WWE‘s future with USA Network was once in serious jeopardy.
On August 29th, Netflix officially announced that the long-awaited documentary about Vince McMahon would be coming to the platform on September 25th and would consist of 6 episodes each an hour in length. Netflix released a trailer for the McMahon project on September 5th, showing that the docuseries won’t be shying away from scandals such as the 1994 steroid trial, the Chris Benoit tragedy, and the recent sex trafficking lawsuit brought forward by Janel Grant.
Sure enough, the documentary dives into the allegations that McMahon had distributed steroids among wrestlers. The federal case against McMahon went to trial in 1994, with even Hulk Hogan, arguably the most popular wrestler in the world at the time, taking the stand. While the trial was a tabloid sensation and put WWE and professional wrestling under the microscope like never before, McMahon was eventually acquitted on all charges.
In Mr. McMahon, USA Network founder Kay Koplovitz discussed the seriousness of the trial, revealing that WWE (then WWF) was in danger of losing its deal with USA. If Vince McMahon had been found guilty, it would have been a major issue for the network, and their relationship would have been discontinued.
“It was a tense time. If he was proven guilty, that would have been a problem for us, and they would be off the air.”
In a 2021 edition of his podcast, former WWE referee Mike Chioda reflected on the steroid trial being a stressful time in the company.
Ex-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon Urged Viewers To “Keep An Open Mind” Regarding Netflix Docuseries
Vince McMahon issued a statement on the docuseries on September 23rd, indicating he found some of the footage to be “misleading” and urging viewers to “keep an open mind.” McMahon also reportedly tried to buy back the Netflix series after seeing early footage.
Janel Grant’s attorney responded, making it clear that Grant will no longer be silenced after suffering alleged crimes at the hands of McMahon.
If you use this transcription, please credit Mr. McMahon and link back to this article with a h/t to Inside the Ropes.