3. Linda McMahon
Linda McMahon has not only been Vince's equal, she has at times been his superior. When Vince was on trial for drug charges in 1994, it was Linda who took stewardship of the WWF. She was the power woman of wrestling long before Stephanie McMahon prominently positioned herself as a top executive in the company. As a 1980's businesswoman in a male dominated industry, Linda was ahead of her time in leading the way for women in corporate America. Together with Vince she developed the WWF from being a regional company to a worldwide corporation. In roles as CEO and President she was absolutely vital as the WWF seen it's most dramatic periods of growth. Linda is also credited as being a driving force in the expansion of WWF merchandise. In addition, it was Linda who spear headed the PG brand changes that came into force as she departed the company to pursue a US senate role changes that ultimately led to more corporate sponsorship and advertisement opportunities. Big business likes working with a family friendly WWE, the blood and guts Attitude Era ultimately wasn't good for business with middle America. Given Vince's involvement in creative and talent relations, Linda could well be seen as the most vital business person in the WWF during it's small scale years that seen it boom into a pop culture phenomenon. She deserves high recognition indeed.