10 Most Revolutionary Individuals In Wrestling History
5. Vincent J. McMahon Transforms Wrestling By Making It Televised
Although he didn’t create the same kind of impact that his son would, the elder Vince McMahon certainly put his own stamp on professional wrestling, by making television a central aspect of the business.
Prior to this change, pro wrestling was centered on small venues and were very ‘local’ events that you had to see live to witness. Thus, in order to expand his product to a larger audience, McMahon put a considerable amount of faith in television.
What made McMahon’s vision so revolutionary was the fact that other promoters in the northeast didn't trust television as a guaranteed tool for entertainment. Yet McMahon took full advantage of the new technology, and before long, McMahon’s product was reaching an audience that no other promotion could access.
This revolutionary concept set the stage for the wrestling booms that would happen across the United States, Canada, Japan and elsewhere in subsequent decades. Promotions would compete for TV slots, and when two or more had the same one, they’d compete head-to-head in order to acquire the larger audience.
Nowadays, having a wrestling program on television is essential to any promotion’s success, and it all stems from Vincent K. McMahon’s genius decision to take advantage of new technology.
Small wonder Stephanie has been pushing social media so much - embracing new technology is in her blood.