Vince McMahon would have fired AEW star for refusing to do infamous spot, says Dutch Mantell
WWE veteran Dutch Mantell recently opened up about one of Vince McMahon's most controversial segments on television. The segment in question involved AEW commentator Jim Ross, who would have been fired from his position in WWE had he refused to take part in it.
In 2001, Vince McMahon introduced the infamous "Kiss My Ass" club, where he would literally force wrestlers and other personnel to lay their lips on the boss' bare backside to show their respect and loyalty to him.
After Stone Cold Steve Austin avoided becoming a member of the club, Vince McMahon and Kurt Angle noticed Jim Ross laughing on commentary. They then brought JR into the ring and forced him to join the club instead.
Dutch Mantell, who has over five decades of experience in the wrestling business, spoke about the infamous segment on his Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast:
“Listen, I’m in the business and I’m thinking; ‘You know, that is… that’s some humiliating stuff to have to do that.’ But Jim on the other hand, he either did it or he’d lose his job. And I would hate – I could never do that as a boss. I could never say; ‘You got to do it or I’m going to fire you.’ But Vince on the other hand, probably, he didn’t have such a high moral compass like I did.” [04:56 – 05:32]
Insane - almost criminally insane - how much WWE have normalised the toxic workplace.
Jim Ross gets a lovely welcome back to #AEWDynamite and it still looks out of place after decades of Vince McMahon's generic brand of abuse https://t.co/te5FhU10FL
Jim Ross has been the subject of many humiliating segments throughout his career. However, fans have largely overlooked these and consider the legend to be one of the gems in the business.
Vince McMahon allegedly fined Vader $30,000
During one of the most talked about interviews in WWE history, Vader snapped at a reporter in Kuwait when The Undertaker, who was also a part of the interview, was asked about the legitimacy of pro wrestling.
Vader promptly flipped over the table on the set and grabbed the reporter by his tie. Given The Mastodon's reputation for being one of the toughest guys in wrestling history, he undoubtedly sent some shivers down the poor reporter's spine.
26 years ago today Vader was arrested in Kuwait.
youtube.com/watch?v=aJf1Bg…
Vader was held in house arrest for 10 days before being allowed to go back to the US. https://t.co/HXe3ekVMHm
However, Vince McMahon was less intimidated by the actions and more embarrassed. According to Bruce Prichard, the WWE boss fined Vader $30,000 — the largest fine ever issued to a superstar at the time.