10 Absolutely Incredible WWE Backstage Vince McMahon Stories

7. Sneezing Snafu

Vince Mcmahon
WWE.com

Vince McMahon, as we've touched upon, micromanages every facet of the company over which he presides, with the exception of Jimmy Wang Yang and apparently Raven - the sight of whom in 2000 compelled McMahon to ask "Who the f*ck hired Johnny Polo?"

McMahon's meticulousness apparently extends beyond things he can (but probably shouldn't) control to things he cannot and really shouldn't try to, because they are either silly or utterly insane. The man hates sneezing. Other bodily functions are a complete riot - but sneezing to McMahon is not an involuntary, natural function but his mortal shell confirming that he is not, in fact, a God.

Jim Ross has confirmed the urban legend, as has Paul Heyman on a great edition of the Stone Cold Podcast. Heyman once held a meeting with McMahon when in creative control of SmackDown. Everything was gelling with Vince. Heyman had mapped out his two main event rivalries from Survivor Series to WrestleMania. It was then that Vince sneezed. Heyman talked on, but it didn't matter. Vince had zoned out, furiously growling to himself. "I sneezed. I should be better than that. I should be able to control that. I don't like that."

"You don't like sneezing?"

"In my world, pal, there is no sneezing."

It's a wonder Vince is capable of leaving the house. His hatred of sneezing is Howard Hughes-level batsh*t eccentricity.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!