5 stories that prove Vince McMahon has a kind heart

In 1997, commentator Vince McMahon stepped away from the desk, revealing himself as the actual owner of the company.

Since that fateful moment, Vince McMahon has transformed into Mr. McMahon, the evil billionaire who always gets what he wants, and refuses to let anyone stand in his way.

From Stone Cold to Hulk Hogan, to even the Undertaker, Mr. McMahon has been ruthless in his ambitions, despite the occasional flutter of humanity (seen in late 1999, and in 2009).

But for all his evil doings, Vince, the man behind the character, has proven himself to be a good guy.

Whilst fans often see Vince as a factor behind wrestling in the modern era being "ruined", they should remember that without McMahon, professional wrestling wouldn't be as massively successful it is today without him.

Here are five stories that prove Vince McMahon has a heart.

#5. Making Kurt Angle confront his demons

In 2006, Kurt Angle was one of the WWE's top stars, winning the World Heavyweight Championship in January.

Prior to this, Angle had become a megastar since joining in 1999, holding the WWE Championship multiple times, as well as the Intercontinental, Tag Team, European and United States championships, as well as the 2000 King of the Ring.

So when Angle was granted an early release in the summer, many fans were left bewildered why the company would get rid of a huge star.

It has since been revealed, that Angle was facing serious drug addiction at the time, as his body was unable to perform at the level he expected.

Fearing the worst for Kurt, McMahon ordered Angle to attend company-sponsored rehab, which Angle refused.

The company, therefore, released Angle, refusing to be complicit in allowing more damage to his body. Despite this release, Vince said the door would always be open for Kurt to return, which he did in 2017.

#4. He lives the business 24/7

Mick Foley is one of the most iconic stars of wrestling, whether as the deranged Mankind, the funky Dude Love, or the sadistic Cactus Jack.

The career of Foley and McMahon has long been connected, with Vince being instrumental in Mankind's face turn at Survivor Series 1998.

Foley, working as Mankind was seemingly the hand-picked winner of the Survivor Series Deadly Games tournament for the vacant WWF Championship, until McMahon turned on the Micker, aligning with the Rock, in a repeat of the Montreal Screwjob from a year ago.

In an interview with Off the Record podcast, Foley has described Vince as someone who lives the business, someone that you could call at four in the morning and he would talk an idea with you.

In the same interview, Foley compared this to WCW, where he said many higher-ups treated it as just a 9-5 job.

#3. Helping Vickie Gerrero provide for her family

When Eddie Guerrero died in 2005, his death came as a blow to the wrestling world.

Eddie had come back from drug addiction and substance abuse issues, to become WWE Champion the previous year, making his untimely demise all the more heartwrenching.

This was the toughest on his widow Vickie, who, not only lost a husband but the family's main source of income.

Seeing this struggle, Vince would, after an appropriate time, offer Vickie a job with the company, allowing her to provide for those she cared about.

Vickie, who had had no prior training in wrestling, quickly rose to become one of the company's top heels.

Running SmackDown with an Iron fist, Guerrero made the blue brand must-see Television, feuding with the likes of Rey Mysterio, Jeff Hardy, and Triple H.

#2. Giving Darren Drozdov a lifetime contract

In 1998, Darren 'Puke' Drozdov, joined the WWF. A former NFL star, he was never going to become the next Steve Austin.

But a year later, Drozdov's career ended, and his life changed after a botched move left him paralyzed from the waist down, in a match with D'Lo Brown.

Horrified at what had happened, McMahon offered Drozdov a lifetime contract with the WWE, where he still works today, writing for WWE.com, and in the past, giving his predictions for pay per views.

Fortunately, he has made some major improvements to his health, with Drozdov now having mobility in the upper half of his body.

Perhaps the most incredible thing about this story, is that Droz has never blamed anyone for the tragedy.

Even when he was visited by a heartbroken D'Lo in hospital, Droz told him that accidents happen, and 19 years later, still holds no ill-will to the first Euro-Continental Champion.

#1.Giving Jerry Lawler a WrestleMania moment

Fans may not have the kindest things to say about Jerry Lawler's commentary in recent years, but it's hard to argue with the King's success or his loyalty.

Joining the WWF in December 1992, Lawler has been one of the company's most loyal Superstars, whether that be as a wrestler or a commentator.

And yet despite this, Lawler nearly went his entire career without a WrestleMania match, until Vince made the call in 2011.

Feuding with fellow commentator Michael Cole, the story may not have been the best, and downright tasteless at times (namely, bringing in Lawler's real-life son Brian Christopher), but it was nice to see the King get to walk that aisle at the showcase of the immortals.

Whilst Lawler may have lost the match, via disqualification no less, it must've been an absolute treat for Jerry to perform at the biggest show of the year.