WWE: From shocking betrayals to championship reigns, Stephanie McMahon has done it all in WWE. Here’s a look at the biggest moments that defined her career.
WWE: Stephanie McMahon has been one of the most influential figures in WWE history, both in and out of the ring. From being a key part of the Attitude Era’s most controversial storylines to taking on a leadership role in WWE’s corporate world, she has made an impact in every possible way. Whether she was manipulating superstars, winning championships, or changing the business landscape, Stephanie has done it all. Here are the most defining moments that shaped her WWE legacy.
#5 The SmackDown GM Era (2002-2003)
When Stephanie took over as General Manager of SmackDown in 2002, she made bold decisions that elevated the blue brand to new heights. Under her leadership, SmackDown introduced the WWE Tag Team Championships and focused on rising talents like Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, and Edge. Her rivalry with RAW GM Eric Bischoff also made for compelling television. She went on to establish SmackDown as an equal to RAW and pushed new talent to the forefront.
#4 The McMahon-Helmsley Era Begins (1999)
One of the most shocking moments in WWE history came in 1999 when Stephanie turned on her father, Vince McMahon, and aligned herself with Triple H. The move was the start of The McMahon-Helmsley Era, a dominant faction that ruled WWE for years. Stephanie played a vital role in Triple H’s WWE Championship reigns, often interfering in matches and shaping major storylines. Fans were stunned as Stephanie transformed from an innocent McMahon into a power-hungry villain overnight.
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#3 Wrestling Her Father at No Mercy 2003
In one of the most bizarre but emotional rivalries, Stephanie McMahon faced Vince McMahon in an "I Quit" match" at No Mercy 2003. The father-daughter showdown had real emotion, as Stephanie fought to keep her job as GM. Despite a gutsy performance, she eventually lost after Vince forced Linda McMahon to throw in the towel.
#2 Authority Figure in WWE’s Women’s Revolution
Stephanie was instrumental in pushing for change in WWE’s women’s division. In 2015, she introduced Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks to the main roster, ushering in the Women’s Revolution. Under her authority, WWE rebranded the Divas Championship into the Women’s Championship, giving the division long-overdue respect. The Women’s Revolution has since produced WrestleMania main events, historic matches, and new stars.
#1 Returning to WWE as co-CEO (2022)
After Vince McMahon’s temporary retirement in 2022, Stephanie stepped up as co-CEO alongside Nick Khan. This marked a historic moment as she became the most powerful woman in WWE history. While she later stepped down, her leadership during a critical transition period was widely praised.