10 Ideas That WWE Stole From Other Companies

7. The Heel Authority Figure

NWo DX
WWE.com

Vince McMahon is a great on-screen performer, and his Mr. McMahon character is one of the most iconic in sports entertainment history.

It's far from original, though. He’s comfortably the best on-air authority figure of all-time, but McMahon didn’t develop his heel persona until long after Eric Bischoff had done it in WCW. As a New World Order member and a truly skin-crawling presence, Bischoff quickly became one of wrestling’s most hated men, and when Vince saw the success Bischoff was having, he developed his own “evil boss” character.

The Mr. McMahon concept is a great example of WWE taking another company’s idea and perfecting it, but none of McMahon’s greatest moments - from the Montreal Screwjob to the Stone Cold Steve Austin feud - would’ve happened if Bischoff hadn’t laid the groundwork.

Heel authority figures remain a constant presence in modern day professional wrestling, and Eric Bischoff was the real innovator.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.