In 1992, Vince McMahon and other wrestlers appeared on the Phil Donahue Show.
During the episode, McMahon was confronted with various allegations pertaining to WWE including sexual misconduct and steroid usage. Murray Hodgson claimed he was fired because he wouldn't sleep with the Vice President. McMahon claimed he was fired because he was a terrible announcer.
"Superstar" Billy Graham, Bruno Sammartino, and Barry Orton were all part of the panel, each speaking on their issues with McMahon and WWE.
"I'm one of the few people in the world who enjoys confrontation. If there was a situation like Donahue, I have no problem at all confronting someone, especially if they're lying," Vince said on "Mr. McMahon."
Stephanie said, "Donahue was an opportunity to stand up for himself. I don't think it went the way he wanted it to."
Vince concluded by saying, "Whether it was a good decision or bad decision, at that time, at this time. I did it."
Dave Meltzer, who sat next to McMahon on the show, said on the documentary that Vince told him it was the longest hour of his life while they were on "Donahue."
Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, filed a lawsuit in January against Vince McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis. The lawsuit accuses McMahon of sexual assault and sex trafficking. On May 30, Grant agreed to pause the lawsuit for six months while the federal investigation continued against McMahon, who resigned from TKO/WWE following the lawsuit being filed.
Victim Resources:
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Hours: Available 24 hours
1-800-656-4673
