10 Most Controversial WWE Attitude Era Storylines

3. The Genetic Jackhammer

Look, if I was the CEO of WWE as well as a prominent on-screen character, there’s every chance I might book myself in situations where I have to make out with gorgeous, super model calibre women. 

I’m not saying I would definitely do it, but there’s certainly a possibility and it’s hard to begrudge Vince McMahon for (kayfabe) hooking up with the likes of Torrie Wilson, Candice Michelle, Sable and so on and so forth. 

McMahon’s on-screen dalliances began with Trish Stratus in early 2001, during a storyline with several uncomfortable and controversial moments. 

It started with Vince angrily demanded a divorce from his wife Linda, sending her into shock and landing her in an institution. 

From there, Vince continued to keep her comatose with the help of medication, while playing tonsil hockey with Trish. 

This led to feuds and matches between Trish and Stephanie McMahon, as well as Vince and Shane McMahon. 

One of the more uncomfortable scenes in this whole torrid episode was the segment where Vince – a week removed from having sort of turned on Stratus by helping Steph cover her in slop – demanded that the future Hall of Famer get down on her hands and knees and ‘bark like a dog’, before she stripped to her underwear. 

That segment was cut from some international broadcasts of the show and, while both Trish and Linda got their revenge at WrestleMania 17, it didn’t feel like nearly enough, considering what the maniacal owner had put them through.