The intrigue surrounding Vince McMahon, often referred to as the “Walt Disney of wrestling,” has reached unprecedented heights. Just last year, he stepped down in disgrace as CEO and chairman amid serious allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. Notably, McMahon has faced two previous accusations of sexual assault, all of which he vehemently denies. Following a brief hiatus, he made a comeback as chairman earlier this year, coinciding with rumors of a potential sale of the company. This whirlwind of events unfolded over a mere six months, presenting a complex challenge for any biographer attempting to encapsulate a life as expansive as McMahon’s, particularly with a publication deadline on the horizon.

In her book, Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America, author Abraham Josephine Riesman attempts to navigate this intricate narrative. Released on March 28, just ahead of what promises to be one of the most significant WrestleMania events occurring on April 1-2 in Los Angeles, the book offers a mixed bag of insights. Riesman provides a thorough examination of McMahon’s formative years, yet the biography is somewhat heavy and dense. With nearly 40% of the text dedicated to endnotes, it often lacks a straightforward entry point for casual readers, making it challenging for those unfamiliar with McMahon’s extensive history.

This dense style may also pose a barrier for wrestling enthusiasts, who, as common stereotypes suggest, might not be recognized for their affinity towards literature. This perception could hinder the book’s reception among a fan base that often prefers the visceral excitement of wrestling over the nuanced explorations found in literary works.

Uncovering the Lesser-Known Aspects of Vince McMahon’s Life

Where Ringmaster truly shines is in its cultural analysis of McMahon’s significant role within American society, as suggested by its subtitle. Riesman dedicates substantial attention to this perspective, particularly in the latter sections of the book. She draws fascinating connections between McMahon and various public figures, including Rick Santorum, Saddam Hussein, and notably, Donald Trump, who has made multiple appearances on WWE programming and shares a close friendship with McMahon, often referred to in wrestling circles as a “heel” or villain.

However, this exploration ultimately loses momentum. Riesman shares her personal connection to wrestling fandom, recalling her earliest memory of watching the Owen Hart memorial episode of Raw. She dedicates considerable space to Hart’s tragic in-ring death and the subsequent tribute show in 1999, a pivotal moment that deeply affected the wrestling community. Yet, her sporadic engagement with wrestling over the past two decades could explain why this isolated incident looms so prominently in her narrative, overshadowing other significant events that have shaped the industry, such as the tragic Chris Benoit double murder-suicide in 2007, which receives only cursory mention.

Examining the Controversial History of Vince McMahon

The book delves into earlier controversies that have significantly impacted McMahon’s career and the wrestling industry at large. These include the alleged murder of Nancy Argento by wrestler Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, which Riesman describes as a situation rife with scandal. She notes the potential for public outrage, considering the circumstances involving a deceased woman and a live wrestler, alongside the troubling issue of a domestic violence investigation potentially being compromised by pervasive misogyny. Additionally, McMahon has faced serious allegations, including the alleged rape of WWE’s first female referee, Rita Chatterton, during the 1980s, an accusation he has denied. The initial half of the book follows a largely chronological format, highlighting these significant events, but as it progresses into the millennium, it shifts focus toward broader ideological themes, a transition that could have been more effective if established earlier in the narrative.

Riesman captures the essence of McMahon’s public persona, stating, “Vince created and inhabited a public persona so dastardly and villainous that no truth or lie, no accusation or allegation could further tarnish him.” She concludes the book with her impressions from a live WWE SmackDown event she attended at Madison Square Garden in September 2021. Engaging with fans at the event, Riesman observes a striking absence of discussion regarding controversial figures such as Jimmy Snuka, Rita Chatterton, or Tom Cole. She notes:

This book serves as a critical examination of these issues. It is my hope that Ringmaster reaches the hands of fans who chanted “thank you, Vince” during his retirement segment nearly a year later, and that some of them take the time to engage with its contents meaningfully.

Scarlett Harris is a culture critic and the author of A Diva Was a Female Version of a Wrestler: An Abbreviated Herstory of World Wrestling Entertainment. You can explore her previously published work on her website, The Scarlett Lady, and follow her on Twitter @ScarlettEHarris.