In an era where the antitrust laws are being scrutinized, and the concept of big business is under intense scrutiny, a WWE Hall of Famer is speaking out in support of Vince McMahon’s business model. Dory Funk Jr., a wrestling legend and a key figure in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), believes that McMahon’s penchant for buying everything in sight was ‘good for the business.’
Funk Jr.’s comments come at a time when WWE is facing increasing competition from emerging promotions like All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Impact Wrestling. While some critics argue that McMahon’s business model is monopolistic and stifles competition, Funk Jr. sees it as a necessary evil in the world of professional wrestling.
“We’ve got to be realistic here. The wrestling business is a tough, tough business. You’ve got to be prepared to make some tough decisions and be willing to take some risks,” Funk Jr. said in an interview with this writer. “Vince McMahon’s business model may not be for everyone, but it’s worked for him, and it’s worked for WWE. If you can’t compete with the big boys, then you need to get out of the way.”
Funk Jr.’s comments are not without controversy, however. Some wrestling insiders have long criticized McMahon’s business model, accusing him of using his power and influence to stifle competition and eliminate potential threats. According to a WWE insider, McMahon’s tactics have been to buy out or bankrupt any promotion that stands in his way.
“Vince has always been willing to do whatever it takes to protect WWE’s interests,” the insider said. “He’s bought out promotions, poached talent, and even sued competitors to try and shut them down. It’s not pretty, but it’s the way Vince operates.”
Despite these criticisms, Funk Jr. remains a vocal supporter of McMahon’s business model. He believes that it’s the key to WWE’s success in the modern era and that any potential competitors would do well to learn from McMahon’s playbook.
“WWE is the biggest and the best, and it’s because of Vince’s business acumen. He’s a master of the game, and he’s always one step ahead of the competition,” Funk Jr. said. “If you want to be a player in the wrestling world, you need to be willing to play by Vince’s rules. That’s just the way it is.”
Funk Jr.’s comments also raise questions about the impact of WWE’s business model on the wrestling industry as a whole. Some critics argue that McMahon’s tactics have stifled innovation and creativity in the world of professional wrestling, forcing smaller promotions to operate in WWE’s shadow.
“I think that’s a fair criticism,” Funk Jr. said when asked about the impact of WWE’s business model. “But at the end of the day, WWE is the biggest and the best. If you want to compete with them, you need to be willing to put in the work and make the sacrifices necessary to succeed. It’s not easy, but it’s the only way to get ahead in this business.”
Funk Jr.’s comments also come at a time when WWE is facing increased scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators. The company is facing a number of antitrust lawsuits, including a high-profile case filed by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2020. According to sources close to the case, WWE is facing allegations of monopolistic behavior and anticompetitive practices.
“Vince McMahon and WWE are facing some serious heat from the government right now,” a source said. “The allegations of monopolistic behavior and anticompetitive practices are serious, and they could have a major impact on the company’s bottom line.”
Despite these challenges, Funk Jr. remains a vocal supporter of McMahon’s business model. He believes that it’s the key to WWE’s success and that any potential competitors would do well to learn from McMahon’s playbook.
“WWE is the biggest and the best, and it’s because of Vince’s business acumen. He’s a master of the game, and he’s always one step ahead of the competition,” Funk Jr. said. “If you want to be a player in the wrestling world, you need to be willing to play by Vince’s rules. That’s just the way it is.”