Click here to access our photos of Stephanie McMahon

Stephanie McMahon

Brains, beauty and sometimes beotch

Power Slam's interview with Stephanie McMahon (November 2009 issue)

In a rare interview, Stephanie McMahon responds to her critics, specifically noting they used to bother her and how she views them now. She also explains why she's not on television as much as before, if there is a sibling rivalry between her and her brother Shane, the company's main focus for the future, and much more.

THE SHORT INTERVIEW

Danny Flexen managed to grab a few words with WWE bigwig Stephanie McMahon-Levesque at the September 18 weigh-in for the Mayweather vs. Marquez fight in Las Vegas . . .

STEPHANIE, TO BEGIN, can you tell us what all of your WWE job titles are?

I head up Creative Writing, Talent Relations, Talent Brand Management, Live Event Marketing and Live Event Management.

That's some list. What's WWE's main focus in the near future?

We are poised to take off like never before: becoming a truly global brand is the focus right now. Our television programmes are already in over 150 countries and translated into, I think, 30 languages. We have over 15 million viewers and over 15 million page-views per month on wwe.com.

For WWE to grow into a "truly global brand", I assume the company will have to stage more live arena events and television tapings outside the United States and Canada. But how about pay-per-views: do you envisage WWE promoting any from overseas markets?

There will definitely be more live events. The problem with pay-per-view overseas is finding the right times and dates to accommodate the time difference. It also helps if we have big stars from those areas of the world: that helps us make inroads into their countries; a lower-level wrestler does not make much difference. Look at The Great Khali, for example: he's revered in India because he's been the (WWE World) champion.

Does WWE need more headline stars in general to facilitate this expansion?

We have to be cognisant of not spreading ourselves too thin. It can be borderline. We're constantly building new stars, and now we have a five-star training facility in Tampa that should help with that. Steve Keirn is heading that up, and we have Dusty Rhodes helping with character development and mike skills.

I understand that you work long hours in the office and have to go on the road each week for WWE television tapings. Is it difficult to balance this work and travel schedule with being a parent to two young children? That you work for the family business alongside your husband Triple H helps, I imagine.

I take my kids with me on the road, as they are the most important things in my life: I don't like to be away from my kids, and that's part of the reason why you don't see me on-screen as much as before . . . You know, I was always forbidden to marry someone in the business by my dad. But, yes, it's helpful, given we both understand the rigours of our lifestyle.

Do you find it hard to leave your work at work? After all, you are technically your husband's boss.

We actually don't (argue) much at all, except in the business. Sometimes, you can take your work home with you and sometimes you don't. But we always work things out.

What about the schedule for the talent: are they working too many, too few or just the right number of live events?

I think we worked it out . . . I don't have the figures in front of me, but the average days worked per year was actually a lot lower than you'd expect. We always try to keep the balance right, and I know that's something John Laurinaitis is always thinking about. The brand extension means it's worse than it was, but it also means there are more opportunities available for the guys who want to work.

You've taken a lot of flak over the years for the role you play on the WWE writing team. Does it bother you?

It used to . . . But I decided that people are going to think whatever they want to think. I try to do the best I can do. I don't read the dirt sheets at all anymore: they used to really bother me. But the numbers — live event attendances, TV ratings — they tell me what I'm doing right and wrong. We're lucky in that way: we have a focus group in every town we go to every night, so if something's not working, we find out quickly and we can change it. We could be heading in the wrong direction and then completely change it.

Would you care to predict who WWE's next big stars will be?

You know, my dad always says he won't answer that question because he doesn't want to get into trouble, so I think I should say the same. I know who I've got my eyes on, though . . . There's a lot.

Your older brother Shane is WWE's Executive Vice President, Global Media. As driven people in positions of authority in the same company, is there any sibling rivalry between you?

Our roles don't exactly cross over that much. But I can't deny that we are, and always have been, competitive. Even now, as grown adults, after meetings we still play 'touched you last' - you know, like tag. We'll come out all serious, and then he'll tag me and shout, 'touched you last!' and then run away. (Shane's) the head of the International operation, so our paths cross when we do international live events - but we tend to work well together. I think our type of competition is a good kind: it drives us both on and makes the business better. But I cannot foresee a day when my dad (Vince McMahon) hands over the reins to either of us. He's still very much in charge -- and, trust me, everyone knows it.

