Steph McMahon
Appearances
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
What’s Your Story? Premieres April 17th
Hello, everybody, and welcome to What's Your Story with Steph McMahon. And who is Steph McMahon? Well, I had the privilege of growing up inside the world of WWE with all different walks of life, so many different types of people that always fascinated me when I was a little girl all the way to becoming co-CEO and chairman of the board for a brief period of time.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
What’s Your Story? Premieres April 17th
I want to use this podcast and this medium to help tell more of those stories. How did these people become who they became across all walks of life, whether it's music, entertainment, business, sports, media, you name it. Everybody has a story. How did you become who you became and why? What were the decisions that you made? You know, what are decisions you regret?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
What’s Your Story? Premieres April 17th
What are decisions that you relish? And I have the opportunity to get to know all of these people while also being with my co-host and best friend, Elise Dudzinski, who is sitting over there in the background. Say hi, Elise. Hi, guys. Well, we look forward to you tuning in and joining us every week. And it's an honor and a privilege.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
What’s Your Story? Premieres April 17th
So without further ado, here is What's Your Story with Steph McMahon, brought to you by Fanatics.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Michael Rubin
WWE World. Let's welcome on the next show, the newest podcast in the WWE and Fanatics family. What's your story with Steph McMahon and Elise Dudzinski.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
The legend out there. Shane's always been a huge fan, right? Always, always. And I was usually on the receiving end of many practice maneuvers because I was like his little brother. But also there was, you know, a different vision, right? Like you have always had the vision for UFC, right?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
You've never wavered in how you wanted it to be presented and what you believe in and what fighting actually means to you and what you think it means to the masses overall, which I do agree with.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah. Well, it's like our most innate instinct, right? Our most survival instinct is to fight. And then for WWE, you throw on there good versus evil, right? Because then you want to, you know, and the way that I have always positioned it is you look at the Roman Coliseum, right? Where the emperor would decide the gladiator's fate.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And then I make a joke about, thank God we evolved to scripting the end. Yeah. You know, so it's not quite so serious, but that it does, it just, it resonates all over the world. And there's so many parallels to our businesses. And that's one of the things I wanted to ask you about, because, you know, it's funny, when you first came on the scene, I would always hear one perspective.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
You know, which... I bet you did. I bet you did. Just get it right out there. And you may have been seen as a little bit of competition, right? So there was certainly... Which is crazy. Yeah.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
You became our chief of staff and you were amazing and incredible. And it's been an awesome journey. And I can't wait for this new one with you, Elise.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
We were buying G4 and all this other crazy. Gaming network.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah, I think you're probably right. Yeah. But you were one of the first to this scene as well with Fight Pass. And I remember meeting with New Lion, who at the time had designed the tech and everything. And they were basically explaining the live streaming all over the world and how accessible the content was. And I think it was very much ahead of its time. Right.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And you've continued to really push the boundaries with technology.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Sure was. That's a part of your philosophy, right move at the right time.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Are you familiar with Jocko Willink at all? and I hope I'm pronouncing his last name correctly, and if not, we can edit it out, we can edit anything out, but he's a Navy SEAL turned, you know. Oh, Jocko, yeah, yeah, yeah. I know who he is, yeah. So he has this philosophy that no matter what happens, it's good, right? You know, something happened, you think it's terrible in your life.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
If you have the right mindset. If you have the right mindset, that's right. But that's his whole point, right?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And that shows in all of your decision making. I mean, throughout time, you've had programming on YouTube, you know, 10 years ago, 15 years ago.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
I'm sure you're learning some fascinating stuff, and I'm really curious if you can share any of it in any form or fashion.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And give me like a horse, like a pile of shit. Shit. Yes.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Or do you think that was a part of when he really made it meta and that transition? Because there's parallels of when he started taking jujitsu, right? And when he started maybe looking at things in a slightly different way.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Crazy blows your mind. Crazy exciting. Does it make you think of all the different opportunities with your multitude of businesses?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
That's pretty high. Right? I feel like that's high. Probably more. Well, and he was doing some interview and that person said that I thought it would be higher. And he said, no, 20%.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
I agree with that. I'm really glad there was no social media around when I was growing up. Me too. Me too. Yeah. Probably both wouldn't be sitting here. Yeah, definitely not.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
It is crazy. Yep. So I wanted to ask you, one of the things about you is you overcome, no matter what the situation is. And I've heard you tell the story of when you got jumped in the bar. I think it was in Charleston. No, in Boston. It was a place called Pete's Pub.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Delectable. Shit sandwiches. That's why I'm wearing brown. No, but it's a beautiful brown. It is not a shit brown. It's not. It's like a mocha. I don't know why I did that to myself.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah. But what I haven't heard you say is how scary that is. I mean, to really have many people kicking you and beating you in the face.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah. But it happens. It happens. Yeah. And how do you...
