Vince McMahon’s No-Nonsense Approach to WWE Stars

One big thing: Vince McMahon didn’t pamper WWE talent

Former WWE General Manager Teddy Long reveals that Vince McMahon had little patience for entitled wrestlers, preferring a no-nonsense approach to talent management.

Key takeaways:

• McMahon didn’t coddle stars who were used to special treatment elsewhere
• Some agents were “soft” on talent, but McMahon remained firm
• Long speculates this approach may have contributed to Mercedes Mone’s exit

Why it matters:

McMahon’s management style shaped WWE’s backstage culture for decades, influencing talent relations and career trajectories of numerous wrestlers.

The details:

Long shared his insights on “Sportskeeda Wrestling,” explaining McMahon’s straightforward approach:

• “Vince ain’t gonna pamper you. Vince is gonna tell you if you did something right … [and] if you did something wrong.”
• He suggested that some talent, like Mercedes Mone, might have struggled with this direct style
• Long admitted McMahon could be curt but maintained he was “one of the nicest people in the world”

The bigger picture:

McMahon’s management style contrasts with the evolving workplace expectations in professional wrestling, as seen in competing promotions like AEW.

By the numbers:

• McMahon led WWE for over 40 years before stepping down in 2022
• Netflix recently released a 6-part docuseries on McMahon, showcasing various perspectives on his leadership

What’s next:

As WWE transitions under new leadership, it remains to be seen how talent management practices may evolve.

What do you think about Vince McMahon’s approach to managing WWE talent? Was it effective, or did it drive away potential stars? Share your thoughts in the comments below.