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On this day in August 24 1945, a young baby boy was born. Little did anyone know at the time that the infant would grow up to become a billionaire businessman, responsible for one of the most popular entertainment companies on the planet.
That's right, today is Vince McMahon's 73rd birthday. The WWE Chairman has done a lot in those 73 years, both on and off screen.
To celebrate, lets take a look at 5 of the most shocking moments involving the birthday boy.
#1 The champion of the board
Year 1999 was a defining year for Triple H. After ditching D-Generation X, the star now calling himself 'The Game', finally achieved his dream - capturing the WWF Championship the night after SummerSlam.
But despite this, The Game's reign would not last long. After verbally berating future mother in law Linda McMahon on RAW, Vince (who had not been seen for weeks) returned, defending his wife's honor.
The next night on SmackDown, The Game was forced to put the title on the line, but got to choose his opponent. Seeing an easy target, HHH picked the boss, but wasn't prepared for the upset of a lifetime, as Vince McMahon (albeit with help) defeated The King of Kings to win the gold.
Some fans loved it, some fans hated it. But it was truly a shocking moment.
#2 McMahon 3:16
WrestleMania X-Seven was a truly exceptional event. Seen by many as the greatest pay per view ever, the show was the culmination of years of Attitude Era popularity.
Earlier in the night, Vince had faced his own son Shane (a shocking moment in its own right), falling short to the prodigal son.
When asked about the main event (The Rock vs Austin), Vince promised something shocking, and boy did he deliver.
With both men down, McMahon strutted to the ring, and in a moment no one could've predicted, helped his greatest nemesis capture the WWF Championship, in Austin's home state of Texas no less.
Jim Ross put it best;
"Stone Cold is shaking hands with Satan himself!"
#3 McMahon tears his quads
Shocking does not always mean historic. Shocking can also mean hilarious. For example, the 2005 Royal Rumble.
When Rumble match finalists Batista and John Cena eliminated each other at the same time, fans and referees were split. SmackDown refs called for a Cena win, whilst RAW refs said Batista.
Enter Vince McMahon. Charging down to the ring, he'd get in the face of everyone for sure!
At least, that was the plan.
Entering the ring, McMahon tore both his quads, and could not stand. Ever the professional, McMahon ordered the match to be restarted.
Batista may have won the historic match, but the searing image of that show will always be McMahon, red faced, on his butt, and trying to be the boss.
#4 The Kiss my a** club
One of the things Mr. McMahon loves people to know, is just how much he loves being the boss. And on several occasions, he's proved it, with his very own club.
Beginning the night after Survivor Series 2001, McMahon was a very happy man. The night prior, his WWF team had finally vanquished The Alliance of WCW and ECW, with McMahon in full control once again.
William Regal had been the WWF Commissioner, before defecting to The Alliance. Desperate to keep a job, Regal begged the boss. Ever the humanitarian, Vince offered him a job, if he kissed the then 58 year old rump of the boss.
Regal would be the first inductee, into a club that includes names like Jim Ross, Shawn Michaels, and even Vince's son Shane!
#5 The Montreal screw job
What else could it have been?
In 1997, Bret Hart was set to leave WWF and join the promise land of WCW, agreeing to forfeit the title the night after Survivor Series, as Bret refused to lose the title to real life rival Shawn Michaels.
Paranoid about Bret possibly leaving as the champion, the plan was formed. After Shawn had gotten Bret in the sharpshooter, Vince called for the bell, and awarded the title to Shawn, declaring him the champion.
This one night changed wrestling forever, with it being the moment where mild commentator Vince McMahon, became the ruthless on screen boss.
The two would eventually reconcile 12 years later, in 2010.
