Dave Meltzer recalls tense 1992 talk show with Vince McMahon amid wrestling scandals

Dave Meltzer, a veteran wrestling journalist, recently shared his experience from a 1992 talk show appearance with Vince McMahon and other wrestling figures. The show, hosted by Phil Donahue, focused on allegations of abuse towards male ring boys and a steroid scandal involving McMahon.

Meltzer described it as one of the “weirdest days” of his life. Interestingly, McMahon had secretly settled the case with Tom Cole, the central figure in the ring boy scandal, just days before the show.

During the show, McMahon was seated next to Meltzer, contrary to the original seating plan. Meltzer speculated that the initial arrangement might have been intended to provoke a confrontation between McMahon and Bruno Sammartino due to their differences.

Near the end of the broadcast, McMahon reportedly told Meltzer it was “the longest hour of my life.” Meltzer suggested that the potential for a physical altercation between McMahon and Sammartino, both iconic figures in New York wrestling, would have been appealing to more sensationalist shows of the time.

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