[YouWillReturn]

Vince McMahon
Linda McMahon

+ Every television network executive that has ever had to decide whether or not to put WWF/E programming on their channel.

I go for the source.

 

[HBK4LIFE]

Vince
Bruno
Hogan
Taker
Michaels

 

[redwood_original]

1. Vince
2. Hogan
3. Bischoff
4. Shane
5. Triple H

 

[CD Player]

Including only on air talent:

Hulk Hogan. He helped bring Vince McMahon's vision to life.

Steve Austin. He contributed more than anyone to WWF's comeback against WCW.

Someone with smaller influences-

Mick Foley.

1. He was able to portray different gimmicks without breaking kayfabe. He made fans understand there were real people behind all the crazy gimmicks, and that WWF wasn't lieing about it.

2. He was the first main event face to put over a heel cleanly. This made future main events more unpredictable.

3. He helped to legitimize Triple H, who has been a huge part of WWF programming for many, many years.

 

[Flair Flop]

1. Vince McMahon
2. Hulk Hogan
3. Gorgeous George
4. Steve Austin
5. Buddy Rogers

 

[Batko10]

1. VINCE McMAHON, SR.
2. TOOTS MONDT
3. VINCE McMAHON, JR.
4. NATURE BOY BUDDY ROGERS
5. BRUNO SAMMARTINO

Vince McMahon, Sr. and Toots Mondt were co-owners of the "Capitol Wrestling Company" which, in fact, booked more than half the matches for the NWA. In 1963, over Mondt's objections, the NWA ordered Buddy Rogers to put over Lou Thesz in a one fall match in Canada and lose the NWA World Championship.

Mondt and McMahon were furious and pulled Capitol Wrestling out of the NWA. Rogers agreed to be the first WWWF World Champion and help get the new company on its feet before retiring. Buddy put over Bruno in Madison Square Garden less the 6 months later. Sammartino kept the ball rolling and eventually turned into the WWWF's "Living Legend." The rest is history!

- Mike

Co-Owners of the original WWWF VINCE McMAHON, SR. & TOOTS MONDT pose with the 2nd WWWF World Champion BRUNO SAMMARTINO

 

[Flair Flop]

1. VINCE McMAHON, SR.
2. TOOTS MONDT
3. VINCE McMAHON, JR.
4. NATURE BOY BUDDY ROGERS
5. BRUNO SAMMARTINO

Vince McMahon, Sr. and Toots Mondt were co-owners of the "Capitol Wrestling Company" which, in fact, booked more than half the matches for the NWA. In 1963, over Mondt's objections, the NWA ordered Buddy Rogers to put over Lou Thesz in a one fall match in Canada and lose the NWA World Championship.

Mondt and McMahon were furious and pulled Capitol Wrestling out of the NWA. Rogers agreed to be the first WWWF World Champion and help get the new company on its feet before retiring. Buddy put over Bruno in Madison Square Garden less the 6 months later. Sammartino kept the ball rolling and eventually turned into the WWWF's "Living Legend." The rest is history!

- Mike



Co-Owners of the original WWWF VINCE McMAHON, SR. & TOOTS MONDT pose with the 2nd WWWF World Champion BRUNO SAMMARTINO

Where would you put Gorgeous George on your list?

 

[Cpt. Charisma]

Though not direct influences, you could argue that Eric Bischoff and Ted Turner's actions had a huge influence on WWE from the late 90s onwards.

But as more direct influences, it'll have to be Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, Bruno Sammartino and maybe the Undertaker.

 

[Not Lying]

Bischoff
Hogan
Vince
Austin
Bruno

 

[Batko10]

Where would you put Gorgeous George on your list?

If we are talking about the 5 most influential people in WWF/WWE history then Gorgeous George does not belong anyplace on the list.

Wagner fought his last match in his Gorgeous George persona in 1962 a full year before Mondt and McMahon pulled Capitol Wrestling out of the NWA and created the World Wide Wrestling Federation.


I don't see how George had any direct major influence on the WWWF/WWF/WWE. If we are talking about the history of pro-wrestling in general, then it's a different story.

However, I understood the question to be about the WWWF/WWF/WWE. If that is the question, then no one can logically dispute the top three of Vince McMahon, Sr., Toots Mondt, and Vince McMahon, Jr. Buddy and Bruno belong right below those three, but I can see someone arguing for Hogan or some other late comer.

- Mike

 

[xdoomsayerx]

Vince McMahon
Steve Austin
Hulk Hogan
The Rock
The Undertaker

 

[Flair Flop]

If we are talking about the 5 most influential people in WWF/WWE history then Gorgeous George does not belong anyplace on the list.

Wagner fought his last match in his Gorgeous George persona in 1962 a full year before Mondt and McMahon pulled Capitol Wrestling out of the NWA and created the World Wide Wrestling Federation.


I don't see how George had any direct major influence on the WWWF/WWF/WWE. If we are talking about the history of pro-wrestling in general, then it's a different story.

However, I understood the question to be about the WWWF/WWF/WWE. If that is the question, then no one can logically dispute the top three of Vince McMahon, Sr., Toots Mondt, and Vince McMahon, Jr. Buddy and Bruno belong right below those three, but I can see someone arguing for Hogan or some other late comer.

- Mike

I got confused on the timeline there. Still much to learn. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[Darren Dangerous]

Unless there is another Gorgeous George I don't know about then Im confused.

 

[777]

1. Vince Jr.
2. Vince Sr.
3. Pat Patterson
4. Andre The Giant
5. Jim Ross

 

[Batko10]

Unless there is another Gorgeous George I don't know about then Im confused.

What are you confused about?

- Mike

 

[Darren Dangerous]

About how Gorgeous George was an influence. The thing she is known for the most is her porn tape.

 

[Batko10]

1. Vince Jr.
2. Vince Sr.
3. Pat Patterson
4. Andre The Giant
5. Jim Ross

Since Toots Mondt was Vince, Sr.'s partner and, in fact, had more pull in the pro-wrestling world at the time, how can you not include him on your list if you are putting both McMahon's on it???

If the truth be told, Mondt was probably more influential in breaking Capitol Wrestling away from the NWA the Vince, Sr. Mondt was really furious with the NWA and the creation of the WWWF was built out of that fury.

So, logically, anyone who rates Vince Sr. and Jr. in the top 5 has got to rate Mondt right up there.

- Mike

 

[Flair Flop]

Unless there is another Gorgeous George I don't know about then Im confused.

No dude, not the valet of Randy Savage. Gorgeous George wrestled most in the 40's and is arguably the most influential heel in wrestling history. Hopefully Batko10 will give you a much more detailed explanation then I can.

 

[Batko10]

About how Gorgeous George was an influence. The thing she is known for the most is her porn tape.

I don't mean to be rude, but what the hell are you talking about??? If you are not "pulling our leg," I suggest that you google Gorgeous George. He was a true pioneer of the game and the consumate heel.

- Mike