10 Things You Notice Rewatching Beyond The Mat
1. Vince Would NEVER Do Such A Thing Today
Can you imagine Vince McMahon ever giving any outside, independent party so much access to the inner workings of WWE? You absolutely cannot - and that's because it simply would never happen today.
Back in 1997, Barry Blaustein actually approached both WCW and WWF, but Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling outright refused to be featured in Beyond the Mat in any way whatsoever. For McMahon though, this was an opportunity that he thought he could use to the benefit of himself and his company.
Allowing Blaustein and his crew complete access to the behind-the-scenes goings-on of the World Wrestling Federation, McMahon offered up his talent, his staff, and even himself to Beyond the Mat. With Blaustein in total control of what was served up in the final product, Beyond the Mat had zero creative input or direction from Vince.
It comes as no surprise to know that McMahon later tried to put a stop to Beyond the Mat once he realised what impression of WWF was shown in the documentary. McMahon wanted to show a fun, friendly organisation that was all about making movies. Instead, the lasting WWF memories from the film are Mick Foley being brutalised in front of his family, and Droz being cheered on to puke in a bin.
To his credit, Vince was more open to outside organisations back in the '90s. But if you think Vince McMahon would agree to participate in such a project today, you're living in a dreamland.