About Stephanie McMahon

Proving the apple doesn't far from the tree, Stephanie McMahon has transformed herself into one of the most powerful personalities in sports entertainment. With an intoxicating combination of beauty and brains, she demands nothing short if excellence. If she doesn't get it from others, Stephanie isn't afraid to step in the ring and beat it out of somebody, much like her father, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

Stephanie was introduced to WWE fans in early 1999 when the sadistic Undertaker abducted her as a means to get to her father. With the innocent Stephanie firmly in his possession, the "Deadman" arranged for a ceremony that would forever lock the two in unholy matrimony. Luckily for Stephanie an unlikely hero made the save when noted McMahon nemesis "Stone Cold" Steve Austin ran to the ring and attacked Undertaker.

Love Life Put To The Test

Following the horrifying Undertaker incident, Stephanie found love in the form of a WWE Superstar, Test. The relationship helped put a smile back on her face, but also managed to infuriate her protective older brother, Shane. Looking out for what he believed were his sister's best interests, Shane attempted to put an end to the fiery love affair when he battled Test in a Love Her or Leave Her Match at SummerSlam 1999. In the end, Test won the match and the right to continue his romance with Stephanie.

The strong between Stephanie and Test eventually lead to an engagement. The young lovers planned to wed in November 1999, but just before before they could exchange vows, one Superstar made a very revealing objection. Armed with video evidence, Triple H exposed the shocking truth that Stephanie was already a married woman.

In an attempt to salvage his daughter's good name, an irate Mr. McMahon battled Triple H at Armageddon in December 1999. Unfortunately for the WWE Chairman, however, "The Game" wasn't his only opponent of that night, as his daughter shocked the wrestling world when she helped Triple H defeat her father. After the match, Stephanie jumped into the arms of her husband, proving the two had been in cahoots all along.

McMahon-Helmsley Era

Together, Stephanie and Triple H went on to become one of the most power-hungriest couples ever. The husband-and-wife team began a ruthless dictatorship that controlled all of WWE. Abusing their power as much as possible, they were both conveniently placed in situations that would benefit them most. As a result, it wasn't long before Triple H had regained the WWE Championship, and Stephanie claimed the Women's Championship.

In July 2001, Stephanie elevated the rivalry with her father to new heights. After already breaking his heart in 1999, Stephanie revealed herself as the new owner of ECW, which she merged with her brother's WCW to form The Alliance. Stephanie and Shane's goal was simple: Put their father and WWWE out of business forever.

The Alliance began as a very serious threat to Mr. McMahon's empire, as many of his major Superstars jumped ship to Stephanie's camp, including Stone Cold and William Regal. In the end, however, The Alliance was forced to disband when they were defeated by Team WWE at Survivor Series 2001.

With the loss, Stephanie was forced to leave World Wrestling Entertainment, or so it seemed. In January 2002, she used a faux pregnancy to weasel her way back into WWE, alongside her husband, Triple H. Her plan eventually backfired, however, when "The Game" learned of the hoax. Following the emotional roller coaster, an enraged Triple H demanded a divorce from his conniving wife.

Back In Power

In July 2002, Stephanie returned to prominence when she took over the reigns of SmackDown. As the brand's General Manager, she acquired some of sport entertainment's biggest names, including Hulk Hogan, Brock Lesnar, and Undertaker. She is also credited with creating the WWE Tag Team Championship and resurrecting the prestigious United States Championship.

Stephanie's time in office came to a painful end when she lost an "I Quit" Match to her father at No Mercy 2003. While she refused to submit to her father, the match ultimately ended when Stephanie's mother, Linda couldn't bear to watch the brutality any longer. As a result, she threw in the towel, signifying the end of Stephanie's time on SmackDown. Following the loss, Stephanie limited her public appearances in favor of assuming several executive roles behind the scenes. On occasion, however, she reappears when the situation calls for a strong leader.