The Billion Dollar Princess, Stephanie McMahon became a key on-screen character in WWE in 1999 during the Attitude Era, initially portraying the innocent daughter of Vince McMahon. However, her character took a drastic turn when Triple H interrupted her in-storyline wedding to Test, revealing that he had already married her in a drive-in wedding.
This twist led to Stephanie becoming one of WWE?s top heels, with fans turning on her and chanting derogatory remarks at her during those early years. WWE CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque recounted the moment during an episode of Netflix’s “Mr. McMahon,” sharing how Vince McMahon viewed the crowd?s reaction as a sign of success.
The Game stated that Vince McMahon believed that as long as the audience was engaging with the storyline, even in a negative way, it meant they were invested. Stephanie quickly embraced her role as a villain, willing to do whatever was necessary to enhance the narrative.
“The first time we go back on TV after this whole angle happens, the crowd turns on her and they’re chanting “Slut.” Vince, as they’re going crazy for her, he looks at me and he goes [Rubs fingers together] Meaning, ‘This is money. Vince stated, “I’ve got a big smile on my face because that means the audience is participating. Anytime the audience is participating, they’re loving what it is you’re doing. Steph became this great heel. She was willing to do anything. She’s always been, ‘Whatever you want, dad.’ She knows what it is I’m trying to do.”
Stephanie McMahon has since reflected on some of her more controversial moments, admitting that while she was fully committed to her father?s vision at the time, she now looks back at some of her past storylines with disbelief.
“When I was younger in my career, I was all on board to do whatever he wanted. I look back on some of the stuff I did and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe I did that.’ Yeah, for sure.”
Furthermore, when asked if she ever found it strange that Vince asked her to participate in certain storylines, Stephanie McMahon acknowledged that it did feel odd at times, though she understood it as part of the business during that era.
“Yeah, sometimes, I thought it was a little bit weird, but it was a different time in our business.”
Notably, Stephanie even wrestled her father, Vince McMahon, at No Mercy 2003, just days before her real-life wedding to Triple H. Moreover, this storyline, like many during that time, helped solidify Stephanie?s position as one of WWE?s most iconic heel characters.
While Stephanie McMahon continues to make sporadic appearances on WWE TV in recent months, she is no longer a part of the top management. On the other hand, her husband, Triple H, is the man behind the creative regime that has been generating massive success for WWE and aims to continue the wave for the years to come.
Were you a fan of the Stephanie McMahon-Triple H storyline? What are your thoughts on Stephanie McMahon feeling weird about some of Vince McMahon’s ideas for her character? Sound off in the comments!
