Linda McMahon, co-founder of WWE and longtime business partner to Vince McMahon, is finally revealing just how close they came to losing everything before WWE became the global juggernaut it is today. In an interview with Sage Steele, Linda detailed the early financial collapse that pushed the McMahon family into bankruptcywhile she was pregnant with Stephanie McMahon.
The setback didnt come from wrestling. At the time, WWE (then WWF) was gaining traction as Vince and Linda looked to take the company national. But outside advice led them in a direction that nearly destroyed their future.
Linda recalled that an accountant convinced them they were too heavily invested in one venture and should diversify. The McMahons agreed and put money into a construction business they didnt understand. That decision backfired hard.
Trusting the expert advice, the McMahons co-signed on loans and poured money into the venture. But things quickly spiraled.
The fallout was devastating. Linda described losing their home and car, all while she was expecting their daughter Stephanie.
Despite that crushing blow, the McMahons didnt give up. They rebuilt from nothing and went on to revolutionize professional wrestling through the WWE. Linda later became a major figure in public service, serving as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019.
This rare glimpse into Lindas past shows the staggering personal cost behind WWEs riseand how easily it couldve all ended before it even started.
What do you think about Lindas story? Should more wrestling executives be transparent about their struggles? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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