This City in Maine Is Responsible for the WWE’s Success
It's not an exaggeration to say that, without this Maine city, the leader in professional wrestling would look much, much different today.
Professional wrestling has changed drastically over the years. What began as a regional spectacle has evolved into a global phenomenon, largely thanks to WWE and its former CEO, Vince McMahon. McMahon popularized the concept of 'sports entertainment,' blending athleticism with storytelling. However, all of this was made possible by one pivotal show in Maine, which played a major role in launching McMahon’s rise to the top.
So, how is that the case? How did a city in Maine influence the success of what would eventually become the WWE?
The Netflix documentary series ‘Mr. McMahon,’ released on September 25th, explores the life and career of Vince McMahon. It touches on the early days of his promoting career, starting when a young Vince worked for his father, Vince J. McMahon. He announced and commentated for his father’s regional wrestling TV shows, while also promoting events outside New York City. Vince’s first promotion assignment was in Maine, where his father sent him to organize a show.
Alright, which city in Maine did Vince McMahon choose to promote his first professional wrestling show?
Vince McMahon began his career promoting professional wrestling in Bangor in 1971. His father, who owned what would become WWE, sent him there to gain experience.
As depicted in the Netflix documentary series 'Mr. McMahon,' Bangor was a smaller market, making it an ideal place for McMahon to learn the ‘ropes’ without excessive pressure.
McMahon eventually took over his father's company and transformed it into the global powerhouse it is today, despite his father's desire to maintain a regional focus and avoid expansion.
The show in Bangor was a success, and by the sound of it, we can all thank the Queen City of the East—Bangor—for the eventual success of Vince McMahon and WWE as a whole.
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