At 79, Vince McMahon Finally Opens Up: The Wrestlers He Couldn’t Stand Revealed

Vince McMahon, the towering figure behind professional wrestling’s global empire, has always been a man of strong opinions and iron will.

Now, at 79, he’s finally breaking decades of silence to reveal which wrestlers he truly couldn’t stand—and the reasons might surprise you.

From unexpected clashes with fan favorites to behind-the-scenes battles over control and creativity, McMahon’s candid confessions shed new light on the complex relationships that shaped WWE’s rise and turmoil.

John Cena, the face of the WWE for over a decade, was the first name McMahon singled out.

Despite Cena’s massive success and iconic “never give up” persona, Vince initially saw him as a “walking steroid billboard,” too polished and too muscular—reminders of the steroid scandals that nearly destroyed WWE in the 1990s.

McMahon reportedly hated Cena’s clean-cut image and even resisted turning him into a villain, a move fans desperately wanted.

This hesitation, some say, cost WWE part of its audience.

Yet, ironically, the man Vince once dismissed became the very symbol of the company’s new era.

Randy Orton’s start with WWE was rocky too.

Vince opposed signing him due to Randy’s troubled military past, viewing it as a red flag against the loyalty and discipline he prized.

It took talent relations head Jim Ross’s insistence to convince Vince to give Randy a chance, citing his wrestling lineage.

Even after Randy became a star, clashes continued—like when Vince forbade Randy from riding a camel during a Saudi Arabia event, saying, “Your character wouldn’t ride a camel.”

Despite creative clashes, Randy proved his worth as one of wrestling’s greatest performers.

Perhaps more surprising is Vince’s initial rejection of The Undertaker, one of WWE’s most iconic legends.

When Mark Callaway was first pitched to Vince, he was dismissed as “just another basketball player” and nearly never got a meeting.

Even after impressing Vince by wrestling with a dislocated hip, Vince tried to cancel their first meeting.

It took trusted voices convincing him otherwise.

Their relationship was fraught, with Vince furious when The Undertaker deviated from scripted plans, emphasizing how control was paramount to McMahon.

Steve Austin, the “Texas Rattlesnake” who defined the Attitude Era, also faced Vince’s skepticism.

Initially seen as a midcard talent, Austin’s rebellious style clashed with Vince’s vision of a corporate-friendly WWE.

Their legendary feud blended on-screen drama with real backstage tension, including moments like Austin kidnapping Vince with a toy gun on live TV.

Yet Austin’s unpredictability and long promos caused costly overtime, frustrating Vince who valued control over chaos.

Chris Jericho, one of the most influential wrestlers ever, almost never signed with WWE because Vince thought he was too short to be a believable star.

Despite Jericho’s charisma and success in other promotions, Vince’s bias against his height and Canadian nationality delayed his rise.

Jericho had to wear lifts early in his WWE career to appear taller.

Even then, Vince doubted Jericho’s appeal as a hero, believing Canadians made better villains.

Jericho’s eventual stardom came in spite of, not because of, Vince’s initial doubts.

Vince’s disdain extended beyond wrestlers to ideas, famously hating the Royal Rumble match when it was first proposed.

Pat Patterson’s pitch was laughed off as “stupid,” with Vince unable to see the drama in a timed battle royal.

Only after TV executive Dick Ebersol championed the concept did Vince reluctantly approve it.

The Royal Rumble went on to become one of WWE’s most beloved traditions, ironically culminating in Vince booking himself to win in 1999.

Shawn Michaels, the “Showstopper,” had to fight hard for Vince’s approval as a top babyface.

Vince doubted his ability to be a credible champion, scoffing at the idea for years.

Their relationship was marked by backstage clashes and moments like the infamous Montreal Screwjob, where Vince’s betrayal led to a physical altercation.

Despite tensions, Michaels became one of WWE’s most beloved stars, though their personal conflicts lingered.

Mick Foley, beloved by fans for his multiple personas, was initially rejected by Vince due to his unconventional look and marketability concerns.

Foley’s hardcore style and emotional matches revitalized WWE during a dull period, but Vince struggled to fully embrace him.

Foley recalled tense moments, including confronting Vince over the treatment of fellow wrestlers, highlighting the complicated loyalties behind the scenes.

John Moxley (formerly Dean Ambrose) clashed creatively with Vince, feeling stifled by scripted promos and storylines.

A breaking point came when Vince wanted Moxley to mention Roman Reigns’ leukemia diagnosis in a heel promo—a request Moxley refused, calling it disrespectful.

Their final conversations revealed a company that had taken Moxley for granted, leading to his departure and creative freedom outside WWE.

Bret “The Hitman” Hart’s relationship with Vince was defined by control and trust issues.

Known for his technical skill and leadership, Bret challenged Vince’s vision, culminating in the infamous Montreal Screwjob where Vince changed a match outcome without Bret’s knowledge.

Though they later reconciled slightly, recent allegations against Vince further strained their relationship, with Bret publicly denouncing him.

Ultimate Warrior, a larger-than-life star, quickly fell out of favor due to his demanding nature, pay disputes, and drug suspensions.

Vince viewed Warrior as unpredictable and dangerous to the company’s image, especially given WWE’s past steroid controversies.

Warrior’s refusal to navigate company politics and humility clashed with Vince’s expectations of loyalty.

Jeff Jarrett initially impressed Vince but soured their relationship through contract disputes and accusations of leveraging his position.

Vince’s distrust persisted long after Jarrett left WWE, keeping him at arm’s length despite his wrestling success elsewhere.

Perhaps most surprising is Vince’s rocky relationship with his own son Shane McMahon.

Vince doubted Shane’s creative ideas and leadership abilities, even mocking Shane’s pitch to buy UFC.

Their tension culminated in Shane’s firing in 2022 after controversial booking decisions, with Vince showing no family favoritism and even questioning Shane’s manhood in heated backstage moments.

Ryback’s outspoken nature and legal battles over his ring name further alienated Vince, who saw him as someone biting the hand that fed him.

Social media attacks on Vince’s late mother sealed the divide, ending any chance of reconciliation.

Lastly, CM Punk’s defiance and refusal to conform to WWE’s system made him a perpetual thorn in Vince’s side.

Punk’s outspoken criticism, desire for creative control, and indie mentality clashed with Vince’s demand for loyalty and hierarchy.

Their fractured relationship ended with Punk’s departure amid contract disputes and backstage tensions.

Vince McMahon’s candid revelations at 79 expose the often harsh realities behind WWE’s glitz and glamour.

His personal feelings clearly influenced how stars were pushed or buried, revealing an empire built as much on control and ego as on spectacle.

For wrestling fans, these confessions offer a rare glimpse into the battles behind the curtain—and a reminder that even legends are human, flawed, and fiercely protective of their vision.