Linda McMahon on WWE Life

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 8 years ago on

May 8, 2017

While Linda McMahon is now part of President Donald Trump’s cabinet, she cannot divorce herself from her time as the head of WWE.

While she may be best known for her time in front of the camera, involving herself in storylines using revolving around her husband, Vince “Mr.” McMahon, she also served as CEO of the company that proved dominant in the world of professional wrestling.

During a recent stop in Fresno, McMahon spoke to GV Wire about her WWE life. She talked about how life in WWE prepared her for Washington politics.

While Linda McMahon did not grow up a wrestling fan, she sure became one when she married into the McMahon legacy. Her father-in-law, Vincent James McMahon, was head of the forerunner of the WWE until his son and Linda’s husband, Vincent Kennedy McMahon, took over in 1982.

The younger McMahon expanded the promotional territory of the WWF (as it was known until 2002), from the northeast United States to around the world. The WWF flipped the traditional pro wrestling business model from sticking to one territorial destination to promoting in nearly every TV market in America and abroad.

Even as an executive, Linda McMahon said she made time to enjoy the product her company presented. The best experience is seeing how the fans react, she said. And her favorite WWE moment? When Hulk Hogan bodyslammed the appropriately-named Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987.

McMahon also talked about the first time she and Vince met Donald Trump. It was at a Rolling Stones concert in the 1980s in East Rutherford, New Jersey. [Note: while Linda says it was at Giants Stadium, it was likely at the Brendan Byrne Arena next door in 1981. The Stones did not play at Giants Stadium until 1994, well after a friendship between the McMahons and Trump was established.]

And her favorite wrestler? McMahon had no problem with the nepotism-laced answer of her husband Mr. McMahon and son-in-law Triple H.

Watch above for the full interview.

Watch part 1:

What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below.

Contact David Taub

Phone: 559-492-4037 / e-mail

This story was not subject to the approval of Granville Homes.

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David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email