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
This is What's Your Story with Steph McMahon, brought to you by Fanatics. And this is really exciting. It's our first episode. A pretty quick turnaround. We're doing this interview on Wednesday, and it's dropping on Thursday. Very exciting with none other than the president and CEO of UFC, Dana White.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
My dad used to say something similar. It's a fact. Yeah.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
I don't know if every guy is a manly kind of guy. Yeah. What about these days? I'm just saying. Maybe guys from 20 years ago maybe would say the same thing. I've known some guys that wouldn't say that. They wouldn't think that wasn't a big deal. We know it's crazy.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
But Elise is very funny, and she does give me piles of shit, which is also entertaining for her. But I think she's going to wind up stealing the show. Oh, God. No pressure. You're just not going to be able to help but fall in love with her.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah, things are very different. That's true. I have three daughters. One is in college and two are in high school. And I know you're about to be an empty nester. Yes, true. And how hard that is, like at least for me, I hate it. I hate, I'm not ready, I'm not there at the empty nest part, but I hate my daughter being gone at school. She's not even that far.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
It's just that she's like on this side of her journey.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah, you have to let them spread their wings, right?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Especially the boys. Yeah. Not the girl? No. I've heard you believe in the double standard. She can stay as long as she wants to. So you didn't have necessarily the best, from what I understand, the best example of a dad when you were growing up. But you take fatherhood very, very seriously. Yeah. And there's a lot of men don't know, right, how to be a good dad. What advice would you have?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
My sister's good. It's a really good point though, to know what you don't want. And I say that to my kids all the time with any experience, right? Absolutely right. With any experience. Yes. Yeah.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yep. That's true. You have to try a lot of different things to figure out. And I think, too, just having a job, how it builds character. No matter what that job is, especially if it's a shitty job. Because you're doing the things you really don't want to do and it's teaching you that discipline. And then you feel good about putting in a full day's work.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
To me, I believe there's something character building in that. And feeling good about yourself.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah. My youngest is 14. And I watched her lay around last summer. My older two are both athletes. So they're constantly doing all different kinds of things. And she would just lay around watching TV, be lazy. And I said, hey, honey, if you're not going to go to a camp, if you're not going to play a sport, you got to get a job. Because you're not just going to be laying around the house.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And she was all for it. She's working at checkout at the local grocery store. She's loving making a living, a little bit of money, right? She knows that if she wants Starbucks, she has to pay for it. I'll pay for lunch or food or whatever. But if it's extra, she's got to pay for it. And she feels good about it because she's earning this money.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
You know, it's like such valuable lessons at such a young age.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
I might, yeah. Yeah? Rule number one, have fun. That's right. That's right. And then the original rule number one? No douchebags. This is correct. No douchebags on the show. Working on the show, guests on the show, anybody. No douchebags allowed. That was the original number one rule. Pretty simple. And then what was the one, Steve? Oh, we can't say, you can't apologize. Oh, no apologies.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
That's what I mean. So like, was there a moment when you were like, you know what? Fuck it. I now am making enough money. I don't have to mow my own lawn anymore.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
You already knew what you didn't want to do and how important that is and how motivating that is.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah. So what are you most excited about right now given, and first of all, congratulations on all of your success. I mean, it's really remarkable everything that you've been able to do. And one of the questions I had for you before I get to, now I'm going to go back, but you are very authentically yourself, right? And you're not afraid to be yourself or to say how you feel or what you believe in.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And I'm curious how much of that you attribute to your success and how important your values are, like your quick value check as to whether or not it's the right sponsor or whether or not it's the right business partner. How has keeping your values aligned with who you are helped fuel your success in all of these different industries?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Or even just a kid in their basement on social media, right?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Has there ever been a time where you wish you would have said something or you wish you had done something? Oh, I do that all the time. Oh, yeah? Oh, yeah? Oh, yeah.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
