Description

This definitive biography of Vince McMahon former WWE chairman and CEO is riveting essential reading Rick Perlstein New York Times bestselling author as it charts his rise from rural poverty to the throne of one of the worlds most influential media empires Featuring exclusive interviews with more than 150 people who witnessed aided and suffered from his ascent

Even if youve never watched a minute of professional wrestling you are living in Vince McMahons world

In his four decades as the defining figure of American pro wrestling McMahon was the man behind Dwayne The Rock Johnson Stone Cold Steve Austin John Cena Dave Bautista Bret The Hitman Hart and Hulk Hogan to name just a few of the megastars who owe him their careers For more than twentyfive years he has also been a performer in his own show acting as the diabolical Mr McMahona figure who may have more in common with the real Vince than he would care to admit

Just as importantly McMahon is one of Donald Trumps closest friendsand Trumps experiences as a performer in McMahons programming were in many ways a dress rehearsal for the 45th Presidents campaigns and presidency McMahon and his wife Linda are major Republican donors Linda was in Trumps cabinet McMahon makes deals with the Saudi government worth hundreds of millions of dollars And for generations of people who have watched wrestling he has been a defining cultural force and has helped foment the worst of contemporary politics Kirkus Reviews

Ringmaster built on exclusive interviews with more than 150 people from McMahons childhood friends to those who accuse him of destroying their lives Smart entertaining impressively reported and beautifully written Wrestling fans will devour it but everyone who wants to better understand this crazy country and one of its truly original characters ought to read it Jonathan Eig author of Ali A Life