Depending on your perspective the creation of Netflix’s six-part documentary series Mr McMahon could not have been better, or worse, timed. The chance to get an insight into Vince McMahon – the controversial, larger-than-life pro wrestling entrepreneur who grew up, in his words, “dirt poor” and built the promoter WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) into a billion-dollar juggernaut – is tantalising.
But there is a twist in this tale. In 2022, reports broke of $12m paid by McMahon to four women to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity, followed this year by an accusation of sexual assault and trafficking (McMahon has denied the allegations). This presented the series’ creators, including director Chris Smith (Fyre, Tiger King), with a challenge.
