This definitive biography of Vince McMahon, former WWE chairman and CEO, is âriveting, essential readingâ (Rick Perlstein, New York Times bestselling author) as it charts his rise from rural poverty to the throne of one of the worldâs most influential media empires. Featuring exclusive interviews with more than 150 people who witnessed, aided, and suffered from his ascent.
Even if youâve never watched a minute of professional wrestling, you are living in Vince McMahonâs world.
In his four decades as the defining figure of American pro wrestling, McMahon was the man behind Dwayne âThe Rockâ Johnson, âStone Coldâ Steve Austin, John Cena, Dave Bautista, Bret âThe Hitmanâ Hart, and Hulk Hogan, to name just a few of the mega-stars who owe him their careers. For more than twenty-five years, he has also been a performer in his own show, acting as the diabolical âMr. McMahonââa figure who may have more in common with the real Vince than he would care to admit.
Just as importantly, McMahon is one of Donald Trumpâs closest friendsâand Trumpâs experiences as a performer in McMahonâs programming were, in many ways, a dress rehearsal for the 45th Presidentâs campaigns and presidency. McMahon and his wife, Linda, are major Republican donors. Linda was in Trumpâs cabinet. McMahon makes deals with the Saudi government worth hundreds of millions of dollars. And for generations of people who have watched wrestling, he has been a defining cultural force and has helped foment âthe worst of contemporary politicsâ (Kirkus Reviews).
Ringmaster built on exclusive interviews with more than 150 people, from McMahonâs childhood friends to those who accuse him of destroying their lives. âSmart, entertaining, impressively reported, and beautifully written. Wrestling fans will devour it, but everyone who wants to better understand this crazy country and one of its truly original characters ought to read itâ (Jonathan Eig, author of Ali: A Life).