In early 2007 Vince McMahon became wrapped up in a surreal on-screen feud with Donald Trump. After some back and forth between the two businessmen, a clash between the pair was set for WrestleMania 23. Or at least, kind of.
At the event Umaga competed on behalf of McMahon, while Donald Trump chose Bobby Lashley as his representative. For some extra spice Stone Cold Steve Austin was appointed as the special guest referee. In the end, after shenanigans galore, Lashley scored the win, leading to McMahon having his head shaved in the middle of the ring.
Matt Hardy Recalls Vince McMahon Being Shaved Bald
Speaking on his podcast, The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, the now-AEW star discussed the infamous moment. Hardy explained that it was McMahon’s commitment to going all in that made the moment stand out.
“I mean, Vince was totally committed. He’s like, yes, shave it all the ring. I mean, Vince would always say that like, and you’d hear that expression about Vince all the time. Like, he never asked a talent to do something that he wouldn’t do, and I think he really tried to make an example of that, if it came to, like, I’m having this hair versus hair match.
You know, this deal with Donald Trump. Like, if you’re gonna shave my head, you’re gonna shave it all the way down, and we’re going all the way bald, I’m fully committed, you know? So he was, he was big on setting an example, as far as like doing something that may be embarrassing or something that you have to step out of your comfort zone to do, he would be the first one to volunteer to do it.”
Vince McMahon retired from his role as WWE Chairman on July 22nd against a backdrop of allegations involving sexual misconduct. This was followed by reports of unrecorded business expenses, which included two payments to the Donald Trump Foundation. In amongst this report was a bizarre list of conditions for the match at WrestleMania 23. One of Trump’s representatives confirmed that under “no circumstances” could Trump have his head shaved, including if “Mr. Trump’s wrestler dropped dead in the ring.”
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