'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Vince McMahon is known to be the person who made not just WWE, but professional wrestling as a whole successful and influential in the mainstream media. While he was the brains behind some of the biggest names in history, he didn't always succeed in everything he did.
Vince McMahon made several changes in the wrestling scene when he bought WWE from his father in the 1980s. He decided to travel for shows to widen his audience, invite popular and mainstream names, and much more. While most of his risks and overall decisions regarding professional wrestling have been fruitful and successful, though some are also controversial, other business ideas of his didn't exactly succeed.
In this list, we will look at three of Vince McMahon's non-WWE business ideas that failed.
Trending
#3. The World Bodybuilding Federation happened around during WWE's steroid scandal
On Netflix's docuseries, Mr. McMahon, Vince McMahon said that he has always been fascinated by the world of bodybuilding, which is why he established the World Bodybuilding Federation in 1990. However, it was quickly dissolved in just two years. In the series, the former chairman shared that the 1993 steroid scandal was one of the reasons it shut down.
In 1991, Sr. George Zahorian III, a doctor who worked at ringside for the former World Wrestling Federation, was convicted of illegally supplying anabolic steroids. During his trial, it was revealed that he had been supplying steroids to talents.
Following the 1992 WBF Championship, the company was dissolved after being deemed a commercial failure. In addition to that, Vince was indicted the following year.
#2. Vince McMahon tried to rival the NFL with the XFL
If there's one sport in the United States of America that is well-known in every household, it's football. Most particularly, the National Football League, especially during its Superbowl season. Due to the massive attention this would garner, Vince McMahon tried to enter this sport.
In 2001, Vince and NBC executive Dick Ebersol tried to rival the NFL by opening the XFL. Although high ratings were seen in the first few games, viewership decreased, and both men lost $35 million. In 2018, Vince attempted to revive the company, which operated in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic affected the games, and McMahon filed for bankruptcy.
Going forward, The Rock, Dany Garcia, and Gerry Cardinale bought the XFL for $15 million. In 2023, the XFL merged with the USFL, now known as the United Football League.
#1. WWF Casino and WWF Restaurant New York
McMahon wasn't just interested in conquering the sports world but also planned to go ahead in the hotel and restaurant business. However, these plans failed to take place. In 1998, the company bought the Debbie Reynolds Hotel & Casino, but they just ended up selling the building in 2000.
Meanwhile, WWF New York opened in 1999, featuring a retail store, a nightclub, a restaurant, and an arcade. Although not completely centered on WWE, to attract a wider audience, it sold merchandise in its gift stores, and its nightclub hosts special WWE events and appearances.
In 2003, former WWE CEO Linda McMahon announced that they would close the restaurant and nightclub, and the retail shop closed two months later. In 2005, the complex opened after two years after Hard Rock Cafe took over.
