This one is an interesting entry. Despite literally growing up in the wrestling industry, Stephanie McMahons decisions might make her more of an enemy of professional wrestling than one of its allies. Stephanie McMahon began working in WWEs creative department around 2002. By 2004, Paul Heyman, arguably the most creative writer WWE ever had, lost many of his decision-making powers in creative. It has been alleged that he lost influence due in part to butting heads with Stephanie McMahon. It is also alleged that she tried to get him demoted or fired out of jealousy that his show (SmackDown) was doing better than hers (RAW). A second mark against Stephanie is that she allegedly looks down on marks, i.e. actual fans of professional wrestling. In one story, she admonished a one of her writers for telling Johnny Ace that he like Johnnys work in All Japan Pro Wrestling. Though it might be that she simply doesnt think someone needs to be famous elsewhere in order to be famous in the WWE, this action suggests that she is trying to promote the idea that other wrestling promotions either dont exist, or are completely insignificant with regards to the WWE. Furthermore, it can be argued that a lot of screen time in recent years has been unnecessarily focused on her. From her days as General Manager of SmackDown and subsequent feud with her father Vince, to being arguably the top heel in the company as part of The Authority, it seems like Stephanie is the centre of attention. Finally, there is also the contradictory attention she is actually being given. On one hand, she is the despised heel boss that everyone is supposed to boo, while on the other hand, WWE sings her praises as being sympathetic during Connor the Crusher Michaleks tribute video, her support for Susan G. Komen during breast cancer awareness month, or her recent 2015 Eisenhower USA Fellowship. This is an especially problematic point because the WWE is effectively destroying the last remnants of kayfabe that might be left in the WWE. How are fans supposed to boo her when we see what a good person she is outside of the ring? Its this kind of lack of logic and common sense that make her arguably more of a hindrance to pro wrestling than a positive addition.
Alexander Podgorski is a writer for WhatCulture that has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was 8 years old. He loves all kinds of wrestling, from WWE and sports entertainment, to puroresu in Japan.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Political Studies and French, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He speaks English, French, Polish, a bit of German, and knows some odd words and phrases in half a dozen other languages.
