Some thoughts on the ongoing saga that is professional wrestling. I will preface this by saying I have absolutely no involvement with World Wrestling Entertainment/the TKO Group; what follows is simply one fan's opinion.
If you haven't heard, the somewhat checkered coat of Vince McMahon just got a little more colorful. A former WWE employee has accused him of sexual assault, as well as other crimes that are of a similar nature (1).
Everyone's been talking about these claims; for one, the press seems all too eager to proclaim the fall of the House of McMahon. That said, before we throw "Vinny Mac" into the slammer (and slam the door shut), let's go over a few things.
First, let's consider the idea of due process.
Right now, the whole "dogpile on Vince" thing seems to be the cool path to follow. The problem with this is that McMahon has not yet had his day in court.
Like any other American so charged, the accused has a right to defend himself before judge and jury. Why so many people are willing to declare McMahon guilty, even though he has not yet been proven to be so, is beyond me. That's not exactly the way it works.
Second, let's talk motive.
Even with all the talk of what McMahon might or might not have done, there's a possibility that this is simply a power play of sorts; a false narrative concocted by those scheming to control a vast business empire.
That wouldn't completely surprise me. After all, the allure of power and money can be very intoxicating, and you don't get to the top without making a few enemies along the way.
It is also within the realm of possibility that this controversy is merely part of a wrestling storyline, or "work". Traditionally, WWE has done a very good job of "blurring the lines"; perhaps this instance is yet another example of the time-honored art of "kayfabe" (2).
Finally, let's review the historical legacy of WWE.
From its earliest days, the company has always been run by McMahons, having been founded by Vince's grandfather (as the "Capitol Wrestling Corporation") in 1953. The fact that multiple generations have played a part in its success should be a point of pride for the family; at least, it would be in mine (3).
And love him or hate him, nobody can deny that Vince McMahon has created a product that is enjoyed by millions of people throughout the world. It's not right to try to destroy a family legacy based solely on a "he said, she said" affair.
Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying that this is what's happening. Nevertheless, I think we should take a step back before jumping to conclusions. Let us not determine a man's guilt before that man has had his say.
And as always, if you don't like what you see on television, stop watching it. You have freedom of choice, which includes the choice to turn the TV off.
