WWE Memo Gives an Inside Look into Vince McMahon’s Production Demands

A leaked WWE production memo from a couple of years ago has hit the web, and the Wrestling Observer has reported that it reveals the demanding side of Vince and Stephanie McMahon when it comes to WWE television. The memo also provides “do’s” and “don’ts” from WWE television director and producer Kevin Dunn.

These production notes were obviously in light of the move from TV-14 into TV-PG, as the announcers are told things like, “you cannot say choke.” Here are a few of the points made in the memo, as provided by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

* Vince McMahon no longer wants “Granddaddy of them all” using to describe WrestleMania because he feels it makes WrestleMania feel old and dated.

* Nobody can use the phrase “choke” for a submission move. Undertaker’s Hell’s Gate move was named Triangle submission hold.

* Producer Kevin Dunn stated that announcers can no longer use the phrase “title changes hands.”

* Vince banned the use of terms “five star match” and “match of the year.” As part of the memo banning those terms, Vince also wanted all announcers to “stop reading the dirt sheets” with the idea that it influences what they say.

* Stephanie McMahon sent a memo for announcers to never use the phrase “the referee didn’t see it” when a heel is doing something behind the referees back. She wrote that it makes it seem like the announcers are treating the fans like they are in grade school. Stephanie prefers “the referee’s vision was impaired” or “the referee’s vision was blocked.” Also, never use the word “hatred” or “hate” when describing a feud and the announcers should never say a talent doesn’t care about winning a match.