WWE veteran addresses Shane and Stephanie McMahon's complicated relationship (Exclusive)

Shane and Stephanie McMahon became on-screen characters in the 1990s after former WWE writer Vince Russo pitched the idea to their father, Vince McMahon. In a recent video, Russo disclosed details about the siblings' relationship amid speculation that they no longer speak to each other.

Reports of friction in the family emerged in 2023 after Vince McMahon reversed his retirement decision. Stephanie McMahon and Triple H allegedly voted against the 79-year-old's return as WWE Executive Chairman, prompting rumors of a real-life fallout behind the scenes.

The 64-year-old told host Dr. Chris Featherstone on Sportskeeda Wrestling's Writing With Russo that Shane and Stephanie rarely worked together in WWE. He also implied that Vince had a better relationship with Stephanie than Shane.

"You never saw them work together," Russo said. "They were both working for the company but doing different things. You never actually saw them working together hand in hand, but I think Shane always knew Stephanie was Daddy's little girl. I think he always knew that, man." [8:05–8:22]

Watch the video above to hear Russo's reaction to Shane McMahon discussing his father in a recent interview.

Vince Russo on Vince McMahon's treatment of Shane and Stephanie McMahon

In 2023, Vince McMahon oversaw the sale of WWE to Endeavor. Before that, many thought Shane or Stephanie McMahon would take over to keep the company in the family.

According to Vince Russo, the tension between Vince McMahon's children was noticeable in the 1990s.

"Absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, because she was Daddy's little girl, and no matter what Shane did, it was never good enough in Vince's eyes. So, you have the combination of those two things, man, which made things really, really tough on Shane." [8:37–8:56]

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Vince McMahon left WWE for the second time in 2024 after former employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against him. Shane is no longer involved with the company, while The Billion Dollar Princess makes sporadic appearances. She also hosts the WWE-produced What's Your Story? With Steph McMahon podcast.

Please credit Sportskeeda Wrestling's Writing With Russo and embed the video if you use quotes from this article.

About the author

Danny Hart is a journalist who has been reporting on pro wrestling (WWE) at Sportskeeda since 2017. He grew up as a massive fan of football/soccer and wrestling, leading him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Before assuming his current role, Hart worked as a football writer at Goal.com between 2009 and 2016. He prides himself on writing original content that is fact-based and highly accurate. Hart thoroughly proofreads his work before submitting it and relies only on credible sources for information.

Hart’s favorite pro wrestler is The Undertaker. He admires the 2022 WWE Hall of Famer’s ability to reinvent his character and remain relevant across his decades-long career. If given the keys to WWE’s creative department, he would bring back The Phenom for a farewell bout against AJ Styles in a stadium full of fans. Not only that, but he would love to have the multi-time world champion’s greatest rivals seated at ringside for the spectacle.

When not watching and covering sports, Hart enjoys long-distance running, playing video games, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

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Edited by Danny Hart