Vince McMahon, the iconic figure who led WWE for over four decades, had his fair share of unique rules and quirks during his reign. As the wrestling world bids farewell to his sole control over the company, let’s delve into the four secret rules that made McMahon’s WWE leadership truly distinct.
- The No-Sneezing Policy: A Sign of Strength? McMahon’s no-sneezing policy is perhaps the quirkiest of them all. He reportedly viewed sneezing as a sign of weakness, believing that not having control over one’s nasal functions indicated vulnerability. Arn Anderson, a former WWE wrestler, once revealed that McMahon’s reaction to sneezing was nothing short of intense. According to Anderson, McMahon would look at the offender as if he wanted them “dead.”
- Referee Overselling: Creating Room for Heels Another McMahon rule dictated that referees must oversell even the tiniest bit of contact during matches. This over-the-top reaction provides an opportunity for the villainous heels to engage in nefarious activities without raising suspicion. It’s a subtle yet effective element of WWE storytelling.
- No Direct Interaction with the Camera: Breaking the Fourth Wall McMahon preferred his WWE Superstars not to break the fourth wall by looking or talking directly into the camera. He wanted the interactions in the WWE Universe to unfold between the athletes and the live audience. However, this rule has been broken on occasion, as Drew McIntyre once acknowledged the fans watching at home during WrestleMania 36, a moment he simply couldn’t resist.
- Banning Certain Vocabulary: The WWE Lexicon McMahon was meticulous about the language used in WWE. Beyond profanity, Superstars were forbidden from saying certain words like “belt,” “title shot,” and even “wrestler.” Instead, they were required to opt for “title,” “title match,” and “superstar.” This attention to detail was evident when Braun Strowman used the term “title shot,” prompting McMahon’s correction that it’s a “title match.”
While Vince McMahon’s departure from the day-to-day operation of WWE marks the end of an era, his unique rules and eccentricities have left an indelible mark on the wrestling world. As WWE continues to evolve under new leadership, these quirks and traditions will be part of McMahon’s lasting legacy.
Stephen’s Opinion:
Vince McMahon’s reaction to something as involuntary as sneezing was nothing short of intense, as recounted by those who worked closely with him. According to former WWE wrestler Ken Anderson, McMahon had a rather unique response to a sneeze within his vicinity. Anderson shared that when someone sneezed around McMahon, the WWE chairman would shoot them a look that could only be described as intense and unrelenting. It was as though McMahon expected the offender to have full control over their sneezing, and his reaction was often described as if he wanted the person “dead.”
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This anecdote offers a glimpse into the high-pressure, fast-paced world of professional wrestling and the unique character of Vince McMahon. His reputation for expecting perfection in all aspects of the business, even the uncontrollable act of sneezing, is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the WWE and his relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s one of the many stories that add to the mystique of the wrestling industry and the colorful personalities that inhabit it.
