pants down and flaunting his rear end. Individuals such as William Regal, Jim Ross, Mick Foley--among others--have smooched his derriere. Some, however, have been fortunate enough to avoid membership.
4 Evil Vince [2003]
Though Vince was sadistic and ruthless while feuding with Austin during the Attitude Era, he took it even farther after the start of the new century. Not only was he romantically involved with Sable, but he tormented and bullied Zach Gowen, a wrestler who lost his left leg early in his life due to cancer and wrestled with a prosthetic leg.
Nobody was safe from Vince's wrath as he even put his daughter, Stephanie, in matches against the Big Show and A-Train on separate occasions. Let's not even get into what he claimed he wanted to do to Undertaker's family in their 2003 feud.
3 Commentary Vince [1980s-1997]
Before he was known as "the boss," McMahon maintained a low-key presence during his television appearances on a week-to-week basis. Usually serving as a punching bag for Jesse Ventura during his earlier commentary days, he would eventually become the lead play-by-play man on Monday Night Raw when the show debuted in January of 1993, a position he would hold for several years.
For those who tuned into "TV's longest-running weekly episodic program," he became infamous for his such calls as "one, two, he got em'" and "what a maneuver!" His over-the-top laugh and goofy persona allowed him to remain discrete regarding his actual day-to-day duties with the promotion. Many fans, at the time, had no idea that he owned the company.
2 Bret Screwed Bret Vince [1997]
During Vince's tenure as a commentator, World Wrestling Entertainment, known as the World Wrestling Federation at the time, was engaged in a battle with World Championship Wrestling, a company that was owned by media tycoon Ted Turner. During that time, several top stars in McMahon's company were offered significantly larger monetary deals to join the Atlanta based promotion.
Though Bret Hart had been a mainstay with the WWF for over a decade, The Hitman would eventually also agree to pack his bags and head south. Before his departure, McMahon's real-life persona was revealed during a worked-shoot segment with Hart on an edition of Monday Night Raw, a moment that opened the door for Vince to transition to an on-screen role as the evil, corrupt owner of the WWF.
1 Corporate Vince [1998]
After McMahon had Hart lose the WWF Championship during the 1997 Survivor Series, a moment that was coined as "The Montreal Screwjob," he ended up feuding with Stone Cold Steve Austin, a rebellious, anti-authority superstar known for drinking beer and using choice words.
In an attempt to get Austin to conform to the company's rules and regulations while also trying to get him to present a wholesome image as the champion, Vince became the target of the Texas Rattlesnake's routine beatings. To reclaim order in his promotion, McMahon attempted to take the title away from Austin during the long-standing rivalry, often breaking the rules to make that happen and relying on the help from his stable known as "The Corporation," an assembly of wrestlers who pledged their loyalty to him.