‘He Has His Critics..But He Is a Leader’: WWE Legend’s Firm Leadership Created John Cena and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

Published 08/22/2023, 3:23 AM EDT

Vince McMahon is an iconic figure in wrestling history. The creator and master of the biggest wrestling franchise in the world, WWE, has given countless legends and bona fide superstars to the world. Among them are Dwayne Johnson and John Cena. The two megastars have led their generation by becoming franchise players. But what many don’t realize is that it’s all because of their leader, McMahon.

Now, confirming this is his old rival from the WCW days and friend Eric Bischoff, who lavishly praised McMahon but also pointed out a chink in the armor of McMahon and his questionable personal decisions.

Eric Bischoff praises Vince McMahon

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Bischoff was an integral part of the 90s and 00s, along with McMahon. The two were initially involved in an epic war when WWE competed with WCW in the 90s. What may surprise some is that WCW’s Nitro once beat WWE’s Raw in TV Ratings for an incredible run of 83 weeks.

However, things changed when WCW fell off and couldn’t sustain their position with WWE coming back and defeating WCW. The company never looked back, as WWE became an unstoppable train.

Recently, in the edition of Strictly Business with Eric Bischoff, from his ’83 Weeks’ podcast, Bischoff and John Alba spoke about McMahon’s leadership at length.

Bischoff quoted how: “Vince McMahon has his critics,” but further elaborated by saying: “When it comes to leadership, Vince McMahon, whether you like him or not, whether you agree or look the other way to some of the things he’s been involved in, doesn’t f**king matter, he’s a leader.”

Interestingly, he mentioned the questionable personal decisions taken by the chairman of the board. Now, while it’s difficult to point out the personal reasons, it’s safe to say that McMahon has been involved in numerous controversial decisions in the past.

Whether it’s the decision to break The Undertaker’s historic 21-0 streak, releasing CM Punk from WWE on the day of his wedding, making workers work during COVID and firing them unceremoniously, or even the infamous ‘Montreal Screwjob’ between McMahon, Shawn Michaels, and Bret Hart, the 77-year-old has definitely come under scrutiny.

However, people still can’t deny his hand in creating future global icons in his company.

Creating superstars in Dwayne Johnson and John Cena

While there have been many influential wrestlers in WWE, only a few have succeeded in making it big in Hollywood. Arguably, the top two superstars in that regard are Dwayne Johnson and John Cena, who now have successful careers.

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Even though their talent and charisma play important factors, it’s the projection of their personalities by WWE during their run with the company that gave them their audience and fame.

The Rock’s charisma and promo skills paid a huge role in his Hollywood success as well, helping him bag the Scorpion King’s role. Similarly, Cena’s immense hold as the top Babyface for 10 years, and his Make-My-Wish foundation endeavors, helped him establish a connection among the masses.

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None of these would have been possible without McMahon’s vision and trust in the two superstars, proving why he’s a born leader and champion. What do you think about Bischoff’s mighty words for his old rival and now acquaintance? Do you believe McMahon paid a massive role in the careers of John Cena and The Rock?

WATCH THIS STORY: 50 Years of The Rock: Dwayne Johnson’s Greatest Achievements in WWE

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Written by:

Pranav Ravindran is a WWE writer at EssentiallySports. His passion for the sport began during the 'Ruthless Aggression Era' and unlike many of his age he chose to pick Randy Orton instead of the poster boy John Cena as his favorite star. Spell bound by Orton(his tattoos, finisher) especially in that famed Iron Man Match, Pranav has been hooked to pro wrestling ever since and has now turned it into a profession. When he is away from his desk , he usually likes to unwind by watching a TV show or a movie

Edited by:

Stefan Thomas

‘He Has His Critics..But He Is a Leader’: WWE Legend’s Firm Leadership Created John Cena and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

Eric Bischoff praises Vince McMahon

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