No apologies. I liked that one as well. Yep. That's from Steve Braband, our producer.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah. But you said something. I mean, you did. It's not like you were quiet. No, I was not quiet. No. So one time I'll tell a story on my father. We were walking and we were in Westport by this outdoor place, you know, near Starbucks. And we're talking about something as this lady is walking by and she's dressed very nicely and has this hat on and everything.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And he's saying something like, Jesus Christ, or, you know, something like that. And all of a sudden, this woman jumps in between us and puts her finger out and says to my father, don't you take the Lord's name in vain. And I'm like, oh, shit. And he goes, lady, why don't you take your God and stick him straight up your ass? Just like that.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And this woman, I mean, the look on her face was priceless. It was so awesome. I will never forget that.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yes. Yes. Like, what is that? And what do you expect someone to do? Oh, thank you. I'm sorry.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Most recent. And you said it bothered you. Oh, that wasn't recent.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
I mean, he was talking about your shoes and how cool your shoes were. And then he was insulting my shoes.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
That's why, because it's emotional for you. So what are you most excited about right now? You know, you're about to start this new boxing promotion, right? Which you hope, I would assume, you want to grow the same way you did UFC, the same way we did WWE.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Our new rights deal that we just did is- And why? Are there different types of sponsors willing to jump in? Are there ones that have been successful at the UFC so they're immediately like, we know this product, we know this person?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
So. Anyway. Elise, do you want to tell the world a little bit about yourself?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And it's so cool because WWE just did a deal with Netflix. And while our premium live events like WrestleMania will be available on Peacock in the United States, it is everywhere in the rest of the world on Netflix real time.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
You do love the controversy. I love it. It's so great. It's so great. You know, I built a career on slapping.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
So I'm just, you know, it's like near and dear to my heart. But I am curious, given especially your exposure and for the audience that doesn't really understand blockchain, you know, what is your perspective of blockchain and how is that going to set the foundation for everything you see in the future?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Which, by the way, thank you for being so cool. I mean, you didn't even make me pitch you. I was so nervous to call you. I was. I just was because I feel stupid. You know, like, why would you guess? You're a podcaster now. You can't feel stupid. I guess. I guess I am. I am.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah. But you didn't even let me get it out. And you just said yes. And it was super cool. So thank you very, very much.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah, it's definitely fun. And I was telling Paul, my husband, I was saying, you know, I was nervous. Like yesterday, I was so nervous. He goes, why are you so nervous? And I said, I don't know. I said, you know, it's funny. As long as I've known Dana, like I don't really know him that well. And he goes, well, isn't that the point? He's like, yeah, well, you know what?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
I guess that is kind of the point. Yeah. So it's awesome to hear your perspective, you know, and how you look at everything.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah, rule number one is have fun. Rule number two is no douchebags. That was rule number one.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
No, no douchebags. You think I need to have douchebags? I do.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
I mean, I think that's just being a mom. You just feel constant guilt. No matter what you do, you feel constant guilt. But it's the best, most rewarding, hardest job in the world.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Make it happen. I feel like you know everybody. Yeah. I mean, really, when I hear you talk about like calling, you know, Bill, Bill Burr, Bill Barr, Bill Burr, Bill Burr, for a joke for the roast of Tom Brady. I'm like, he's pretty much like the best person you could possibly call. That is true. And he gives like, and you're like, Oh, yeah.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And oh, Tom Brady asked me, I had Bill Burr and Tony Hitchcliffe.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
But so why? Like, why do all these things that are uncomfortable? Who knows?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
This exact moment. Yes. You're very comfortable. Totally. I'm not like death gripping this paper. Are you sweating yet? Sorry, so. Are you? Yes, I am, yes. But that's just because I'm perimenopausal. I'm not. I'm just sweating. No, you're a lot younger than me. I am. Yes, you are.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Do you find the more people tell you not to do something, the more you want to do it?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
At all. One of the hardest things you will ever do in your life. It's what you don't want to do. You had to learn again what you don't want to do. There you go. Right? There you go. So what could possibly the future hold for Dana White? For me, I'm going to keep... I mean, would you ever consider a career in politics? Would you ever consider one day running for president?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
No? Listen, I... I mean, have you ever said that before and something turned around and made you think differently? Probably. Probably. Not off the top of my head.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah. Okay. Well, I hear you on that. But still, I think you might be a phenomenal leader.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Well, I don't know about that. I don't know about that. I think you're a huge contributor to our country and society in general. Believe it or not, you are. Well, thank you. And you're such a powerful voice for... Standing up for what you believe in and being yourself and not taking shit and, you know, moving forward regardless of the struggle.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And, you know, you've you've been through a lot in your life as as you've told some of these stories here. And I'd love to know, you know, what what lessons do you teach your kids?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And how does it feel to walk out in your own event right beside the President of the United States or President-elect or whatever time frame it was? Yeah, well, it was last Saturday.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
