The Men Who Fooled The World
by Bill Banks
This article appears on pages 20-22 of WWF Magazine, Sept. '99

When mysterious "crop circles" began appearing around 1981, 
many people were convinced it was a sure sign that aliens had visited 
Earth. The phenomenon increased throughout the '80s and millions were 
fascinated by the occurrences, while scientists had no clear 
explanation and the media labeled it all the work of "little green men." 
The "other world" theory came crashing down a decade later, though, 
when it was determined that the "circles" were completely man-made 
hoaxes.
How did these hoaxters fool the entire world? With a little mental 
manipulation and tight-lipped secrecy, anything is possible. Take Vince 
and Shane McMahon, who pulled off the biggest hoax in the World 
Wrestling Federation history when the Chairman revealed himself as the 
Undertaker's "Greater Power."
Don't blame yourself for being a little naive. After all, we were 
fooled by the man who's made a career of playing mind games. 
For close to two years now, Vince has been all consumed with destroying 
the phenomenon that is Austin 3:16. When all else failed, the ultimate 
plot had to be, excuse the pun, undertaken. The greatest trick Vince 
McMahon ever pulled off was convincing the world he had sided with 
Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Had it not been for Shane's pure genius, his father's plan would never 
have worked. While the Chairman systematically manipulated the downfall 
of his nemesis, the "Boy Wonder" was one of the key players in this 
game of human chess. Antagonizing the Rattlesnake into lashing out at 
him just came naturally. The hard part was appearing just as cold, 
manipulative and heavy-handed as his father in ruling the family 
business...or was it? He not only made it look easy, but Shane made 
his father a popular underdog in the process. He made all the pieces 
fall into the right places. After all, the "Boy Wonder" who will one 
day assume the reigns of the Federation, was taught by the best! 
But what if...he learned too well?
During the months that Shane spent at the helm of the World Wrestling 
Federation, Dad was coaching him all the way. The experience must 
surely have been enlightening for the heir apparent, with his first 
taste of on-the-job training perhaps leaving him hungry for the position 
he will assume one day. For the young man who began his career as part 
of the ring crew, this journey will be a lifetime of work culminating 
in one day becoming the owner. The question is, did Shane use his time 
wisely? Vince may have been calling the shots during those months, but 
it was the heir apparent who stood to benefit.
But don't think for one second that Shane didn't realize this golden 
opportunity would be used as a measuring stick by his father. Could he 
follow in his footsteps? Was he ready to run the company if need be? 
Shane answered those questions when he proved--without a shadow of a 
doubt--that he could be even more calculating than Vince! From using 
his sister, Stephanie, as a pawn to ripping the Federation Championship 
from the Rattlesnake, his heart (or lack of) in his business dealings 
was never in question. He went at it with the same ruthless drive that 
helped his father create a global sports-entertainment phenomenon 
in the '80s.
Although it was all a ruse from the beginning, the experience 
proved a valuable apprenticeship for the "Boy Wonder." Even in 
his youth, Shane strived to prove to his father that he was the future of 
the company. Thanks to the "Greater Power", he finally had his chance--
but the hunger may still remain. In time he will assume control of the 
Federation from Vince...but until then Shane must be patient. 
Unfortunately, that may not be a virtue the youngster posesses. 
Perhaps by offering his sone a taste of what his future holds and then 
reclaiming it from him, Vince may have planted the seeds for a leader 
who may not only surpass him in a business sense, but in terms of the 
ruthlessness by which he can control the Federation.
Shane's expression when Vince revealed himself as the "Greater Power" 
spoke volumes about his potential for success. The look 
of confidence--along with the "holier than thou" smirk--indicated 
that the heir apparent had not only passed the test, but had done so 
with absolute perfection. Not once had he strayed from the goal or 
risked giving away the master plan. After close to six months, how 
many people could have done likewise?
He was so convincing, in fact, when it came to topping his father's 
ruthlessness that, prior to the unveiling, many observers thought that 
Shane was the "Greater Power," clearly believing that the evil and 
comtempt was within him. At the exact minute the entire plot unfolded, 
Shane seemingly proved the philosophy so many had assumed--once a McMahon, 
always a McMahon. Vince didn't become one of the most successful 
businessmen in the world by doing what's "right," but rather building 
the Federation on a succession of business dealings and decisions 
which left some feeling they had been used. Certainly, Shane has 
learned a great deal from his father about how to survive in an ocean 
of "great whites"--and he has already shown signs that he's ready to 
employ the same tactics.
When Shane's time does come, he won't be content with simply filling 
his father's shoes. He will attempt to outdo Vince, just as he has his 
entire life. In Shane's mind, following in Vince's footsteps does not 
guarantee success. It may instead equal failure. For the "Boy Wonder" 
to fulfill his own expectations, he must set a higher precedent than 
Vince--an incredibly daunting task. Based on what the student has 
already leanred from the teacher, how far might Shane go when he has 
the power? Will Dad's treachery seem like mere child's play when Shane 
steps up to the plate?
As the era of Shane McMahon draws closer, it is apparent that the 
youngster is already sharpening his teeth when it comes to ruling the 
Federation. Whether Shane realizes it or not, the knowledge and power 
that Vince offered his son during his apprenticeship may very well 
lead to his own downfall.
Some time in the not-so-distant future perhaps the heir apparent could 
pull off a hoax of his own that would make the "crop circle" fraud 
seem small-time by comparison. Just maybe he already has the world--
and his father--convinced that he'll sit back and wait to inherit the 
Federation. After all, as the Chairman himself said, when it comes to 
family "love has nothing to do with it...it's just business."