"McMahon vs McMahon"
Shane's success may force Vince to sidelines. By Steve Anderson.
Like father like son ... a chip off the old block ... the apple has not fallen far from the tree. Shane McMahon has heard all the cliches. The comparisons were inevitable after he followed his father, World Wrestling Federation owner Vince McMahon Jr. into the wrestling business.
Two years ago, Shane's father had faith in his abilities as a performer and potential as the future leader of the federation, but fans, co-workers and wrestlers had reason to be skeptical. Shane was an unknown commodity with a powerful last name. Few questioned Shane's executive abilities due to his bloodline, but no one could have predicted he would become not only a compelling on-air personality, but an entertaining and risk-taking wrestler as well.
Now, Shane is coming close to overshadowing his father in front of the cameras and behind the scenes. Since the WWF prides itself on being a youth-oriented promotion - and Shane represents that youth - Shane's ascension to the top spot in the federation seems imminent.
Shane Emerges
Shane's emergence on television was a slow and subtle process. In one early appearance, Shane was a prominent figure in the locker room when Bret Hart assaulted Vince after the Survivor Series 'screw job' on Nov. 9, 1997. He also appeared alongside Vince when professional boxer Mike Tyson made his first WWF appearance as guest referee at Wrestlemania 14 on March 29, 1998.
In August 1998, Shane debuted as the colour commentator of Sunday Night Heat. Fans neither warmed up to Shane nor shared his exhuberance behind the microphone. Catchphrases such as 'Booya' and 'Wham' did not appeal to the viewers and could not mask Shane's shortcomings as a television announcer. He did not call the action so much as add sound effects to every move, and he offered little insight or historical perspective. As a result, he stepped aside to focus on areas where his abilities would be better utilized. While he may not have been a superlative commentator, he recognized his strengthes and limitations very early in his career.
Following the Aug 11, 1998, announcement by Titan Sports naming Shane as president of New Media, he began appearing on television regularly in an 'executive' role. With Vince reveling in his 'Mr. McMahon' heel persona, Shane was brought back to television to portray a kinder and gentler McMahon. The storyline focused around Vince's possible retirement and Shane's ascension to the top of the WWF.
From executive to Wrestler
But there was no retirement by Vince, and no ascension by Shane. A heel turn was the result at Survivor Series on Nov 15, 1998, when Shane joined his father in the evil 'Corporation'. Vince spent 1998 teasing fans with sporadic ring action. When 1999 dawned, he entered Royal Rumble and emerged victorious. A bout with Steve Austin was planned at the St. Valentine's Day Massacre pay-per-view. At stake The No. 1 contender position at Wrestlemania (that Vince had captured at Royal Rumble).
Vince lost the encounter with Austin on Valentine's Day. The following night, Feb 15, 1999, Shane took on reigning European champion X-Pac on Raw. Shane did on that night what Vince could not do the night before. He won his match and became the unlikely European champion.
Many fans believed Shane's reign as champion was designed merely to add heat to his feud with X-Pac. Surely, fans thought, the more experienced wrestler would defeat the executive/part-time wrestler in the rematch at Wrestlemania 15. But a funny thing happened on the evening of March 28: Shane retained and (temporarily) retained the title. He also impressed fans and co-workers with his abilities in the ring and willingness to put his body at risk.
At Summerslam on Aug 22, 1999, Shane once again proved he was more than a competent executive. His 'Love Her Or Leave Her' match with Test nearly stole the show as Shane once again put his body on the line, all for the 'love of his sister.' Stephanie.
Shane destined for top spot
Successful executive ... championship grappler ... a wrestling personality that can generate both heel and babyface heat. Shane, either directly or indirectly, may be forcing his father to the sidelines so he can shine as an executive and as an on-screen personality.
Those who work with Shane see a young man determined not to fail. Insiders know Shane will not settle for anything less than total success. The lineage is well-known: Great-grandfather Jess, grandfather Vince Sr, father Vince Jr. - all were driven to succeed. Shane is no different.
'I'm third generation and Shane and Stephanie are fourth generation," said Vince about his children in an interview on MSNBC in December 1999. 'That's what it's all about - passing on the torch.'
To work alongside his father is a dream come true for Shane. For years he had watched as Vince plotted to make the WWF the world's top wrestling promotion. But just as Vince Sr stepped aside for Vince Jr, it may be time for father to pass responsibility to son once again.
History has shown the McMahons' desire to exceed expectations. They never cease to amaze fans and baffle their enemies. Just when the WWF seems to be at its lowest point, be it due to scandal or competition from other federations, the McMahons rise up and prove the WWF still has a lot of life.
Shane's diligence, ability and desire to entertain WWF fans are apparent. His father can make proclamations and book himself into matches, but Shane clearly represents the WWF's future. "It's our turn now and eventually we'll take over and take it that one next step.' Shane said in the MSNBC interview.
Source: WOW Magazine, May 2001.