I mean, it says so much. I had heard people say, oh, it's not smart for Dana to bring then-President-elect Trump or even prior to that.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
But first, I would like to introduce my co-host and best friend, Elise Dudzinski, not Govan as it was originally.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Right? I'll be there. And look at where everything is. Yep. I mean, and where you are. And you have the President of the United States. You probably could text with him, you know, and we won't get into what platform or whatever. But I mean, like, look at where you are in your life. Did you... And yet, I think one of the messages that you keep saying is all of that really doesn't matter.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
I mean, it matters, but that's not what your life is about. Your life is about your family and your life is about doing what you believe in and what you obsess about and what you're passionate about, which is the fight game, the fight business and more.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah. Right? I've never wanted to be anybody else. Like when some people say, man, I wish I could be so-and-so.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
You could take me to dinner. For an hour. Can I come?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yeah. And then to speak about each other so respectfully.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Well, Dana, I can't thank you enough for being a part of this podcast. I can't wait to see where you go and what you do next.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Only because of you. Only because of you. And then we got to have you back on.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yes. Got it, got it. Miss Jacqueline Stakel in the back there.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Stick to Power Slap, motherfucker. But you have done so many of these. Is there anything you would do different or suggest?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
I'm going to send it to you immediately when that happens. I can't wait.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
There you go. I'm just saying, I know a few tricks.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And what did Ryan say to you when you first heard? He told me that he said we were made to be her parents.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
So I had the honor and the privilege of growing up in the world of WWE. Literally, it's been my whole entire life from meeting Andre the Giant when I was three years old to having the Ultimate Warrior stay in our house for three weeks to... becoming a character in the show, an executive in the company, and ultimately a co-CEO and chairwoman for a brief period of time.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Well, I love you, Elise. I love you, too. Oh, my God. Of course, because that's what friends are. We're here for each other no matter what. Right. And I mean, God knows you've been here for me. And we'll get into that at some point.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
I feel like it's important to know it is and why this is happening. That's right. That's right.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Yes. Light. So without further ado then, I think we should introduce our very first guest. All right. All right. I think now that we got a lot out. Yeah. We did. I mean, I have nothing left to share. I know that's not true. Okay. Ladies and gentlemen, one of the most controversial and iconic businessmen in the world.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
He is an entrepreneur on the board of Meta and media mogul and president and CEO of the UFC, Dana White. I tried to do like, you know, the Shannon Sharp introduction, but I don't think I nailed it. No, I think. No, it wasn't quite there. Do it again. No. Fine. See, this is what I deal with. No. Ever wanted to meet your favorite WWE superstars up close?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
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What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
WWE superstars already confirmed include Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, The Undertaker, Jey Uso, Chelsea Green, Trish Stratus, Liv Morgan, Damian Priest, Charlotte Flair, and trust us, there is more on the way. So stay locked in. Fanatics Fest takes over the Javits Center in New York City June 20th through the 22nd. Hit up fanaticsfest.com for tickets and all the latest updates.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Don't miss your moment. Where are you from? You're from Connecticut too?
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Killer set up here, huh? This is the set. Where am I, right or left? Your seat is here.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Welcome to Worcester. Worcester. $1.25, please. Do you know Tollbooth Willie? No. No? Adam Sandler, Tollbooth Willie? She's like younger than me, so she doesn't get it.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Do you guys know Tollbooth Willie? Thank you. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. All right. There we go. At least there's that. But I feel like we could just jump right in with the picture, at least.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
So do you guys have the, there's this picture that I wanted to show you, especially as it relates to Boston and boxing. So can you recognize some of the people in this picture? There's one Mike Tyson, very young Mike Tyson in there.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
And Elise really rode that ladder with me, and totally by my side, first as my assistant, first as an assistant in talent relations, and then you worked with my husband, Paul, and when I saw you there, because his assistant was on maternity leave, I said, oh, yeah, when she comes back, I want Elise. And I never let you go. And you ultimately became Nick, who Nick Kahn was my co-CEO.
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Dana White
Isn't that super cool? And just, you know, obviously did a lot of research before, you know, talking to you today and getting to hear some of your other podcasts. You were on Rogan like 10 years ago, talking about how much you loved boxing, you know, and how you loved it in Boston especially. Yeah.