10 Things You Didn't Know About Beyond The Mat

6. "I Love This Business"

Steve Austin Vince McMahon Raw 1998
WWE.com

There was a time when Vinnie Mac was firmly on board with Blaustein's project.

In a 2016 interview with the fine folks over at the Two Man Power Trip Of Wrestling podcast, Barry dished the details on one backstage meeting with Vince that re-affirmed the boss man's passion for his work; McMahon was sweaty, had just had his ass kicked on TV by Steve Austin, was battered and bruised, and was being tended to by a medic.

As the typical post-show commotion buzzed around them, Blaustein and Vince shared a beer. At one point, McMahon smiled, leaned in towards Barry and said, "I love this business". He emphasised the word "love" so much that Barry knew he was sincere, and he told the WWF patriarch that such devotion was exactly what he wanted to put across.

Vince, ever the savvy businessman, wasn't sold on that. He figured Blaustein wanted to make money too, and thought 'Beyond The Mat' was all business. Barry would never forget the glimmer in McMahon's eyes when he said he loved what he did.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.