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Similar to the WWE Creative Control, Vince McMahon Seemingly Loses Control of Another Dear Project

Published 10/17/2023, 4:47 PM EDT

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While Vinnie Mac returned to the WWE earlier this year, the consequences of allegations leveled against him have not left him. Vince McMahon was the subject of several allegations, following which he stepped down from his executive role within WWE in 2022. Though his return might lead some to believe that the allegations have been dealt with, he still seems to be on a tight leash.

Prior to the 2022 allegations, McMahon was heavily involved in a documentary series on his life. However, following the allegations and the surrounding media kerfuffle, Vinnie Mac has gradually been stripped of any control over how he will be portrayed on the small screen. At least this time around, anyway. According to one of the brains behind the Netflix documentary, McMahon will have little to no say, thanks to the impact of the allegations.

Wrestling drama as Vince loses creative control of Netflix doc

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In a surprising turn of events in the wrestling world, WWE unveiled plans for  The Higher Power’s docuseries during its financial call in 2020. Bill Simmons took the helm as the executive producer. Chris Smith, renowned for “Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” was set as the director. Initially, the series was anticipated to hit screens in 2022, but the release date remained a mystery after Stephanie McMahon‘s announcement in December 2021. 

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In July 2022, it seemed like Netflix had removed the project from its lineup. However, in January 2023, Simmons hinted that they continued to work on the docuseries.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Simmons shared his optimism for the project, saying, “We have this Vince McMahon documentary that we’ve been working on for three years. I think it has the chance to be really great. I think it has a chance to be the best one I’ve been involved with. I’ll be interested to see what people think about that one. It was a lot of time and one where Netflix still has the final cut of it and it’s a little more old school like the 30 For 30 model was. I think it has the chance to be really special.”

via Getty

When asked if Vince McMahon would get a sneak peek before the release, Simmons clarified, “Not the giving notes on the final cut part. He gets to look at clips.” The docuseries’ air date remains a well-guarded secret. However, its reason for being in developmental hell is well-documented.

The Wall Street Journal exposed the WWE board’s probe into a confidential $3 million settlement reportedly paid by The Higher Power. As per reports, he paid it to a departing employee, embroiled in allegations of improper conduct and misusing company funds. 

This saga led to his retirement as WWE CEO in July 2022. Vince later returned to the board of directors in January 2023. The WWE’s merger with the UFC to create TKO under the Endeavor banner took place in September. However, this isn’t the only piece of programming that McMahon will have no creative control over, as earlier this week, a bombshell dropped and shook the wrestling world. 

“I Wasn’t Snuff to Be Hulk Hogan”: Even After Giving 2 Decades to WWE, Vince McMahon Wanted The Hulkster to “Bring It” at WrestleMania 18

Vince McMahon is out of WWE Creative as Triple H takes the helm

Ari Emanuel, the new owner of WWE and CEO of TKO, has handed over the reins of creative control to Triple H. The Genetic Jackhammer no longer calls the shots when it comes to creative plans. This includes storylines and show bookings.  

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An investigation into substantial financial transactions involving former WWE employees prompted Vince McMahon’s departure from WWE. This was also alongside already existing allegations of misconduct. As a result, he had to vacate his position. McMahon sold the company the same year to Ari Emanuel, the founder and CEO of Endeavor Group.

After McMahon stepped back from his role, Triple H assumed the position of the Head of Creative. He became more involved in shaping creative direction when TKO took control of the company.

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What are your thoughts regarding these current changes?

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Written by:

Sheron Singh

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Sheron Singh is a WWE writer at Essentially Sports. She started watching and following the WWE when her father introduced it to her at the age of 6. Sheron has since been an avid fan and devotedly follows the sport.
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Edited by:

Anuj Jacob