The Project and McMahon’s History

The McMahon documentary series, centred around the life of the titular wrestling CEO/performer, was originally announced in 2020. According to WWE President Nick Khan, the project was going to be one of the highest-budget docuseries Netflix had produced. Then in 2022 reports began saying that the series release was possibly cancelled. Netflix supposedly pulling the title from their programming spreadsheet.

Around this time, McMahon had serious allegations made against him. McMahon already had ire surrounding him due to continuing to work WWE performers through the pandemic. Despite several wrestlers having tested positive for COVID-19. Then it was revealed he was being internally investigated regarding allegedly paying hush money to former employees and contractors. He temporarily stepped away from the WWE while the internal investigation was ongoing. He returned to the company in early 2023.

Later that year the documentary was revealed to still be in production. With some news outlets speculating on whether the project would become a film rather an a series. The project was expected to be released in 2024. But earlier this year Janel Grant came forward with a lawsuit against McMahon which accused him of sexual assault and trafficking. She is part of a group of five women cooperating with a federal investigation into McMahon. McMahon has now stepped down from his post.

Netflix Controversy

Producer Bill Simmons has stated that McMahon has no say over the final piece. So he will at least not be able to dictate how his image is used in the documentary. But as contributor Dave Meltzer said, “This changes the whole doc 100%…I don’t know how it can possibly be out very, very soon now”. As the documentary was said to be out soon will Netflix (who has final cut) be able to give time to these serious claims in a respectful manner?

In addition to the important choices facing Netflix over the documentary, Netflix has now signed a deal to become the new home of the WWE’s weekly RAW programme in 2025. And given that the brand is firmly associated with McMahon and that the WWE is implicated in the abuse it seems like a terrible idea to provide a platform to the company. Especially during a serious ongoing investigation.

What Should Happen?

So what is Netflix going to do? If they release the McMahon documentary without giving time to incorporate what has happened recently then they may look like they are trying to avoid a serious topic relating to their subject. If Netflix doesn’t release it but still hosts WWE programming, they may appear to be protecting a profitable brand. One that potentially hurt many workers. 

That said if the documentary is given enough time to update itself will Netflix allow a revealing documentary to be hosted alongside their WWE shows? As the documentary will continually remind audiences of the reported abuse perpetrated by the company’s former CEO and which is reportedly widespread at the company itself. Netflix is a company first and foremost, it’s hard to believe they would be willing to host both. As it would understandably result in audiences questioning Netflix’s decision to partner with WWE and potentially a loss in viewers.

If there is a way out of this it would be for the documentary to give time to cover recent events delicately. To ensure the people seeking justice have their chance to be heard. Or the documentary should pause until the case is resolved. Also, Netflix should cut ties with the WWE until all investigations are concluded. Only resuming if the company demonstrates itself to be a safe place. If they can’t do that then it shows that Netflix is not worthy of industry and audience trust and that the entertainment industry truly learned nothing from the #MeToo movement.

Also Read: The Struggle of Two Sons To Bring Back The Memory of Ted Boy Marino, Brazil Pro-wrestling Legend and TV Hero

The post How will Netflix’s $5 Billion deal with the WWE affect its documentary on Vince McMahon in light of recent allegations? appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

As a lifelong wrestling fan, I can honestly say this is the best time to be a wrestling fan. The storylines have matured, the women’s division has come a LONG way and the brand itself has evolved. No more are we made to believe that it’s “real”, instead it has immersed seamlessly into our everyday lives emphasizing more on entertainment than wrestling alone. Extending the brand by developing up and coming stars through NXT programming, creating their own SVOD with original content, developing gaming, merchandise and films.

With the recent success of Fighting With My Family – the story of former Diva and Women’s champion Paige’s rise to success at the WWE, and 2008’s critically acclaimed The Wrestler, starring Mickey Rourke and follows the life and struggles of a once successful wrestler, there is definitely an audience for wrestling themed films to be made for the wider mainstream audience.

With that in mind, the following are stories based on wrestlers and storylines that I think would make for great feature length films.

The Rock Says

Mirroring The Great One’s autobiography in parallel to his onscreen success and rise to fame, the story of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is one that is inspirational as much as it is entertaining. With memorable feuds and storylines from The Nation of Domination, to Vince McMahon and later Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock ‘s undeniable charisma led him to becoming one of the first superstars to successfully transition into Hollywood.

The Invasion

After years of battling for ratings in what is now known as the Monday Night Wars, WWE came out on top when they acquired WCW and ECW. In a shocking twist of events, it was revealed that yes a McMahon was now the owner of WCW but it was Shane not Vince who had signed on the dotted line. Together with Paul Heyman and new owner of ECW Stephanie McMahon, they formed the Alliance in a bid to dominate the WWE once and for all.

Pipebomb

The best storylines blur entertainment with reality, which in this day and age isn’t the easiest to do. It was a long lead but the infamous promo built the hype for one of the biggest matches in Money in The Bank history when CM Punk faced off with John Cena in what would be his ‘last match’ in the WWE.

Yes, Yes, Yes

The story of the underdog is one that we can all resonate with and one that doesn’t get old. The rise of Daniel Bryan’s superstardom took us on an emotional rollercoaster and finally culminated after a two year long battle against The Authority, where he overcame every obstacle that was put in his way to finally win the WWE Championship at the biggest stage of them all Wrestlemania 30. In a bittersweet moment, it was shortly after this monumental win when he announced his early retirement due to a neck injury and multiple concussions.

The Man

After a surprising heel turn at Summerslam, Becky Lynch breathed new life into the women’s evolution when she turned on her best friend Charlotte Flair. Never before had we seen such hype and support for a heel turn and overnight she became one of the biggest stars in the company. In just under a year she has built immense momentum for herself and her quest for the top, ultimately culminating in a winner takes all match when she faces Raw Women’s champion Ronda Rousey and Smackdown Women’s champion Charlotte Flair in the first ever headline main event at Wrestlemania 35.

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